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When you hear the words Delhi belly, Bali belly, or Montezuma’s revenge, what comes to mind?
For us, the mere mention of these words sends shivers down our spines.
As culinary explorers, whose job is to explore the local and authentic dishes in each destination we visit, we can’t afford to get sick on the road.
Travelers diarrhea, contrary to what many might say, is avoidable. As such, we take all the necessary precautions we can to avoid spending our time holed up near a toilet sick with food poisoning.
If you’re concerned about travelers’ diarrhea and eating street food safely on your travels, read on.
Find our full Travelan review along with benefits, drawbacks, and alternative solutions when Travelan is not readily available.
What is Traveler’s Diarrhea?
Traveler’s diarrhea is a common illness caused by consuming food or water infected with bacteria.
These bacteria attack the intestines releasing diarrhea-causing toxins into the GI tract and bloodstream.
For up to several days, you may suffer from a fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, bloating, vomiting, and profuse diarrhea, often leading to dehydration.
When visiting places where the health and sanitary practices are different from yours at home, exercise caution around the local food and tap water.
RELATED: 12 Tips On How to Eat Street Food Without Getting Sick
Preventing Travelers Diarrhea on Your Food Travels
The easiest way to prevent traveler’s diarrhea is to keep your hands clean and practice good hygiene, especially around food.
Before eating and whenever possible wash your hands with soap and water to reduce the spread of germs.
If soap and water are not available, we use and recommend having hand sanitizer on you.
As food travelers, we travel with our own cutlery and use Grayl water filtration bottles to easily make clean and purified drinking water.
We heard about Travelan from a fellow traveler. And, once we learned that this over-the counter-medication could actually prevent diarrhea before it starts, we were intrigued.
RELATED: 10 Simple Ways To Protect Your Stomach When Traveling
What is Travelan – Travelan Review
As food travelers, we are always eager to learn about new resources that can keep us eating safely on the road.
The first thing that caught our attention about Travelan is that it is a natural supplement.
When it comes to health and self-care, we always look for alternatives to medication.
When you are affected by diarrhea, it can completely ruin your travels. Travelan is a preventative method that stops diarrhea before it starts.
The special antibodies present in Travelan target and neutralizes the diarrhea-causing bacteria and keep you from getting sick.
This is extremely useful in preventing gastrointestinal infections and abdominal pain before trying delicious local food.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Make your culinary travels worry-free! With the right travel insurance, you’ll enjoy a delicious experience. From medical emergencies, flight cancelations, car rental protection, or tour cancelations, a good travel insurance has got you covered. Check out our travel insurance review for food lovers to get started.
Travelan Ingredients
Travelan doesn’t contain any artificial coloring or flavoring. It is made from naturally-occurring ingredients, making hyperimmune bovine colostrum-enriched pills.
The active ingredient, cow colostrum, contains proteins known as antibodies that fight bacteria and infection.
Travelan Pills and Tablets
Travelan comes in a small packet that contains 30 tablets. It is designed to be taken before each meal with filtered or bottled water.
You can also take one Travelan pill each time you plan to eat something or somewhere that might be suspected of contamination.
It’s easy to pack in your carry-on luggage or have it on the go in your day backpack or purse.
Travelan Side Effects
While Travelan helps prevent gastrointestinal tract issues, it may not be suitable for all users.
Travelan contains bovine milk proteins, lactose and glucose. The product goes through a specialized formulation and ultrafiltration process, significantly reducing the lactose levels.
While it should not trigger a lactose response, those allergic to milk may not find is suitable.
RELATED: 74 Street Food Quotes To Inspire The Adventurous Eater in You
How Effective is Travelan?
You might wonder how effective Travelan is. Clinical studies show that specific antibodies in Travelan have 90% protection against E.coli, one of the most common causes of traveler’s diarrhea.
Recent research conducted by the US Department of Defense also shows that Travelan was cross-reactive to all 180 different strains of bacteria tested.
RELATED: SafetyWing Review: Is It the Best Long-Term Travel Insurance?
Does Travelan Expire?
