The best prevention for altitude sickness is to gradually increase your altitude every day to get used to it. If that isn't possible, a drug known as acetazolamide (Diamox) can help relieve and even prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. If you know that you might get altitude sickness, talk with your doctor before you leave home.

The topic of diarrhea may seem gross, but it can be a serious problem. Traveler's diarrhea, known as turista, often occurs when a foreign type of bacteria enters your digestive tract, usually when you eat contaminated food. The best way to prevent turista is to be very careful of the food you eat and the water you drink on the road.

Safe Eats and Drinks
So what foods are safe to eat? Any foods that have been boiled are generally safe, as well as fruits and vegetables that have to be peeled before eating. Avoid eating uncooked or undercooked meat or meat that is not cooked just prior to serving.

Stay away from foods that require a lot of handling before serving. Here's an example: nine friends ate at a restaurant in Mexico; eight had diarrhea a few hours later. The one who didn't get sick was the only one who had ordered enchiladas, a dish that didn't need to be touched by human hands right before serving.

One of your favorite foods at home is on the safe list on the road - pizza! Pizza dough, sauce, and cheese are foods that are less likely to spoil than others, and the high heat of a pizza oven tends to kill any harmful bacteria in the food.

You've probably heard that you shouldn't drink the water in Mexico, but did you know why? Water supplies in Mexico - and in most developing countries - are not treated in the same way as water supplies in developed countries; various bacteria, viruses, and parasites are commonly found in the water. Many experts suggest you drink only bottled water when traveling. If you need to use tap water, you should boil it first or purify it with an iodine tablet. And don't use ice unless it's made from water you know is safe.

"Whether you're brushing your teeth, rinsing contact lenses, or drinking a small glass of water to wash down pills, you should first take precautions to ensure the water is safe," says Wayne Riley, MD, of the Baylor College of Medicine.

You Can Take It With You
When you're packing, you'll want to include any medications and other medical supplies you use on a daily basis because they may be hard to find in another country if you run out. Even if you can find them, there's a good chance the formulations will be stronger or weaker than the ones you're used to. (CONTINUE...)