There are a few simple things that you can do to avoid travellers’ upset stomach. Be careful with street vendors’ food and use common sense, so try and make sure:

• it’s cooked in front of you (fried food is generally safest)
• it’s refrigerated
• if it’s fruit you can’t peel, avoid it
• avoid shellfish

Where local tap water is not safe:

• drink bottled water (also use this to brush your teeth) and check the seal on the bottle
• avoid ice in drinks – some places in South East Asia use sterilised water for ice so be sure to check first

Food in mid range hotels which cater for tourists is usually safe. Be adventurous – trying different foods is all part of a good travel experience… but be careful!