Why do you always get sick on holiday?

I bet you're wondering why life is SO cruel sometimes? Photo / Getty Images

You've been daydreaming about this day for what feels like forever. You finally get to your destination, ready to have some fun and then, bam, out of nowhere you get sick.

Sound familiar?

If so, you've probably scratched your head in frustration and confusion. Why, oh why, do we always seem to get sick on holidays?

Well, there are a few reasons actually, according to news.com.au.

If you're flying to your destination, it's easy to see how you can catch a cold, flu or other airborne illness. According to research, the fact that the air on planes is really dry (meaning it has low relative humidity) increases our susceptibility to catching colds.

In fact, the researchers said that the colds transmission risk during travel as an aircraft passenger is "very high".

Also, in the lead up to holidays we often tend to work ourselves into the ground. It's only natural to want to 'tidy things up' at work (and at home) before we zip off, which means we may end up putting in long hours at work in a bid to 'get everything done' before we go.

When we're working like dogs, our eating and exercise habits tend to take a back seat. Putting your healthy habits to one side while you work crazy hours under high stress is not a recipe for good health. It's easy to see how your immune system may suffer, which could make you more likely to catch whatever bug you come in contact with.

If you suffer from migraines, you might also get struck by one just as you're finally winding down and your stress hormones are finally reducing.

But being on holiday also puts you at risk of getting sick in other ways, too. Bali belly, Delhi belly; we're talking to you.

According to Better Health Channel, overseas travellers have a 50 percent chance of suffering from a travel-related illness. The most common one is - you guessed it - a gastro infection.

Plus, when you go somewhere new, you may become exposed to different bugs you're not normally in contact with. You may already be immune to illnesses you've encountered before back home, but if you're somewhere new, your body hasn't had a chance to build up immunity against these infections.

To reduce your chances of getting sick while you're away, see your GP before you go.

Your doctor can give you a medical checkup, ensure your vaccinations are up to date and let you know if you need any extra jabs before your trip (such as a flu vaccine or travel vaccinations).

If you want to head to your holiday feeling well enough to actually enjoy it, try to avoid working yourself into the ground in the lead-up to your break. Keep eating well and squeeze in some exercise, and don't skimp on sleep, assuming you can "make up for it" while you're away.

Before leaving, pack a medical kit with all the meds you usually take, and any extra items you might need (like painkillers, anti-nausea meds and condoms). Then, while you're away, take precautions.

Sure, it might be more fun to eat like the locals and try all those roadside delicacies. But you might end up spending your vaycay with your head over a toilet bowl if you do.

Wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet. Don't drink tap water or accept ice in your glass, opting for bottled water instead. Brush your teeth using bottled water, too.

Only eat foods you can peel (like a banana or orange) and don't eat fruit or veg that have been washed in tap water. Make sure your food is cooked thoroughly, and only eat it when it's hot. And yes, avoid those roadside offerings.

Also, if you're going somewhere with mozzies, protect yourself from bites and the illnesses they can transmit. Wear mosquito repellent (one that contains at least 30 per cent DEET), use a bed net over your bed and stay inside between dusk and dawn.

Sure, it might take some extra time to get your health (and bags) in order before leaving for your trip. But hopefully that extra prep time will translate to more time actually enjoying yourself while away...