More than a third of British holidaymakers (36%) have experienced ‘travel tummy’ in the past 12 months, according to new research from Saga Travel Insurance. Travel tummy refers to stomach discomfort or illness while travelling.
Saga Travel Insurance’s survey of 500 UK holidaymakers found that half (49%) had experienced diarrhoea while travelling, with almost one in 10 (8%) suffering from gut issues every time they travel. Travellers with underlying health conditions, such as IBS, may also be more likely to suffer from gut issues when travelling, as it can exacerbate symptoms.
What causes travel tummy?
Local pharmacies are the first port of call for most holidaymakers when they are suffering with travel tummy abroad (35%), with almost a third (30%) turning to Google and one in 12 (8%) using AI to check their symptoms before speaking to a professional.
Saga Travel Insurance spoke to Dr Nick Burr, a gastroenterologist at healthcare provider LivingCare, to understand why travel tummy occurs and what holidaymakers can do to avoid issues on their next trip.
Dr Burr said: “Traveller’s diarrhoea is usually caused by bacteria, most commonly E. coli, picked up from contaminated food or water, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central or South America. Symptoms can include loose stools, cramping, bloating and nausea, often within the first week of travel.”
How to prevent dehydration
Tap water quality varies from country to country. Many countries have modernised plumbing systems, which often means tap water is safe to drink. In other countries, it may be safer to stick to bottled water, as unsafe drinking water can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and chemicals.
According to the NHS, boiling water is the most reliable way to purify it and kill any bacteria or viruses. Chemical disinfectants, such as iodine or chlorine, can also be used, but may be less effective than properly boiling water and cooling it in a sterile container. Water filters between 0.2 – 1 micron can also be used to remove dirt or parasites from water before using chemical disinfection.
Diarrhoea was the most common symptom of travel tummy reported by UK holidaymakers, with more than a quarter (28%) of people experiencing it while travelling in the past 12 months, according to Saga Travel Insurance’s survey. Loose and watery stools can result in dehydration as your body is expelling more fluids and electrolytes than you’re able to replace.
Dr Burr said: “Dehydration [can be serious], especially in hot climates. Alcohol and caffeine can both worsen dehydration and have a laxative effect, so it’s best to limit these while symptoms are severe. Intense exercise while dehydrated or unwell may also slow recovery, so it’s usually best to rest, drink fluids, and stick to simple foods until symptoms improve.”
Rehydration solutions are an effective way to prevent dehydration and aid recovery. If you can’t get access to rehydration sachets, Dr Burr explains that you can make your own from scratch. He said: “If oral rehydration sachets are unavailable, a homemade solution can be made using six level teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in one litre of clean water.”
Other causes and who is at greater risk
Local cuisine was one of the most cited causes of travel tummy among holidaymakers in Saga Travel Insurance’s survey, with 44% of people attributing their holiday stomach problems to this. Dr Burr explained: “Common sources [of infection] include untreated water, ice cubes, buffets, shellfish, undercooked meat and food left sitting in the heat. Exploring local food is one of the joys of travel and most people can do so safely as long as they apply common sense. For example, freshly cooked, piping hot food in a busy restaurant is usually OK.”
While bacteria and infection are the most common causes of traveller’s diarrhoea and stomach issues, there could be more environmental reasons as to why travellers feel unwell. Dr Burr explained: “[In other cases], symptoms are not due to infection, but are related to changes in routine. Prolonged disruption to normal routines, including sleep patterns, hydration, alcohol intake, stress and diet, can make the digestive system more sensitive, particularly in people prone to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional gut symptoms.”
Saga Travel Insurance’s survey found that a third of holidaymakers (34%) said travel-related stress contributed to their travel tummy, while over a quarter (27%) cited long journeys as a cause. Dr Burr said: “For those who experience an upset tummy when flying, this is often linked to cabin pressure changes, dehydration, reduced movement, disrupted sleep, stress and unfamiliar foods. Staying hydrated, moving around during flights and eating lighter meals can help reduce discomfort.”
Michelle Cooper, director of Saga Travel Insurance, added: “If you’re on a longer flight, try to walk up and down the aisle every two hours to help with your circulation and digestion.”
‘Travel tummy’ can pose greater risks for travellers with underlying health conditions. Dr Burr said: “People with diabetes, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or weakened immune systems may become unwell more quickly.”
For those with pre-existing conditions, planning ahead is especially important - not just in terms of health, but also in ensuring appropriate travel insurance cover is in place. Michelle explained: “Many insurers offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, however, it’s essential to declare them when taking out your policy. If you have an underlying health condition, becoming unwell abroad can be more serious and may require quicker access to medical care or more specialised treatment. Making sure you have the right cover in place means you can get the support you need without facing unexpected costs while you’re away.”
When to seek medical attention
While an upset stomach abroad can be nothing more than minor discomfort, it can also sometimes be more serious and require a visit to the local doctor - or a call to your insurer’s 24-hour travel GP, if it provides one.
Michelle said: “Getting sick abroad is never ideal and you may be tempted to wait until you’ve returned to the UK to get checked by your doctor. However, it’s important that you seek out medical attention as soon as possible if you think you might be ill.
“Treatment costs abroad can add up quickly, particularly in countries where healthcare is private. Call your insurance provider’s 24-hour emergency number to check if they cover everything you need, including medical translation services. Travel insurance can help provide both financial protection and peace of mind if the unexpected happens.
“Having the right cover in place means you can get the care you need without worrying about the cost, so you can focus on recovering and enjoying the rest of your trip with confidence. Taking simple precautions before and during your trip could be the difference between a disrupted holiday and a smooth, stress-free getaway.”
If you fall ill abroad, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has a full list of English-speaking doctors, medical facilities and practitioners around the world. In an emergency, do not hesitate to contact the country’s emergency services.
