SINGAPORE, 21 August 2023: Travellers should avoid certain foods before they travel to guarantee plain sailing and a comfortable trip.

Travel experts at Panache Cruises have researched the foods most likely to bring on feelings of travel sickness, so travellers can steer clear.

Giving a wide berth to greasy or acidic foods before you travel will help you keep hydrated and not succumb to nausea.

Fried foods can cause heartburn due to their high-fat content and also tend to be high in sodium, leading to fluid retention and causing bloat or swelling in your body.

Acidic food such as coffee, orange juice and bacon are slow to digest and, in the case of coffee, can speed up dehydration.

Luxury cruise specialist Panache Cruises’ founder and managing director James Cole said: “The last thing you want to feel is bloated before jetting off on a long-haul flight or getting ready to dress up for dinner at the captain’s table.

“Travel can be uncomfortable at times, particularly when flying long haul, so avoiding foods that will dehydrate or give you heartburn should be avoided at least until you arrive at your destination.”

“This is a real challenge given the incredible cuisine you will find on a luxury or an ultra-luxury cruise. However, a little self-discipline is advisable if you are faced with a challenging weather forecast or a long-haul flight the next day.”

“Nobody wants to taint their holiday with the worry of managing a dodgy stomach or running back and forth to the lavatory. However, with a bit of preparation, many of the common pitfalls can be avoided entirely.”

Five foods to avoid before travelling as identified by Panache Cruises

Fast Food

It might be tempting to grab some fast food whilst stuck in an airport or waiting at the dock to board a ship, but these greasy foods can cause heartburn because of their high-fat content. Fast food also has high sodium levels, which can cause bloating or swelling because of fluid retention – this can mean some serious discomfort whilst travelling, especially with air pressure.

Alcohol

For many travellers having a pint or a glass of wine is a celebratory start to their holiday – but drinking alcohol before and during travelling might not be such a good idea. The body will quickly become dehydrated and cause a sudden urge to use the bathroom, which could be inconvenient when boarding a flight or ship. Drinking alcohol can also mean causing unwarranted disruption for other passengers because of lowered inhibitions.

Coffee

For most of us, coffee is the answer for those early starts ahead of our vacations. Still, caffeine can cause involuntary jittery movements – not something anyone wants whilst sitting in one position on a long-haul trip. Coffee will also speed up the body’s dehydration which is particularly uncomfortable when travelling.

Orange Juice

Orange juice is known for its acidity, so avoiding drinking before travelling is best. Particularly when flying, heartburn can be brought on by the cabin pressure – and drinking acidic orange juice is no favour. The drink’s vitamin C can also weaken the bladder, meaning more discomfort and treks to the bathroom.

Cruciferous veggies

Vegetables in the cruciferous family – like broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and kale- tick the boxes for health benefits for the body, which most of us will want before travelling. But these veggies can make the body bloated and gassy because of the fibre and raffinose packed inside them, which can be very unpleasant when travelling.

Find out more about luxury cruising and how to have a vacation that is comfortable and plain sailing from start to finish at https://www.panachecruises.com/

(Source: Panache Cruises)