Travelling internationally is one of life’s greatest adventures. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on a tropical beach, sampling street food in a bustling city, or heading off on a once-in-a-lifetime safari, travel opens the door to incredible experiences.

Unfortunately, travel can also expose you to illnesses and health risks that may be uncommon in Canada.

The good news? Many travel-related illnesses are preventable with the right preparation, awareness, and travel health advice before departure.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common travel illnesses Canadians face abroad, how they spread, and what you can do to reduce your risk while travelling.

Why Do Travellers Get Sick?

When you travel internationally, you’re exposed to new environments, foods, water sources, insects, climates, and health risks.

Factors that can increase your risk of illness include:

• Consuming contaminated food or water
• Exposure to mosquitoes and other insects
• Close contact with infected individuals
• Poor hand hygiene
• Visiting regions where certain diseases are more common
• Lack of destination-specific travel health preparation

While not every illness can be prevented, understanding potential risks can help you make informed decisions before and during your trip.

The Most Common Travel Illnesses

1. Traveller’s Diarrhea

Traveller’s diarrhea is one of the most common illnesses experienced by international travellers.

It is typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water and can lead to symptoms such as:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
  
  

How to Reduce Your Risk

✓ Drink safe bottled or treated water

✓ Avoid ice when water quality is uncertain

✓ Choose foods that are cooked thoroughly

✓ Wash or sanitize your hands frequently

✓ Be cautious with raw fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled

Risk Level

2. Malaria

Malaria is a serious mosquito-borne disease found in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

It is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes and can cause:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
  
  

In severe cases, malaria can become life-threatening.

How to Reduce Your Risk

✓ Use insect repellent

✓ Wear long sleeves and pants when appropriate

✓ Sleep in protected accommodations

✓ Consider preventive malaria medication when recommended

Risk Level

3. Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and is commonly spread through contaminated food and water.

Many travellers may not realize that a simple meal or beverage can be a source of exposure in certain destinations.

Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice
  
  

How to Reduce Your Risk

✓ Follow food and water safety precautions

✓ Practice good hand hygiene

✓ Consider vaccination when recommended

4. Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is another illness spread through contaminated food and water.

While less common in Canada, it remains a concern in some parts of the world.

Symptoms can include:

• Persistent fever
• Weakness
• Headache
• Abdominal discomfort
• Digestive issues
  
  

How to Reduce Your Risk

✓ Be cautious about food and water choices

✓ Follow safe eating practices

✓ Consider vaccination if recommended for your destination

5. Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquitoes can transmit a variety of diseases depending on where you travel.

Examples include:

• Dengue Fever
• Zika Virus
• Chikungunya
• Japanese Encephalitis
  
  

Symptoms vary depending on the disease but may include fever, rash, fatigue, joint pain, or more serious complications.

How to Reduce Your Risk

✓ Apply insect repellent regularly

✓ Wear protective clothing

✓ Stay in accommodations with screens or air conditioning

✓ Avoid mosquito exposure during peak activity times

6. Altitude Sickness

Travellers visiting high-altitude destinations may experience altitude-related symptoms.

Common destinations include mountain regions in:

• Peru
• Nepal
• Bolivia
• Ecuador
  
  

Symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
  
  

How to Reduce Your Risk

✓ Ascend gradually when possible

✓ Stay hydrated

✓ Avoid overexertion during the first few days

✓ Discuss preventive medications before travel

7. Motion Sickness

Motion sickness can affect travellers during:

• Cruises
• Boat excursions
• Ferries
• Road trips
• Scenic train rides
  
  

Symptoms can include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Vomiting
  
  

How to Reduce Your Risk

✓ Choose stable seating areas when possible

✓ Stay hydrated

✓ Avoid heavy meals before travel

✓ Consider preventive medication

Quick Travel Health Risk Comparison

Travel Health Tips for Canadians Travelling Abroad

No matter where you’re travelling, these simple travel health habits can help reduce your risk of illness:

✓ Research destination-specific health risks

✓ Follow food and water safety recommendations

✓ Pack a travel health kit

✓ Use insect protection when appropriate

✓ Carry medications in original pharmacy packaging

✓ Stay hydrated

✓ Wash your hands frequently

✓ Review vaccine recommendations before departure

A little preparation can go a long way toward keeping your trip healthy and enjoyable.

Healthy Travels Start Before Takeoff

The best travel memories are made when you’re healthy enough to enjoy every moment.

Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway, a backpacking adventure, a safari, or a family vacation, understanding common travel illnesses and how to prevent them can help you travel with confidence.

At Virtual Travel Clinic, we help Canadian travellers prepare for international travel with destination-specific travel health advice, vaccine recommendations, and prescription options tailored to their itinerary.

Because a little preparation today can help prevent a lot of problems tomorrow.

Getting Travel Ready

Preparing for your trip is simple:

1. Book your virtual appointment.
2. Complete your travel health questionnaire.
3. Meet with a travel health professional online.
4. Receive personalized recommendations for your destination.
5. Pick up any prescribed medications or vaccine prescriptions from your local pharmacy.

Then it’s time to focus on the adventure ahead.

FAQ’s