Getting diarrhea is the last thing you want to do when on a vacation. Unfortunately, traveler’s diarrhea becomes many people’s forced souvenir. When traveling to another country, it’s important to stay vigilant in preventing traveler’s diarrhea, while also being prepared if Montezuma’s Revenge takes its toll. Check out our list of must-haves for managing traveler’s diarrhea symptoms.
Instant Soup
When you have traveler’s diarrhea, a lot of your body’s salts and nutrients literally go down the drain. Eating soup or drinking broths can help replenish those much-needed salts to keep your body feeling the best that it can while you wait your symptoms out. Since you don’t want to have to look up how to ask for soup in a foreign language in the middle of the night, try packing packets or cups of instant soup just in case. (Just make sure to mix it with bottled or purified water.)
Medicine for Traveler’s Diarrhea
No one wants to be locked in the loo for the entire vacation. When traveler’s diarrhea hits, try Pepto Diarrhea. Unlike other diarrhea medicines, Pepto Diarrhea actually kills the bacteria that is most often associated with traveler’s diarrhea. Plus, it coats your stomach with its dual-action formula, so you feel better quickly. It also comes in convenient on-the-go forms, such as caplets and liquicaps, so that you can get over the diarrhea and get on with your sightseeing.
Toilet Paper
Depending on which country you visit or what kind of trip you’re taking (backpacking, anyone?), toilet paper may either be hard to find or leave much to be desired. Pack a roll or two of your favorite soft toilet paper in your carry-on. That way, if traveler’s diarrhea has you spending extra time in the restroom, at least you can enjoy the comforts of home.
Hand Sanitizer
Traveler’s diarrhea can be caused by bacteria, viruses or other microbes in the foods you encounter on a trip. Your hands are another great place for these organisms to hitch a ride into your intestines. Keep hand sanitizer on hand and use it often.
Portable Water Purifiers
Drinking water from the tap in developing countries is a great way to get traveler’s diarrhea mentioned in your trip diary. While bottled water is a great option, it’s not very environmentally friendly. Plus, the cost can add up. Invest in a good portable water purifier, and you can enjoy water wherever you travel.
Traveler’s diarrhea is not a pleasant way to spend your vacation, but it is treatable – and avoidable. Take steps to pack these must-haves and treat traveler’s diarrhea when it occurs with Pepto Diarrhea.
