Probiotics for Holidays and Travel – When to Take Them and How to Store Them

Changes in diet, unfamiliar water, meals in restaurants and at buffets, high temperatures, travel stress and disruption of the usual daily routine may lead to bloating, gas, abdominal cramps, nausea or diarrhoea during a holiday. This is why many travellers ask: should probiotics be started before travelling, and can they prevent digestive problems?

A probiotic may be a practical addition to a travel health kit, especially for people who have previously experienced digestive problems while travelling. However, it is important to have realistic expectations. A probiotic is not a protective barrier against every infection, cannot make unsafe food safe and does not replace oral rehydration when diarrhoea has already developed.

Why are digestive problems more common while travelling?

A “change of climate” is not the only reason why digestive problems may occur during a holiday. Travelling changes several habits and conditions at the same time.

• Different food: fattier meals, spicy dishes, larger amounts of sweets, alcohol or foods that are not usually consumed.
• Changes in water quality: water may be acceptable for local residents, while its composition or microbiological quality may present a risk to travellers in certain destinations.
• Improper food storage: high temperatures accelerate food spoilage, especially in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and prepared meals.
• Buffets and food left standing: the risk increases when cold food is not kept sufficiently cold and hot food is not maintained at a safe temperature.
• Changes in bowel habits: prolonged sitting, delaying a visit to the toilet, reduced physical activity and changes in routine may cause constipation and bloating.
• Travel stress: stress, fear of flying, crowds and lack of sleep may aggravate symptoms in people with sensitive digestion or irritable bowel syndrome.
• High temperatures: increased sweating raises the risk of dehydration, which becomes more serious when combined with diarrhoea or vomiting.

Digestive problems during travel are therefore not always caused by a “disturbed intestinal flora”. The cause may be overeating, food intolerance, constipation, infection, food poisoning, stress or an existing digestive disorder.

Can probiotics prevent travellers’ diarrhoea?

Certain probiotic strains, including particular bacterial strains and the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, have been studied for the prevention of travellers’ diarrhoea. However, the results are not consistent enough to claim that probiotics reliably prevent diarrhoea in travellers.

Products differ according to:

• the species and exact strain of microorganisms;
• the number of live microorganisms in the daily dose;
• the combination of strains;
• the duration of use;
• storage conditions;
• the destination and the actual cause of diarrhoea.

The results of research on one probiotic strain cannot be applied to every product labelled as a “probiotic”. A probiotic should therefore be regarded as additional support for the gut microbiota, rather than a guarantee that diarrhoea will not occur.

When should probiotics be started before a holiday?

There is no single scientifically confirmed number of days that applies to every product and every person. Advice suggesting that every probiotic must be started exactly three, five or seven days before travel is an oversimplification.

A more rational approach is to:

• check whether the product is intended for daily use, travel or a specific digestive complaint;
• read when the manufacturer recommends starting use;
• avoid changing the recommended dose without professional advice;
• avoid trying a product for the first time immediately before departure if supplements have previously caused significant digestive reactions;
• check whether the preparation is suitable for children, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions.

Some travel formulas recommend beginning use several days before departure and continuing throughout the trip. Others are intended only for periods of increased risk or should be used according to individual advice from a pharmacist. Instructions for one product should not be applied to another preparation.

How should you choose a probiotic for travelling?

The most expensive product, the highest number of billions or the longest list of bacteria is not automatically the best choice. For travel, both the composition and practical aspects of use should be considered.

For people who cannot keep a product refrigerated, a preparation that is stable at room temperature according to its label may be more practical. However, this does not mean that it can be left in direct sunlight, inside a hot car or in a beach bag.

Saccharomyces boulardii while travelling

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast rather than a bacterium. It is found in various preparations intended to provide support in certain types of diarrhoea and during antibiotic treatment.

The fact that it is a probiotic yeast does not mean that the product is suitable for everyone or that it will reliably prevent travellers’ diarrhoea. Check:

• the minimum age for use;
• the amount in the daily dose;
• the method and duration of use;
• the warnings stated on the label;
• whether the person is taking an antifungal medicine;
• whether there is severe immune suppression or a serious health condition.

