How to Forage Abroad

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" was said by someone who never suffered from Montezuma's revenge. While the chance of getting sick is a real threat in many areas of the world, with a little common sense, you'll be enjoying every country's delicious and exotic fare.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Boil it, cook it, peel it--or forget it. Commit these simple rules to memory. Eat freshly cooked food and fruit that you peel yourself. Beware of street vendor food, which may have been sitting too long. Say no to raw foods and unpasteurized dairy products.
2. Drink bottled water (that includes brushing your teeth). Avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes. Beware of salads and thin-skinned fruits, which may have been washed in water. If you're uneasy about the food, choose rice, bread and baked goods, nuts, coffee, tea, sodas and canned foods, which are generally safe.
3. Stay calm if you're offered a nasty local delicacy--chicken feet soup, fried cricket, rancid yak-milk cheese--or risk offending your host. See 436 Plan a Trip to a Different Culture.
4. Take advantage of continental breakfasts offered at hostels and pensions. Many will even give you a bit extra to take with you.

Tips & Warnings

• Most large cities have hotels serving international guests. If you really need a break from the local cuisine, these hotels are likely to have familiar menu options.
• Whether water is fit for consumption may differ depending on whether you're in the city or the countryside.
• Talk to a doctor about bringing an antidiarrhea medication or antibiotic for severe cases.
• Parents, look for signs of dehydration in children. Bring along Pedialyte or other products designed to prevent dehydration.