Holiday gastro is more common than you think - avoid it with these hacks

Traveller's diarrhoea could make or break your holiday.

A woman holds her stomach. Picture by Shutterstock

By Sarah Falson

Updated April 1, 2025, first published November 22, 2024

Contracting gastro while overseas is not the way you want to spend your Christmas holiday but it's more common than you think.

Compare the Market data has revealed one in five people has experienced gastro, vomiting or diarrhoea while overseas and being "adventurous" with your meal choices has a lot to do with it.

It's not only the dreaded tummy bug that has Australians feeling crook while travelling: over 40 per cent of Aussies surveyed became ill or injured on their overseas adventure.

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Though a troublesome tummy tops the list, almost a fifth of survey respondents came down with a cold or influenza while abroad.

Fewer than one in 10 say they fell ill with COVID-19 while overseas.

The other top ailments were sprained ligaments, broken bones and animal bites.

Compare the Market's executive general manager Adrian Taylor said he wasn't susprised so many people contract gastro while travelling abroad.

"You're likely being a little bit more adventurous with your meal choices, you may unknowingly be drinking contaminated drinking water or may be in a confined space, like on a plane or a cruise, where there could be a higher chance of falling ill to various diseases," he said.

Mr Taylor recommended taking out travel insurance that provides cover for medical treatment as unexpected medical costs while overseas could cost hundreds, if not thousands.

The data showed it's the younger generations getting gastro the most - around a quarter of Mellennials and Gen Zs admitted to having experienced the ailment aboard, compared to around 20 per cent of Baby Boomers and Gen X.

The survey polled 1001 Australian adults in September 2024.

How to avoid gastro

The Victoria Government's Department of Health says traveller's diarrhoea is caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and unknown causes. Their Better Health Channel shows the following precautions can lesson your family's risk of contracting it while overseas.

Contaminated food is a common cause, so avoid raw and unpeeled fruits and vegetables, raw seafood, rare meats, any hot food that has been left long enough to cool, and food from street vendors and food buffets.

Bottled water is your friend while overseas. Picture by Shutterstock

Water contaminated with infected faeces is also a big (and horrifying) one. Drink bottled water, avoid drinks with ice, boil tap water for at least five minutes, and avoid using tap water to wash fruits and vegetables.

Good hygeine practices can help reduce your risk of traveller's diarrhoea. Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, and before eating or preparing food. After washing your hands, make sure they are completely dry before you touch any food, and make sure any dishes, cups or other utensils are completely dry after they are washed.

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.