Like all medications, Travelan does have an expiration date. When packing for your travels, make sure your Travelan has not passed its expiration date.
Using expired Travelan does not guarantee effectiveness in protecting you from traveler’s diarrhea.
RELATED: Food Travel Near And Far: 10 Tips To Become A Great Food Traveler
Where to Buy Travelan Tablets and Pills
To get Travelan, you don’t need a prescription. If you are in Australia, you can get Travelan in pharmacies all over the country.
In the United States, you can purchase Travelan on Amazon or at Passport Health.
Travelan Alternative: Colostrum
A widely available Travelan substitute is Colostrum, easily available from Amazon.
This Travelan equivalent also contains bovine-derived ingredients to help support healthy gastrointestinal function and immune function.
Colostrum is also often used as a regular supplement to help the body better absorb nutrients.
Travelan vs Colostrum
Wondering which travel supplement to try? Here’s the breakdown of how these products compare:
- Colostrum and Travelan both have the same active ingredient, bovine colostrum.
- Both brands are effective in preventing traveler’s diarrhea.
- Colostrum is more cost-effective and readily available in America.
Whether you choose Travelan or Colostrum, you will experience similar levels of protection against traveler’s diarrhea.
Colostrum, however, may be a better option because of its inexpensive price point.
In Summary
The best part of travel is eating the local food. As food travelers, we encourage you to savor the local specialties at markets or street food stalls.
However, don’t want to take any chances of falling sick on your travels. Prevent traveler’s diarrhea proactively with a natural treatment.
In addition to using a preventative supplement, wash your hands regularly, drink filtered water, and avoid salads and uncooked foods.
That way, you can savor tasty travel experiences – worry-free!
What are your tips to prevent traveler’s diarrhea? Please tell us in the comments below.
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Disclosure: Please note, these tips and Travelan review are from our experience of traveling through food and should not be construed as medical advice. These tips are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with all matters regarding your health.
Claire is co-founder of Authentic Food Quest and a lover of simple and exquisite cuisine. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, she has been traveling the world as a digital nomad, creating content about local food experiences.
Her advice from visiting 45 countries and more than 240 food cities has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
An ex-mechanical engineer, Claire is responsible for SEO, keeping the website running, and the fun food & travel videos on YouTube.
When Claire is not eating, she can be found running or cycling. Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
Thanks for the information very informative. I had never heard of Travelan, now I have read up all about it! 🙂
My partner and I got terrible bouts of Delhi belly while in India and Nepal. We were there for six months and had a great time but food poisoning was a constant worry and definitely put a major downer on parts of the trip. I suffered with stomach problems for a couple of years after coming back from India, which is not uncommon.
This is why we are reluctant to go back now we have kids even for a short trip, even though I know we would have a great time. If one of the kids came down with what we had then it would be no fun for anyone. Our sensitive western stomaches can get a real shock in some of these places.
Travelan sounds amazing and I think we could do it now.
Another very important reason to take Travelan that you may like to highlight in future posts is it decreases the use of antibiotics. Many people take antibiotics for food poisoning and other stomach infections which Travelan protects against.
This increases the resistance to antibiotics and many bugs are becoming harder and harder to treat. This is extremely worrying and can’t be emphasized enough. Anything that reduces the use of antibiotics(like Travelan) should be encouraged widely.
My research shows that Travelan is made by an Australian company and the hyper-immune colostrum is from New Zealand cows which is another good reason to pack Travelan. It should be noted that other products are trying to copy Travelan but they are nowhere near as effective. Travelan has a proprietary patented technology which is even effective against Shigella. It sounds like a miracle pill, don’t leave home without it.
Thank you for sharing and happy travels!
Thank you Richard for sharing about your experience with Travelan. It’s too bad you didn’t have Travelan with you in India 🙂 Great point taking less antibiotics, that is definitively a huge plus. Yes, Travelan is made by an Australian company and it is very effective. A must for any food traveler. Appreciate you stopping by. Cheers.
I wish I could say this never happened but it did. Earlier this year my friend got sick with it and throwing up. Mostly because she put hot sauce from a plastic bag on her food. I got a mild case from eating two huge strawberries.
