Traveling to China soon: Tips?

You could take antibiotics as prophylaxis, but if things with your pouch are good, that could throw everything off. Maybe bring some just in case.

I travel abroad with cipro, flagyl, and pepto bismol. I don't have dietary restrictions and always make a point of eating the local fare. I have never gotten ill in any of the 2nd or 3rd world countries I have visited but I do think it's wise to be prepared with anything that might make your trip more enjoyable.

Sue

I've never been to the far East but in most other coutries (3rd world) I have been fine...I honestly believe that the better prepared you are the less you'll need it...it is only when you take nothing that things happen (IMO)...
I would carry the probiotics, antibiotics, antibacterian products if you have them and gravol (the air sick meds that work great when you have nausea, vomitting, dizziness)...thy are my go-to med of choice.
Enjoy the journey, congratulations on the new baby and have fun...this must be so exciting! (and nerve-wracking!)
Sharon

Did you take pepto before your meals? Did you avoid anything when eating?

Any tips for finding the western toilets?

I only take Pepto if I need to; I don't take it as a pre caution or a preventative. I don't avoid any foods other than ones I know I won't like the taste of.

Sue

Most large hotels, starbucks and American chains have good toilets...For the rest...I have no idea.
Ps. Never took pepto but always carry imodium with me too and ant-acids (I never take them when I am home).

I went with my family to China in 2012 to run the Great Wall Marathon. At the time, I was 53 with a 8 year old j-pouch. As long as you are staying in hotels that are used to international travellers, you will have western bathrooms. Out in public areas, toilets tend to be rather smelly and are squatters. Take baby wipes with you. I took pepto bismol one tab twice daily, only drank bottled water or beer, and did just fine. In the hotel, the best bet for western type foods tends to be at the breakfast buffets that a lot of the hotels do. Our first half of our vacation was in a tour group. Breakfast at the hotel became my most substantial meal of the day. Lunch and dinner varied from awful to very good, and hard to predict. The second half, we left the tour group and struck out on our own with a driver and tour guide (not that expensive), and did very well