Rick Steves' Best Tips To Help Travelers Deal With Uncomfortable Bathroom Issues In Europe

While traveling abroad is generally an amazing experience, there are a few challenges that can turn a wonderful trip into something slightly less enjoyable. One of the biggest concerns for people heading off to explore exotic destinations is the risk of an upset stomach on the road. Jokingly known by various names around the world, like Bali Belly, Tehran Tummy, or Montezuma's Revenge, uncomfortable bathroom issues are, sadly, a regular occurrence for travelers. 

Travelers tend to be less worried about a dodgy stomach when traveling in Europe than in other parts of the world. European food culture is less focused on street food, hygiene standards are usually exceptionally high, and European cuisine tends not to be heavy-handed with the chili, unlike in spots like Thailand or Mexico. European travel expert Rick Steves says, "I find Europe no more threatening to my stomach than the U.S.," and that for him, "traveling in India or Mexico is a bigger health concern." However, there are destinations in Europe where travelers get sick more often. It isn't possible to be completely safe anywhere in the world, and if you are eating out regularly, and eating dishes you might not be used to, there's always a chance you might get the runs. Luckily, Steves has plenty of tips for tourists worried about getting food poisoning on vacation, including minor tweaks to your diet, avoiding suspect dining spots, and drinking plenty of water.

Rick Steves says that eating your way around Europe is relatively low-risk. But even in the cleanest, most hygienic countries, it is still possible to encounter a troublesome oyster or a chef who hasn't washed their hands quite thoroughly enough. For Steves, having the right attitude is key. "Get used to the fact that you might have diarrhea for a day, [and] if you get the runs, take it in stride," he says. For him, "taking eight Pepto-Bismol tablets a day or brushing your teeth in Coca-Cola all summer long" just isn't worth the effort just to "avoid a day of the trots." 

His advice is simple: Don't panic, rest up where you can, remind yourself that you'll be fine tomorrow, and eat plenty of bland, unexciting food until you feel better. Things like bread, rice, potatoes, bananas, and plain toast will be gentle on your stomach, while weak tea and clear broth are incredibly restorative. He also suggests you "drink lots of water to replenish lost liquids and minerals," particularly if your stomach is misbehaving for a longer period.

For Steves, prevention is better than the cure, and he has a few simple tips for avoiding food poisoning while traveling. He recommends travelers "wash your hands often, keep your nails clean, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth," and suggests carrying hand sanitizer on days out. He also says that it is important for anywhere you choose to eat to pass the eye test: It is always wise to avoid restaurants that don't look appetizing or sanitary.

Although Rick Steves is fairly relaxed about travelers' diarrhea, he does mention another issue that can plague visitors to Europe. "With all the bread you'll be eating, constipation, the other side of the intestinal pendulum, is (according to my surveys) as prevalent as diarrhea," he says. Getting blocked up can be just as uncomfortable and disruptive to your travel plans!

The advice for dealing with constipation is fairly similar to the advice for diarrhea, with a few key differences. Ultimately, it is all about some tweaks to your diet in the first instance, with Steves recommending high-fiber foods like "raw fruits, leafy vegetables, prunes, or bran tablets." It is also worth avoiding overdoing certain foods, like cheese, high-fat meats, and deep-fried meals. Hydration is vital in both cases, and herbal teas can be just as soothing if you are constipated as if your stomach is feeling bad. Remember to get plenty of sleep too, as even jet lag can affect your digestive system. While Steves does suggest laxatives and stool softeners as a last resort, this can be tricky when you are abroad, and should be taken with care.