Cause Diarrhoea is caused by a selection of nasties, some of which you may recognise and think of with horror. It can caused by be a viral, bacterial or protozoan type of infection in either the small or large intestine. I think you will agree that some of the above would strike terror into you at home, let alone when travelling and nowhere near medical assistance. Prevention As with most illnesses, reducing your chances of infection is the best opportunity to lessen the risk of spending a week on the toilet. Eating, drinking and hygiene are the areas in which to be vigilant.
Common sense prevails as far as hygiene is concerned.
Wash your hands, if nothing else. Don't put your hands in your mouth if they are unclean. Drinking clean water is taken for granted so much at home it can be difficult to get into the mindset that every time you take a sip of something it can be potentially dangerous. You must think that way in order to make sure you are doing all you can to purify water. Do not allow any ice in your drinks.