Preparations containing probiotic yeast require particular caution in severely ill, immunocompromised and hospitalised people, especially patients with a central venous catheter. These patients should not start a probiotic without medical supervision.

Probiotics for children on holiday

A product for a child should not be selected simply according to what the parents use. The preparation must be suitable for the child’s age, method of administration and health condition.

Before purchasing, check:

• the minimum age stated on the product;
• whether the child can safely swallow a capsule;
• whether a capsule may be opened;
• how much water is needed to dissolve a sachet;
• whether the prepared dose must be consumed immediately;
• storage conditions after opening;
• the presence of allergens and sweeteners.

The greatest immediate risk when a child has diarrhoea and vomiting is not the “loss of good bacteria”, but the loss of fluids and electrolytes. A suitable oral rehydration product should therefore be included in the travel health kit, rather than packing only a probiotic.

Pay particular attention to dry mouth, reduced urination, absence of tears when crying, sunken eyes, unusual sleepiness, marked irritability or refusal to drink. These may be signs of dehydration requiring assessment by a healthcare professional.

How should probiotics be transported and stored while travelling?

Live microorganisms may be sensitive to temperature, moisture and storage conditions. However, different products do not have the same requirements. Some must be refrigerated, while others are manufactured to remain stable at room temperature.

The label of the specific product always takes priority over general advice.

During a car journey

• Do not leave a probiotic in a parked car, especially on the dashboard, on a seat or in a boot exposed to high temperatures.
• Keep it inside the passenger compartment and away from direct sunlight.
• If refrigeration is required, use a suitable insulated bag according to the manufacturer’s instructions and advice from a pharmacist.
• Do not place the package directly against a frozen ice pack, as freezing may also damage the product.

During air travel

• Keep the product in its original packaging with the label and expiry date visible.
• It may be more practical to carry it in hand luggage, where it is accessible and less exposed to unknown temperature conditions.
• For liquid products and cooling equipment, check the rules of the relevant airport and airline.
• If a cold chain is essential, check in advance how the product can be transported safely.

In a hotel or apartment

• Do not store the product on a windowsill, balcony, in the bathroom or beside a cooker.
• If refrigeration is not required, keep it in a dry, dark place in accordance with the label.
• A hotel minibar may not always maintain a stable temperature; check whether it is suitable for a product requiring refrigeration.
• Do not take the probiotic to the beach unless it needs to be used while you are there.

What should you do if diarrhoea develops while travelling?

When diarrhoea occurs, the priority is to assess its severity and prevent dehydration. A probiotic may be only one part of the approach and should not delay fluid replacement.

1. Replace fluids and electrolytes

With frequent loose stools, water alone may not be sufficient because the body also loses sodium, potassium and other electrolytes. An oral rehydration solution should be prepared exactly as directed.

• Do not use more or less water than the amount stated in the instructions.
• Do not add additional sugar, juice or fizzy drinks.
• Take the prepared solution in small, frequent sips.
• If vomiting occurs, pause briefly and then continue with very small amounts.
• Respect the period during which the prepared solution may be used.

2. Choose simple foods that are well tolerated

Fasting is not usually necessary. Once the person is able to eat, food should be reintroduced according to appetite and tolerance. Temporarily avoid very fatty food, large amounts of alcohol, heavy meals and foods that clearly worsen symptoms.

3. Do not focus only on “stopping” every bowel movement

Products used to relieve diarrhoea symptoms are not appropriate in every situation. Particular caution is required when there is fever, blood in the stool, severe pain or suspected serious infection. Medicines should be used according to their instructions and professional advice.

4. Assess whether medical attention is needed

Seek medical help if any of the following occur:

• bloody or black stools;
• high temperature;
• severe or worsening abdominal pain;
• persistent vomiting and inability to drink fluids;
• marked weakness, dizziness, confusion or fainting;
• very infrequent urination or other signs of dehydration;
• diarrhoea that is severe, persistent or becoming worse;
• symptoms in a baby, young child, pregnant woman, older person or someone with a chronic illness.

How can the risk of travellers’ diarrhoea be reduced?

The most effective precautions are not found inside a probiotic package, but in the choice of food and water.