Hello A.F.Q A corretion D.O.D is not using “Travelan” as yet BUT have they have done exhaustive tests and the results are posted here …..https://hotcopper.com.au/threads/ann-us-dod-report-travelan-protects-against-shigella-in-primates.4414143/
Agree, James that exhaustive tests have been conducted on Travelan. Thanks for the additional links. Cheers.
This is such a great article! Thank you for all your information. I am a frequent traveller myself (mostly to Asia) and have been using TRAVELAN for few years now with great success. But the biggest food poisoning with terrible diarrhea and vomiting I got, travelling in Europe last year, in Portugal! I swapped my bags and forgot to repack my small pouch with my meds with Travelan in it! Needless to say I ate my lunch without taking it. I always wondered what caused my food reaction. And NOW I know thanks to your article! I was dining on chicken salad and had 2 glasses of fresh fruit juice. Perfect combination for a terrible health outcome without taking protection. I, for one will never leave home without it!
That’s great to hear Anita, that Travelan has been such a great help to you. Having a pack always with you offers peace of mind. We appreciate hearing about your experience 🙂
I heard about Travelan from a former coworker of mine! I was considering buying some before our family set off on our around the world trip. But the price was just too high for our family of four! Now we do our best to avoid traveler’s diarrhea by cooking our own food, or making sure the food we buy is piping hot.
Traveler’s diarrhea is anybody’s nightmare. If it happens , it kills the joy of traveling.
Travelan looks a good option to carry for cases like these and more. Always helpful when something is avoidable.
You are right Nisha, having Travelan with you offers peace of mind and allows you to make the most out of your travels. Thanks for stopping by.
Good to know there is a solution for Delhi Belly! 🙂
I am not for falling sick during travels.
So true, Indrani, food poisoning is no fun wherever you might travel to 🙂
Interesting that the DoD is using it and has stats on it but it isn’t readily available in the US. Amazon to the rescue… and it’s on sale!
You are right, Amazon to the rescue 🙂 Thanks Sherianne!
I definitely want to give this a go and a natural ingredient that works effectively. Will have to purchase some soon!
You will feel better Noel, knowing you have the “security” of Travelan with you. Cheers.
Ooh I’ve not heard of this before – anything that helps strengthen my stomach is definitely welcome! I love eating local food and street food, actually the worst food poisoning i had was at a “clean” fast food restaurant so definitely stick with local stuff!!
You are right Claire, one can get food poisoning from anywhere. Vigilance and awareness are key. And a pack of Travelan helps as well. Cheers.
Great tips. I’ve not heard of that medicine but it sounds like a sure thing. Luckily this hasn’t happened to me but I may be going to Peru in 2019 and I hear horrible stories about stomach issues there.
Safe travels to Peru, Melody. Regardless, of where you visit, food safety is important. Pack Travelan with you for your upcoming trip and for any future trips as well 🙂 Check out our book- Authentic Food Quest Peru as well. Cheers.
This can be rough guys. Great product. I want to enjoy more street food. But fear puking LOL.
True Ryan, one needs to be safe on the road, particularly when eating street food 🙂 Cheers.
My tummy almost always gets upset when I’m traveling. This sounds like a great product.
Definitively carry Travelan with you as a precaution. Safe travels, Shannon.
I unfortunately have a very wimpy stomach. I get sick so often that I travel with antibiotics just in case! It does make me very careful about eating local food, especially street food. Maybe I should try Travelan next time!
Give Travelan a chance, Linda. It’s a natural supplement and better for you in the long term than medication. Thanks for stopping by.
These are great tips! It is the worst feeling in the world when an attack like this hits and derails your travel plans.
Thank you for sharing your tips with us! We love to explore the local cuisine in our trips that’s why these hacks are fundamental!
Being sick ia not good most especially having a diarrhea is the worst part of every travel and it is so nice to read this article that has a lot of information to give on preventing this issue to happen and Travelan looks like a nice partner to bring in every travel that we have.
Could not agree more, getting traveler’s diarrhea is not fun at all. Carrying a small pack with you can make a world of difference. Thanks for stopping by.
