Expedia travel tips for families

Food

• Be wise with water; many countries have water supplies that are not suited to European stomachs. The locals aren’t lying if they say the water’s safe – it’s just that you might not be prepared for it. If you’re in any doubt, buy bottled water, or boil and/or use iodine. And remember little things – brushing your children’s teeth with bottle water might save an upset tummy or two.
• Prepare your palates; travel can be a wonderful experience, but it often requires you and your baby/child to change your eating habits. If you’re able to take simple steps prior to departure, such as getting your baby/child used to eating food at room temperature, those tricky moments waiting for delayed planes or sitting on long coach journeys will be less of an ordeal.
• Eat sensibly; the safest food for you and your children when travelling is hot, freshly prepared food. Cold, pre-cooked foods and raw seafood are more of a risk, and should be avoided if you’re not entirely confident. You might also be wise to steer clear of homemade ice creams, and cold vegetables and salad can be a gamble if you’re in a country that has a problem with hepatitis and/or typhoid. Peel fruit that can be peeled, and remember that washing fruit is only beneficial if you’re using clean, drinkable water. Staple foods such as rice, pasta, baked potatoes and cooked vegetables are normally safe options.
• Plump for pasteurization; you and your children will probably be used to pasteurized milk, but some countries do not make a clear distinction between pasteurized and unpasteurized. As children’s stomachs can be sensitive, choose sealed, long-life milk if it’s not clear. And remember that some cheeses will be unpasteurized, too, so it’s best to check if you’re unsure.
• Dining with your children; some hotels do not allow children in the main dining areas, especially for evening meals. It’s worth checking in advance – if this is a problem for either you or your child, mealtimes will not be the relaxing, family times they can and should be.
• Use common sense; you might have heard horror stories, but eating on holiday shouldn’t be a trial. If you use the same common sense while travelling that you do while you’re at home, as well as some basics such as finding safe water and avoiding risky foods, you’ll minimize the chances of you or your children becoming unwell.