Diarrhoea revealed as biggest holiday fear

Being mugged, bad accommodation and losing your passport are common worries of the British holidaymaker. But, believe it or not, what Brits fear the most when abroad is traveller's diarrhoea.

The poll of 4,000 British adults, commissioned by www.parkat.co.uk, found that 54 per cent were most terrified of getting traveller's diarrhea while on holiday. Surprisingly, being mugged was not a worry for 89 per cent of respondents and only 31 per cent worried about losing important travel documents such as their passport.

A vain 22 per cent claimed to be unhappy with their body image, making them constantly worry and fearful of enjoying their holiday.

Michael Hope, marketing director for Parkat, said: 'We are known as a nation of moaners and this is especially true before a holiday. More so for places not explored before.'

'The majority of locally prepared food such as salad, rice and meat will contain bacterial enteropathogens, which will be harmful for Brits, but locals will have built immunity from birth.'

'A bad dose of food poisoning could put travellers out of action for five days, ultimately ruining the holiday. But if symptoms persist longer and you cannot keep down fluids, we recommend consulting a health professional as soon as possible. In all cases it's common sense to get proper advice.'

'A lot of travellers will have experienced an upset stomach of sorts while abroad. In most cases it can be a horrible experience.'

So if you're travelling further afield, in particular to developing countries such as Brazil, Morocco, Egypt, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, you should be very careful. One way to completely avoid an upset stomach while aboard is to eat canned food.

Brits' top 10 holiday fears

• Traveller's diarrhoea – 54 per cent
• Bad accommodation – 39 per cent
• Losing travel documents – 31 per cent
• Bad weather – 27 per cent
• Getting lost – 23 per cent
• Body image – 22 per cent
• Delays – 22 per cent
• Missing family – 19 per cent
• Being mugged – 11 per cent
• Getting homesick – 9 per cent

It’s not all doom and gloom though. Many holiday destinations are fairly safe and only pose a small risk. Using your common sense and avoiding stagnant salad bars, ice cubes in drinks, buffets, pop-up hot dog stands and simply just washing your hands can keep you in good health (and off the toilet).

- ENDS -

Press contact”

Michael Hope, marketing director, pr@parkat.co.uk

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