• Drink water from an originally sealed bottle when the safety of the local water supply is uncertain.
• Avoid ice if you do not know what type of water was used to make it.
• Choose food that has been thoroughly cooked and is served hot.
• Avoid food that has been standing at room temperature or on a buffet for a prolonged period.
• Wash fruit with safe water or peel it yourself.
• Be cautious with raw meat, fish, shellfish, eggs and unpasteurised products.
• Wash your hands with soap and water, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.
• When handwashing is not possible, use an appropriate hand sanitiser.
• Avoid excessive food and alcohol consumption during the first days of the holiday.

Even perfectly correct probiotic use cannot eliminate the risk associated with unsafe food or contaminated water.

What should you pack for digestive problems?

A travel health kit should be adapted to the destination, duration of travel, age of the travellers and existing health conditions. The following may be useful for digestive complaints:

The listed products are examples of available formulations and do not represent a universal recommendation for every traveller. Selection should be adapted to age, health status, current treatment, destination and the label of the specific product.

Related topics and useful guides

• Probiotics – types, correct use and common myths
• Travel health kit for a summer holiday – what to pack
• How to prepare a travel health kit for a safer journey

Frequently asked questions about probiotics for holidays and travel

Should I start taking a probiotic before travelling?
There is no universal rule that applies to every product. If the label of a particular preparation recommends starting several days before travel, follow those instructions. A probiotic is not essential for every healthy person who is travelling.

How many days before travelling should I start a probiotic?
The number of days depends on the specific product. It is not appropriate to apply the same three-, five- or seven-day rule to every probiotic formulation.

Does a probiotic definitely prevent travellers’ diarrhoea?
No. Research is not consistent enough for probiotics to be routinely recommended as reliable prevention of travellers’ diarrhoea. Safe water, safe food and good hygiene remain the key protective measures.

Which probiotic is best for a holiday?
There is no single best product for everyone. The choice depends on age, composition, clearly identified strains, method of use, health status and the ability to store the product correctly.

Is Saccharomyces boulardii suitable for travel?
This probiotic yeast is present in products used for certain digestive complaints, but it does not guarantee prevention of travellers’ diarrhoea. Age restrictions, dosage and warnings must be checked.

Does a probiotic have to be refrigerated?
Not every product requires refrigeration. Some preparations must be kept cold, while others are stable at room temperature. Always check the label of the specific package.

Can a probiotic be left in a car?
It should not be left in a hot or parked car. Even products that are stable at room temperature may be damaged by extreme heat.

Can I take a probiotic to the beach?
There is no need to take it to the beach if the dose can be taken at the accommodation. Direct sunlight and high temperatures are unsuitable storage conditions.

What should I do if a probiotic has been exposed to heat for several hours?
A general answer is not possible without information about the product, temperature and duration of exposure. Check the instructions and contact a pharmacist or the manufacturer. Do not assume that the product is definitely still suitable for use.

Is a probiotic enough if a child develops diarrhoea?
No. In children, the priority is to prevent dehydration through correct oral rehydration. If the child refuses fluids, urinates infrequently, appears sleepy or develops other warning signs, medical assessment is required.

Should I also pack an oral rehydration solution?
Yes. An oral rehydration product is one of the most important parts of a travel health kit, particularly when children, older people or people vulnerable to fluid loss are travelling.

Can two probiotics be taken at the same time?
More products do not automatically provide a better effect. Combining preparations may unnecessarily duplicate strains, doses and additional ingredients. Ask a pharmacist before combining products.

Can a probiotic be mixed with hot tea?
It should not be mixed with a hot drink unless the manufacturer specifically states otherwise. High temperatures may reduce the viability of live microorganisms.

Conclusion

A probiotic may be a useful and practical addition to a travel health kit, but it should not be credited with effects it does not have. No product can guarantee that diarrhoea, bloating or other digestive problems will not occur during a holiday or trip.

When selecting a product, check the exact strains, daily dose, age restrictions, method of use and storage conditions. Do not leave it in a hot car, in direct sunlight or in a beach bag, even when refrigeration is not required.

The most important protection still comes from safe food and water, good hygiene and sensible behaviour while travelling. If diarrhoea develops, fluid and electrolyte replacement is the priority. A probiotic may provide additional support but should not delay medical assessment when there are signs of serious infection or dehydration.