A dream trip can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re not careful.
A trip to an exotic destination is often a dream come true, but it can also expose you to a host of unfamiliar health risks that can turn your vacation into a miserable ordeal. While most international travel is perfectly safe, certain popular destinations have a well-deserved reputation for a high risk of specific illnesses, from classic traveler’s diarrhea to more serious mosquito-borne diseases.
Knowing the specific health risks of a destination and how to protect yourself is the most important part of your travel preparation.
1. Mexico and the Dominican Republic are famous for “traveler’s diarrhea”.
The all-inclusive resorts of Cancún and Punta Cana are incredibly popular, but they are also notorious hotspots for traveler’s diarrhea. The combination of large-scale buffet food preparation, potential issues with water purification, and tourists overindulging in food and alcohol can be a perfect storm for gastrointestinal issues. It is incredibly common for visitors to spend a day or two of their trip in the bathroom, according to Newsweek.
The risk is not just at the resorts; contamination of water and uncooked foods like salads can be a problem throughout the region. Sticking to bottled water and well-cooked food is essential.
2. India’s “Delhi belly” is a legendary travel ailment.
India is an incredible and life-changing travel destination, but it is also a place where almost every Western traveler will have at least one bout with the infamous “Delhi Belly.” The standards for food and water hygiene are very different from what travelers from the U.S. are used to, and our stomachs are often not equipped to handle the local bacteria.
The risk of contracting a food or waterborne illness is extremely high. You must be incredibly vigilant, avoiding all tap water, uncooked vegetables, and street food that is not piping hot, as mentioned in Travel Off Path. A trip to India requires a proactive and defensive approach to eating.
3. Peru’s high altitude can cause serious sickness.
The ancient city of Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, is located at a breathtaking altitude of over 11,000 feet. For travelers who fly directly in from sea level, the risk of developing acute mountain sickness (AMS) is very high. The symptoms can range from a bad headache and nausea to more serious, life-threatening conditions like high-altitude pulmonary or cerebral edema.
It is essential for travelers to this region to plan for several days of acclimatization, where they do very little physical activity, to allow their bodies to adjust to the thin air before they attempt any strenuous hiking, as stated by Radical Storage.
4. Southeast Asia is a hotspot for dengue fever.
Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are incredible travel destinations, but they are also home to the Aedes mosquito, which transmits dengue fever. Dengue is a nasty viral illness that causes a high fever, severe headache, and debilitating joint pain. There is no specific treatment for it, and in some cases, it can develop into a more severe, life-threatening form.
The mosquitos that carry dengue are most active during the day, so it is crucial for travelers to use a strong insect repellent containing DEET at all times and to wear long, loose-fitting clothing to cover their skin.
5. Many parts of South America and Africa have a yellow fever risk.
Yellow fever is another serious, and potentially fatal, mosquito-borne illness that is found in the tropical regions of Africa and South America. For many of the countries where the disease is endemic, such as Brazil or Kenya, proof of vaccination is a mandatory requirement for entry, and you will be denied boarding at the airport if you do not have your official yellow card.
It is essential to consult with a travel doctor or the CDC website well in advance of your trip to see if the yellow fever vaccine is required or recommended for your specific destination.
6. Cruise ships are notorious for norovirus outbreaks.
The norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the world. It is famous for spreading like wildfire in semi-enclosed environments where a large number of people are in close contact, and a cruise ship is the perfect incubator. These outbreaks are a well-known and recurring problem for the cruise industry.
The virus is spread through contaminated food or water or by touching a contaminated surface. The most effective way to prevent it is to be absolutely relentless about washing your hands with soap and water, especially before you eat.
7. The Caribbean has a risk of chikungunya and Zika.
The beautiful islands of the Caribbean are also home to the same Aedes mosquitos that spread dengue fever. These mosquitos can also transmit two other unpleasant viral illnesses: chikungunya, which causes severe joint pain, and the Zika virus, which is a major concern for pregnant women due to its link to birth defects.
While the risk has subsided since the major outbreak several years ago, these viruses are still present in the region. Pregnant travelers are advised to avoid the area, and all other travelers should take strict precautions to prevent mosquito bites during their trip.
8. Egypt’s Nile River carries a hidden parasite.
A cruise down the Nile is a bucket-list trip, but the river itself contains a hidden danger: a parasite that causes a disease called schistosomiasis. The parasite is released from freshwater snails and can penetrate the skin of a person who is swimming or wading in contaminated water. It can cause a range of serious, long-term health problems.
While the risk is low on the main tourist cruise boats, it is a serious danger for anyone who might be tempted to swim in the Nile or its canals. All fresh water in the region should be considered potentially contaminated.
9. “Bali belly” is a common problem in Indonesia.
The beautiful island of Bali is another destination that is famous for its gastrointestinal issues, so much so that it has its own nickname: “Bali Belly.” This is another form of traveler’s diarrhea that is typically caused by bacteria in contaminated food or water. The standards for food handling and sanitation can be inconsistent, especially at smaller, local restaurants or “warungs.”
To avoid it, travelers are advised to be very careful with what they eat and drink. Sticking to bottled water, avoiding ice in your drinks, and eating only well-cooked, hot food can significantly reduce your risk of spending your vacation in the bathroom.
10. Many parts of Africa have a high risk of malaria.
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is a major health risk in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including popular safari destinations like Kenya and Tanzania. It is absolutely essential for any traveler to this region to take preventative anti-malarial medication.
You must consult with a travel doctor several weeks before your trip to get the correct prescription for the specific region you are visiting. In addition to taking the medication, you should also take all the standard precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
11. Nepal is known for its gastrointestinal issues.
For trekkers in the Himalayas of Nepal, gastrointestinal issues are an incredibly common and debilitating problem. The sanitation and water purification standards, especially in the remote tea houses along the trekking routes, are not what Western travelers are used to. A bout of traveler’s diarrhea can be miserable at sea level; at high altitude, it can be dangerous.
It is critical for trekkers to be completely self-sufficient with their water purification, using a combination of a filter and chemical treatment tablets. They should also be extremely cautious with the food they eat, avoiding any uncooked vegetables or questionable-looking meat.
12. Morocco’s food stalls can be a gamble.
The vibrant markets and souks of Morocco are a feast for the senses, filled with the incredible sights and smells of the local street food. While trying the local cuisine is a huge part of the experience, it also comes with a risk. The standards of hygiene at some of the food stalls can be inconsistent, and for a traveler with an unaccustomed stomach, it can be a gamble.
To be safe, it is always best to choose a stall that is busy and has a high turnover of local customers, as this is a good sign that the food is fresh. Make sure that any meat is cooked thoroughly in front of you.