The occurrence of an outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease among members of a package tour who had stayed in Benidorm, Spain, in 1973 gave an insight into some of the hazards encountered by tourists abroad.

Subsequent surveys of travellers returning to Scotland have been carried out and of 2,211 persons questioned 43% had been ill during their stay abroad or shortly after return. Package holidaymakers reported most symptoms and university personnel least. Alimentary disorders accounted for the majority of illnesses but respiratory difficulties were recorded by 16% of those who were ill. Tourists to North Africa were particularly affected. Most attributed their illnesses to problems associated with food, drink or excessive sunbathing.