You've spent months planning your holiday. Flights booked. Hotels reserved. Tours organised. Thousands of hard-earned dollars invested.
The last thing you want is to spend your trip confined to your hotel room instead of exploring, relaxing or sipping cocktails by the pool.
Yet travellers' diarrhoea is the most common illness affecting international travellers, with up to 70% of people becoming unwell in some of the higher-risk destinations. It's far more than just an upset stomach—it's the most extensively studied travel-related illnesses in the world.
The good news? A little preparation before you leave can significantly reduce your risk.
Travellers' Diarrhoea in 30 Seconds
- The most common illness affecting international travellers.
- Can affect up to 70% of travellers visiting some of the higher-risk destinations.
- Usually caused by contaminated food, water or surfaces.
- Can happen to anyone—even experienced travellers.
- Prevention starts before you leave home.
- Good hand hygiene is one of your best defences.
What Is Travellers' Diarrhoea?
Travellers' diarrhoea is a digestive illness caused by exposure to unfamiliar bacteria, viruses or parasites while travelling.
You may know it as Bali Belly, Delhi Belly, Montezuma's Revenge or simply gastro, but they're all destination-specific names or common terms used to describe travellers' diarrhoea.
Symptoms usually develop suddenly and may include:
- Frequent loose or watery stools
- Stomach cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Urgent trips to the bathroom
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Dehydration
For most people, symptoms settle within a few days. For others, they can last a week or more and may require medical treatment.
What Causes Travellers' Diarrhoea?
The most common cause is bacteria, particularly certain strains of E. coli.
Other causes include:
- Viruses such as Norovirus
- Parasites such as Giardia
- Contaminated food
- Unsafe drinking water
- Poor food handling practices
- Contact with contaminated surfaces including money, menus, door handles, handrails, lift buttons and other frequently touched public surfaces
Even experienced travellers can become unwell.
And for every traveller who says they've "never been sick overseas", there's another spending their holiday in bed instead of by the pool. Travellers' diarrhoea doesn't discriminate—it can affect anyone.
Often, it's simply because your gut hasn't encountered the local microbes before.
Who Is Most At Risk?
Anyone can develop travellers' diarrhoea.
Some people, however, are more likely to experience dehydration or complications if they become unwell, including:
- Young children
- Older adults
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with existing digestive conditions
- People with chronic medical conditions
- First-time travellers to higher-risk destinations
Why Preparation Matters
Most travellers spend weeks or even months planning flights, accommodation and unforgettable experiences while investing thousands of hard-earned dollars in their holiday.
Yet few prepare for one of the most common travel illnesses they'll face.
Travellers' diarrhoea can:
- Ruin your holiday
- Cancel tours and activities
- Cause dehydration
- Require medical treatment
- Lead to unexpected healthcare costs
A little preparation before you leave can significantly reduce your risk and help protect the holiday you've worked so hard to plan.
Your Holiday Should Be Remembered for the Right Reasons
Travellers' diarrhoea is common—but it isn't inevitable.
Understanding what causes travellers' diarrhoea is the first step towards protecting your travel gut health and enjoying your holiday with confidence.
In our next guide, we'll explore 12 simple, evidence-based ways to help prevent travellers' diarrhoea, from choosing safer food and water to protecting your gut before you leave home.
Because the memories from your holiday should be about incredible food, breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences—not searching for the nearest bathroom.
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