I bring back with me beautiful memories, lots of new perspectives, and a killer tan.
I also bring back a good dose of Bali Belly. Life is not a fairytale and every once in a while the wicked witch rears her ugly head. The reality of visiting tropical destinations is that sometimes you become susceptible to the local illnesses.
This is not the pretty side of travel so move on if you’re not interested. Without being too graphic, Bali Bellyis just a shorthand name for traveler’s diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps, bloating, etc. suffered by tourists in Bali. It is technically an acute case of gastroenteritis and is almost always caused by eating contaminated food or water.
If you’re headed to Bali (or any tropical destination) here are some tips to avoid Bali Belly
1. Only drink bottled filtered water. This is imperative
2. Watch what (and where) you eat (street food in Bali can be dodgy)
3. Up your hygiene (wash your hands often or carry a hand sanitizer)
4. Travel with imodiumus or whatever brand you prefer
5. Only eat freshly cooked food, avoid food that is sitting out at room temperature
6. If you buy fruits and vegetables, wash them in bottled water
Above all, STAY HYDRATED. Its important to drink lots of bottled or electrolyte water.
Bali Belly is a bitch and definitely not my favorite way to come home, but getting to sleep in your own bed, wearing your favorite sweats and having your brother take care of you is a surefire way to get back on track fast. Now … someone pass me the crackers.
