How Travel Trends Have Changed – And What That Means for Your Health

Over the last few decades, the way we travel has changed dramatically. From budget airlines to long-haul holidays and visiting family abroad, international travel has never been more accessible. But as the world opens up, the health risks we face while travelling have shifted too.

In this blog, we explore how global travel trends have evolved – and why it’s now more important than ever to seek professional travel health advice before you jet off.

International Travel Is on the Rise Again

During the 20th century, overseas holidays became increasingly common as air travel became more affordable. Many UK residents also began travelling regularly to visit friends and relatives (VFR), particularly those with roots in Africa, Asia, or the Caribbean.

Even after the disruption caused by COVID-19, the appetite for travel is bouncing back. UK outbound travel is recovering well, with predictions suggesting the industry will grow by 15% by 2027 compared to 2019 levels.

Fast fact: In 2023, over 71 million overseas trips were made by UK residents – with Spain, France, Italy, and the USA among the top destinations. ✈️

Changing Travel Patterns = Changing Health Risks

As people travel further afield and more frequently, the pattern of travel-related illnesses has also evolved.

Data from EuroTravNet – a network of European travel medicine experts – shows that most infections in returning travellers were linked to visits to:

• Sub-Saharan Africa

• South East Asia

• South Central Asia

• South America

These regions carry higher risks of tropical infections and vector-borne diseases, meaning pre-travel health advice is essential.

Key Travel-Related Illnesses: Then vs Now

Here’s how some common illnesses picked up abroad have changed over time:

🦟 Malaria

• Plasmodium falciparum (most severe type): Despite a global drop in malaria transmission, imported cases in Europe actually rose in 2010. In the UK alone, there were 1,750 P. falciparum cases in 2023, making up over 80% of all UK malaria diagnoses.

• Plasmodium vivax (less severe): These numbers have remained stable, with 156 UK cases in 2023.

Why the increase? Many travellers visiting family in sub-Saharan Africa are exposed to high-risk areas without adequate malaria prevention.

🦠 Dengue Fever

Cases rose during 2009–2012, including a notable outbreak in Madeira. Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus found in tropical climates and becoming more common in travellers returning from Asia and the Americas.

🌍 Chikungunya

Imported cases vary depending on outbreaks abroad. For example:

• 2014: 1,342 cases in European travellers

• 2020: Just 48 cases (due to travel restrictions)

💩 Traveller’s Diarrhoea

• Acute diarrhoea is still common among UK travellers

• Chronic diarrhoea has decreased, possibly due to improved awareness and treatment

🐶 Rabies Risk

Around 2,000 people in England receive rabies post-exposure treatment each year. This risk has increased slightly due to more people travelling to areas where rabies is still endemic, such as parts of Asia and Africa.

So What Does This Mean for You?

Modern travel is exciting – but it comes with its own set of health challenges. Travelling to countries with different climates, hygiene standards, and disease risks means we can’t take our health for granted.

That’s where travel health services come in.

At Ready Health, our experienced clinicians can:

• Assess your travel plans and medical history

• Provide recommended or required vaccinations

• Offer malaria prevention and bite avoidance advice

• Give you clear, practical travel health tips

Whether you’re heading on a family holiday or visiting relatives abroad, a pre-travel consultation helps keep you safe – and ensures you’re not bringing anything unwanted home.

Final Thoughts

As travel habits evolve, so too do the risks. But with the right advice and preparation, you can protect your health and enjoy your trip with confidence. Travel health is no longer optional – it’s a key part of modern healthcare.

Heading abroad? Book your travel health appointment with Ready Health today.