Brit tourist warning as travellers urged to avoid common buffet mistake

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Whilst all-inclusive holidays are a popular option for many, there are certain risks travellers need to be aware of before jetting off, and one expert has shared some top tips
A travel expert has issued a stark warning that while all-inclusive getaways might appear tempting, they can pose certain dangers.
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Before flying out to your resort, it's crucial to understand potential threats, particularly when it comes to food and drinks.
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Grant Winter, a compliance officer at travel insurance company Good To Go, warns that food in certain destinations may harbour illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A.
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More frequently, though, holidaymakers could be struck down by a. nasty bout of sickness and diarrhoea from food or beverages contaminated with bacteria the body is not used to.
To help guarantee tourists can enjoy their getaway without being stuck in their rooms, Winter has the following dos and don'ts...
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Water
He highlights the significance of water safety, recommending travellers choose bottled water as the most dependable option when overseas, even if internet sources suggest local tap water is safe.
He insists: "Ensure the lid of the bottle is well sealed before you drink it. If you can't get access to bottled water for whatever reason, only drink tap water that has been boiled, use chlorine tablets or iodine to sterilise the water.
"Always be sure to avoid prolonged exposure to iodine though - this method isn't best when doing it more than once or twice."
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Buffet dangers
Grant cautions against eating cooked food that's been left out for too long. He recommends hitting the all-inclusive buffet early to avoid food that's been exposed to the elements for a prolonged period.
He further advises: "It's also better to avoid food that has flies buzzing around it, and only eat raw fruit and vegetables that you have peeled yourself to reduce the risk of contamination."
Steer clear of ice
While water should be approached with caution, ice presents another problem, as Grant explains. "Don't forget about the risk of ice cubes in your drinks. In many cases, these are probably made from untreated tap water (however, some large resorts do use bottled water, so it's always worth checking), which can cause you to get sick."
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Be aware of food poisoning risks
Grant emphasises that you "should always check to see if the food is piping hot throughout before eating, but when abroad you should be extra vigilant of this.
"For example, eating tropical fish that haven't been cooked properly can lead to ciguatera fish poisoning, and unpasteurised dairy such as ice cream from a street vendor, could harbour salmonella, E.coli, listeria, or campylobacter, leading to food poisoning."
Don't forget personal hygiene
The expert emphasised that, although it may seem self-evident, this should be your "number one priority abroad to help avoid food poisoning and contamination. Always wash your hands after the toilet and before eating or preparing food, and make sure you take an alcohol-based hand gel to use when you're out and about before eating any food."