The farther you travel, the higher your chances of becoming ill, according to a survey carried out by the British Consumers' Association.
More than 31,000 of its members responded to a survey on travel health, with 15 per cent of long-haul travellers falling ill compared to 11 per cent on short-haul trips. Stomach troubles were the most likely problem in countries with the worst illness record. Over three-quarters of those who fell ill in Egypt, India, Tunisia and China suffered from stomach sickness.
Peru topped the table for travellers who became ill, with two-thirds suffering some sort of illness. In Kenya, one in two travellers fell sick while 41 per cent of those travelling to India, and 39 per cent of those holidaying in the Dominican Republic become ill. Egypt, Tunisia and Mexico came next.
Most Mediterranean sun-and-sand destinations had average or less than average levels of illness. Turkey was the exception with almost a quarter of travellers becoming ill. Nobody who went to Sweden or the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, reported illness.
While stomach problems were the most common reported, coughs and colds were next. Serious illnesses such as malaria or salmonellosis were rare. Package holidaymakers were more likely to fall ill (14 per cent) than those who travelled independently (11 per cent). The likelihood of becoming ill rose dramatically for those who went on boat or river cruises (21 per cent) and ocean cruises (17 per cent).
This year, more than one million Irish people are expected to go on package holidays. Many are taking two or three breaks and have become more adventurous in their choice of destination, according to Mr Barry Walsh of Joe Walsh Tours. Ms Jacinta McGlynn, of Budget Travel, said the company advised clients to be careful. "We advise them to drink bottle water and not to take ice in their drinks." Those going to Mexico or Egypt should contact their GP for advice, Ms McGlynn said.