A Long-Awaited First Post (and a Cautionary Tale from 15,000 Feet)
Okay, so this wasn’t exactly the grand debut I planned for my DontBeThat Tourist blog. Between changing hosting platforms, fighting with tech I barely understand, and a little detour called “food poisoning at 15,000 feet,” this post took its sweet time getting here.
I was supposed to come home from Peru rested, glowing, and ready to hit “publish.” Instead, I came home with a stomach that had other plans.
So yes, this first post is fashionably (and technologically) delayed… but honestly, it couldn’t be more on-brand. Because if there’s one thing I’ve mastered, it’s learning from travel mistakes—and turning them into stories worth sharing.
Picture this: I was standing at 16,520 feet on Rainbow Mountain. The views? Unreal. The air? Thin enough to make breathing feel like cardio. Did I hike the entire way? Let’s be honest—no. I cheated a little with an ATV ride most of the way up, then hiked the final stretch like a champ. Worth it.
But here’s where things went downhill—literally and figuratively. The tour included a buffet meal afterward. Not a celebration, not a choice. Just “line up and eat.” And after hours at high altitude, I was starving. I filled my plate, including some innocent-looking salad and vegetables.
Big mistake. Huge.
By the time I boarded my Lima-to-Atlanta flight, I had a fever, stomach cramps, and the beginnings of traveler’s diarrhea. Thank goodness I had upgraded to Delta One. Reclining flat with bathrooms nearby was the only reason I didn’t sob my way across continents.
And because travel disasters never happen halfway, I wasn’t done after Atlanta. I had to cross the U.S. to Napa—while my body emptied itself of every nutrient I’d ever consumed. The only thing that saved me in Atlanta was the Delta lounge showers. I will forever be grateful for that hot water and a moment of dignity before boarding round two.
The Pharmacy Files: Why This Happens and How to Prevent It 💊
There’s a reason “traveler’s diarrhea” has its own medical category. Your gut meets unfamiliar bacteria, and suddenly you’re not sightseeing—you’re sprinting. With the right prep, you can cut your risk way down.
🧳 1. Prevention Starts Before You Pack
- Check the CDC travel page. Country-specific health risks, vaccine recommendations, and up-to-date alerts.
- Vaccines matter. Hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, and sometimes yellow fever protect against the usual suspects.
- Altitude prep. Ask your provider about acetazolamide if you’ll be sky-high like Rainbow Mountain. I lucked out finding it in Peru—but don’t rely on that.
- Malaria prophylaxis. Ask about preventive meds if you’re heading to a risk zone.
- Just-in-case prescriptions. Antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea, antivirals if needed, and your regular meds in carry-on.
- Boost before you board. Sleep, hydrate, and eat well before you go.
🌍 2. Rookie Mistakes That’ll Take You Down Fast
- Buffet roulette. Food sitting out or salad washed in tap water = bacterial buffet. Stick to cooked options.
- Tap-water traps. Skip unfiltered water, sketchy ice, and unpeeled produce.
- Altitude amnesia. High elevation + rich food + alcohol = bad combo.
- Ignoring hand hygiene. Airplanes, trays, and utensils are germ central. Sanitizer is your BFF.
- Assuming “fresh” means safe. Crisp lettuce might look harmless—ask me how I know.
🎒 3. Pack Like a Pro
- Hydration heroes: Electrolyte packets, bottled water, oral rehydration salts.
- Stomach saviors: Antidiarrheal meds, probiotics, ginger chews, peppermint tea.
- Altitude backup: Acetazolamide or your prescribed alternative.
- First-aid basics: Fever reducer, pain reliever, bandages, antiseptic wipes.
- Prescriptions: Any “just-in-case” meds—doctor approved, of course.
- Comfort kit: Eye mask, blanket, cozy socks. Sometimes comfort is medicine.
✨ 4. Lessons from My Lettuce
- Cooked beats raw.
- Altitude + exhaustion + buffet lettuce = disaster.
- Delta One isn’t just luxury—it’s survival.
- Hot showers in airport lounges are worth every annual fee.
Travel Rx: Respect local risks, prep your health like you prep your outfits, and for the love of your gut, skip the buffet lettuce at 15,000 feet.
🩺 Bonus: The Pharmacist’s Quick Reference
- Bookmark: CDC Traveler’s Health
- When to seek help: Fever > 102°F, blood in stool, or signs of dehydration (confusion, dizziness, no urine > 8 hrs).
- When in doubt: Visit a local pharmacy or clinic—they often have effective region-specific remedies.