It happens more often than we think even traveling around the US from state to state. This is a great thing to have in your carry on at all times
You are right Kita, having Travelan as part of your packing kit provides peace of mind, no matter where you are. Thanks for stopping by!
Well, I guess that’s something we all worry about but don’t talk about much. Now I know.
I have had severe food poisioning before (here in the USA!) so I’m more susceptible to travelers diarrhea. I need to check out Travelan.
Hi Pam, sounds like Travelan is just the product for you. Indeed, food poisoning is as common at home as it is while traveling. Cheers.
These tips are great especially for travelers going to countries with cuisine different than what would normally be enjoyed at home. Thanks for these tips.
You are most welcome, Dennis. Knowing you are protected from something that afflicts many travelers is reassuring. Cheers.
THAT WOULD BE THE WORST – to be inflicted with traveler’s diarrhea!! UGH! I knock on wood, never have, but great tips to follow!
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed the article!
This is such a useful post for those who travel as I’ve heard of so many people who suffer and it has really put a damper on their holiday.
I travel quite a lot in this will become invaluable to me. I am usually extremely careful when I am out of the country on what I drink and eat but sometimes it still hits me.
As a frequent traveler, be sure to pack Travelan with you. It is always reassuring to know that you are protected wherever or whatever you may eat. Thanks, Jeanette and safe travels. Cheers.
I too loved the street food in Peru and Chile. But traveler’s tummy aches are always in the back of my mind. My daughter is currently vacationing in the Dominican Republic and she’s experiencing tummy issues after trying some local eateries.
You are right and we always think about safety as well when eating street food. What is reassuring is to have Travelan with you, just in case. Sorry to hear about your daughter. Please share this article with her and tell her about Travelan! Thanks, for stopping by.
Oh man, this would be rough. I’ll keep this in mind. It would be terrible to have diarrhea while traveling.
I am lucky I never got travelers diarrhea but I usually don’t go to Asia. I have been to Mexico and avoided a lot of the local food so i was lucky. Those pills are amazing and a great help to many.
That’s great to hear that you have never experienced traveler’s diarrhea. One can catch it anywhwere, even at home. The idea is always to use preventative measures and to pack Travelan, just in case. Thanks, Melissa.
Years ago I was in a country where the water wasn’t safe to drink and out of habit and not thinking, I rinsed my mouth with water from the tap after brushing my teeth. There was bottled water right there and I just wasn’t thinking. I had diarrhea for about 3 days. It was a good thing I was there for 3 weeks but still, I missed 3 days of vacation. Next time, I’m taking Travelan with me!
Wow, so sorry to hear about this misfortunate situation. Packing Travelan is always a good idea 🙂 Thanks for sharing your story.
Now this would be the worst thing to experience while traveling. Good information for everyone to heed to. Never know good to be prepared.
You are so right, Candy. The best is to always be prepared…for anything! Thanks for stopping by.
I agree – food is one of the best things about travel, in my opinion! I’ve never heard of Travelan, but what a great travel companion! Thanks so much for sharing!
You are most welcome, Patricia. The idea is to stay safe and protected whenever you travel. Packing Travelan can be a huge relief 🙂 Cheers.
I had no idea that this was even a thing, but it makes so much sense with the way you described it. I don’t get out exploring much but have plans to in my future and I hope I can remember everything I just learned here.
I will definitely keep this in mind for whenever I get to travel outside of the country! Thanks for sharing!
Really informative post! I had a serious bout of diarrhea when I was in the Philippines and since then I do take precautions when I am traveling. Travelan sounds great. Will definitely pack some before my next trip. Thank you for sharing <3
You are most welcome Ananya. So sorry to hear about your bout while in the Philippines. Add Travelan to your packing list and you’ll be all set. Thanks for yoru feedback. Cheers.
This is the type of down-to-earth advice I like to read. Traveling can be great fun, but not when you have travelers’ diarrhea!
Thank you so much Clara. When traveling you do need to consider all aspects of the experience, including the risk of traveler’s diarrhea. Thanks for stopping by.