De-myth-tifying Travel Pt. 1

Let’s be blunt. Travel is not for everyone. We all have our own comfort zones and if yours does not include a curiosity about different cultures, trying to speak a few words in a foreign language, sampling different foods than you are accustomed to eating at home, visiting landmark and unusual attractions and even taking a few risks then travel may not be for you.


This does not necessarily mean you should stay at home, but there are a few travel myths we can dispel that might help you consider travel as an option.


We will talk about more myths in entries to come—but let’s start with 2 of the most common:


MYTH ONE: All travel counsellors are created equal

A travel counsellor (a professional who ‘counsels’ consumers about all the options available to them when they travel) Is the best resource from whom to purchase travel products and services. However, just as there are mechanics and certified mechanics to choose when your car needs to be repaired, so there are travel counsellors and Certified Travel Counsellors (CTC)to choose from when you are booking your precious holiday time. You have a limited time to relax and a limited budget to spend, so why not entrust the details of the holiday to a professional who has satisfied the National Occupational Standards for the profession of Travel Counsellor?

New to travel, or had a negative experience in the past? Visit a Certified professional to obtain the best advice and service for your next holiday. They will be there for you before, during and after your trip. No need to book your own travel and risk your time, money or the enjoyment of your holiday!

MYTH TWO: I will become ill if I try local foods

Travellers who boast about an “iron stomach” may be able to devour a bowl of Thai chili peppers with no consequences. Others may not even be able to look at some foods without running from the dining table!

Experienced travellers like to give themselves time to gradually adjust to local foods. Fresh, well-cooked food is almost always safer than dishes made from raw seafood or eggs that have been sitting in a hot display window all day

However, it is normal to experience some degree of stomach discomfort when travelling because of different water, different methods of food preparation, your own jet lag, the climate and the excitement of being somewhere different.

A visit to a travel clinic will help you decide how adventurous you want to be about food. They may also remind you to use culinary common sense: Is the establishment clean? Are other tourists eating there? Is the bottled water sealed when it is brought to your table? And of course if you have any doubts whatsoever about the food or the restaurant, then listen to your sixth sense and don’t eat it! Also remember the medical clinic food mantra: boil it, bottle it, peel it, cook it or forget it!

Stay tuned for more myths in upcoming blogs.