If you’ve travelled a lot, sometimes your luck can run out.
Mine ran out in Taiwan.
During my trip to Taipei, I set out with the goal to eat as much as I can at every night market. The night market culture there is incredible and honestly one of the best parts of visiting Taiwan. Every few steps there was something new to try, and of course I convinced myself that I needed to try anything interesting.
That was my first mistake.
I came across a seafood skewer stand. I don’t even fully remember what kind of seafood it was anymore, only that it looked delicious and definitely wasn’t something I’d normally find back in Canada. I haaaaad to try it. I really wish I didn’t.
I ordered a few, and they tasted great. The charcoal flavour mixed with the fresh seafood taste. Definitely would try again.
Or so I thought…
Fast forward to the next day.
We were casually exploring the streets of Taipei’s business district when suddenly I got hit with one of the most aggressive urges to poop I have ever experienced in my life. I was fighting for my life. Every step was filled with pain and fear of whether it’s going to spill out right then and there.
I said to my partner, “I’m not going to make it….” but he kept giving me words of encouragement.
We dropped all our plans and finding a bathroom became the new trip itinerary.
And then I came across a Starbucks. It felt like I spotted the pearly gates of Heaven themselves. I swear I had tears.
I rushed inside and spent an embarrassing amount of time in that bathroom.
And unfortunately, by the time I emerged, there was now a long line of people waiting outside.
So not only did I survive traveler’s diarrhea, I also had to do the slow walk of shame past an entire lineup of strangers who absolutely knew what had just happened in there.
I like to think of that as one of the most traumatic (character building?) moments of all my vacations.
So What Exactly Is Traveler’s Diarrhea?
Traveler’s diarrhea is probably one of the most common illnesses people experience abroad, especially when travelling to areas with different food handling and sanitation standards.
Usually it’s caused by consuming contaminated food or water containing bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Symptoms can include:
- diarrhea (obviously)
- stomach cramps
- nausea
- fever
- urgency
- regret
Lots of regret.
Most cases are mild and resolve on their own within a few days, but even a short episode can completely derail your plans when you’re supposed to be out exploring. If anything the trauma led me to stop being so adventurous the rest of my trip.
Why Does It Happen So Often While Travelling?
People become more adventurous on vacation. That’s pretty much it.
You’re trying new foods, eating from street vendors, drinking different water sources, using ice, eating raw garnishes, or just exposing your stomach to bacteria it’s not used to.
And I’m not saying you should avoid street food entirely because some of the best meals I’ve ever had were from night markets and food stalls.
You just need to be smart about it.
How I Try to Avoid Traveler’s Diarrhea Now
I still eat street food while travelling, but I pay a little more attention to a few things now.
- Look for busy food stalls
If locals are lining up there, that’s usually a good sign.
High turnover generally means the food is being cooked fresh more often.
- Choose foods cooked fresh and served hot
Steaming hot food is generally safer than food sitting out for long periods. Raw foods are sometimes considered a local delicacy but whether or not you want to risk it is up to you. I’ve heard some horror stories similar to my own where they didn’t find a Starbucks…
Even cut fruit and salads can be risky depending on where you are travelling, because of the water used to wash them.
- Pay attention to water
In many destinations, I stick to bottled or filtered water and avoid tap water unless I know it’s safe. I also try to avoid getting ice cubes as well depending on where I am.
- Hand sanitizer is underrated
Use it religiously, especially before eating.
What I Bring With Me Now
After Taipei, I never travel without at least a small “just in case” kit.
Usually mine includes:
- loperamide (Imodium)
- oral rehydration salts/electrolytes (optional)
- hand sanitizer
- sometimes antibiotics if recommended by a healthcare provider for higher-risk trips
Loperamide can be really helpful if you have mild diarrhea and need symptom control during transit days or flights.
But if you have:
- high fever
- blood in the stool
- severe abdominal pain
…it’s better to avoid self-treating and seek medical attention instead.
Don’t Let Fear Ruin the Food Experience
One bad bathroom emergency hasn’t stopped me from trying street food abroad.
If anything, it just made me approach it a little smarter.
Food is such a huge part of travel and culture, and some of my favourite memories while travelling have involved tiny food stalls and questionable-looking plastic stools.
Unfortunately sometimes those memories also involve sprinting to the nearest Starbucks.
Travel health isn’t about avoiding every possible risk. It’s about preparing enough that a small setback doesn’t completely ruin your trip.
