Diarrhoea when travelling has emerged as the biggest fear for British holidaymakers when going abroad.
A poll of 4,000 adults found that more than half (54%) were most terrified of getting traveller’s diarrhoea while on holiday.
Being mugged was not a worry for 89% of respondents and less than a third (31%) were concerned about losing important travel documents such as their passport.
Other concerns highlighted in the research were bad accommodation (39%), bad weather (27%), getting lost (23%), body image (22%), delays (22%), missing family (19%) and getting homesick (9%).
Michael Hope, marketing director for airport parking firm Parkat, which commissioned the study, 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.”
Using common sense and avoiding stagnant salad bars, ice cubes in drinks, buffets, pop-up hot dog stands and just washing your hands can keep you in good health, according to the company.