The US tech giant is investing $15bn in a huge new data centre project in northern Finland.
Published On 29 Oct 202629 Oct 2026
Finnish police have launched a criminal investigation into suspected breaches of environmental law at the construction site of a planned Google data centre in northern Finland.
The project is part of a $15bn deal announced last month by Alphabet’s Google to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Finland, which the US company described as its largest investment in Europe.
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Authorities have said Tuike Finland, a local subsidiary of Google, conducted forest clearing and drainage at a planned site near the town of Muhos, before the environmental impact assessments required under Finnish law had been completed.
“We are investigating whether the company’s operations have breached the Water Act and resulted in environmental damage,” Detective Superintendent Kari Pakanen told the Reuters news agency on Thursday, adding that a guilty finding could lead to a corporate fine.
Pakanen declined to say whether any individuals could become a target of the investigation, and a Google spokesperson said the company would cooperate with the police investigation and continue to focus on maintaining compliance at its sites.
Tree felling prompts local anger
Videos and photographs showing the scale of the forest clearance at the site of the data centre, and Google’s initial reluctance to address the issue in the days after the news broke, have prompted widespread anger in Finland, where there is a high level of respect for the natural environment among the public.
“All the outrage and dismay directed at Google, I can very much share that, especially when we are talking about the parent company valued as the third-largest in the world,” Finnish Green MP Oras Tynkkynen told Al Jazeera. “There is just no excuse. You have to know the legislation of the country you are operating in; you can afford to hire the best legal experts to help you navigate the local legal requirements.”
Finnish authorities ordered Google to stop work at the data centre site at the start of October, and the latest information from the police highlights shortcomings in the drainage and water management at the site.
Tynkkynen called Google’s actions “unforgivable”, but cautioned that while the anger being directed at the US tech giant was justified, it was also diverting scrutiny away from legacy Finnish forestry companies, which he says are “by far the biggest contributors to biodiversity loss in this country”.
A scenic view of Lake Inari in Finnish Lapland shows clouds and trees in the background in September 2025 [David Mac Dougall/Al Jazeera]
What is Finland’s appeal for data centre construction?
Finland’s cool climate, low-carbon electricity and government endorsement of AI projects have contributed to making the country one of Europe’s main destinations for data centre investments in recent years.
Finland, similar in size to Germany – but with one-seventh of the population, less than six million people – has had less vocal opposition to data centre buildouts than other places, including in the United States.
AI data centres are among the main drivers of a projected rise of up to 40 percent in Finland’s electricity consumption in the coming years, if all agreed grid connection projects go ahead, grid operator Fingrid has said.
Google’s planned investments in Finland include data centres, electricity grid improvements and clean energy and battery projects to power services such as Gemini, Search, Maps and YouTube.
Supporting Google’s plan, Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in September that the deal would be a boost for the economy, playing down concerns that it would suck up energy and push up power prices.
A Netflix documentary has been described as ‘disturbing’ and ‘jaw-dropping’ by viewers, who say it’s ‘impossible to turn off’. Give it a go if you’re struggling to find something to watch
People have been struggling to switch it off (stock)(Image: Netflix)
Everyone with a Netflix subscription knows how overwhelming it can be to find something good to watch. And sometimes, they give up altogether, heading to bed without ever making it past the title screen.
But one user claims there’s no need to waste precious time searching on this occasion, as he’s got the ideal documentary recommendation – and believes everyone will soon be discussing it. EccyReviews, who watches and critiques films and television programmes across his social media channels, is encouraging Netflix subscribers to give Tell Me Who I Am a watch.
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What’s the plot?
The 2019 documentary chronicles the story of Alex Lewis, who suffered memory loss after an accident.
Its IMDb description reads: “Alex Lewis trusts his twin brother, Marcus, to tell him about his past only to discover that he’s hiding a dark secret about their childhood.”
Speaking about the documentary, EccyReviews said: “You’re going to be running to Netflix to go and watch this documentary because it is one of the most insane stories you will ever hear.
“Everyone I know who’s seen this documentary cannot stop talking about it. The documentary I’m talking about is called Tell Me Who I Am.
“It follows a young man who after a motorcycle accident, wakes up to find he has lost his complete memory.
“He doesn’t know who his brother is, who his father is or even his own mother. And when he returns home he knows that there is something strange going on in his house.
“After years and years of never really speaking about his past, he meets up with his brother across this table to find out his entire backstory.
“Now it is genuinely disturbing, emotional and jaw dropping once you hear what happened to him. And honestly, if you haven’t seen this documentary you are massively missing out. So get it on your watch list right now.”
Where to watch Tell Me Who I Am?
The documentary is available to stream on Netflix in a single viewing, with a runtime of one hour and 26 minutes.
If you’re more in to reading, the book is also available to purchase, having become a Sunday Times bestseller.
What do people say?
Commenting on the recommendation, one TikTok user said: “I don’t have the patience to watch full documentaries, but this actually had me glued to the tele, it’s so disturbing because it’s true, I’ll ask the question for everyone, would you have told him?”
Another added: “What an incredible story. Heartbreaking. An incredible watch.”
A third user said: “Watched this before and highly recommend… it’s so upsetting in parts but will keep you hooked.”
Netflix has shared the first glimpse of their adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, which stars Jack Lowden in the role of Mr Darcy and The Crown star Emma Corrin as Elizabeth
The series is based on the classic novel by Jane Austin(Image: Netflix)
Netflix has shared the first glimpse of their adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. The streaming giant is behind a $60 million adaptation of the Jane Austen classic, and it is due for release in December.
The original novel was published in 1813 and has been adapted for the screen around 15 times, perhaps most notably in as a six-episode series in 1995, in which Colin Firth starred as Mr Darcy and Jenifer Ehle as his love interest Elizabeth Bennet.
Now, over 30 years later, Jack Lowden is to star as Mr Darcy whilst The Crown’s Emma Corrin will take on the role of Elizabeth. In the first look of the Netflix series, Lizzy (Emma Corrin) and Jane (Freya Mavor) open the trailer on the roof of Longbourn.
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Corrin is heard saying: “One day, Jane, I shall be either a governess and a spinster, or a wife and a mother.. And then, finally, we may talk about something else.”
Jane simply replies: “Such as what?” Mrs Bennet, played by Olivia Colman, utters the famed line “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
The series has been adapted by Dolly Alderton, who enjoyed success with her bestselling memoir Everything I Know About Love before it was turned into a BBC series.
She said “Pride and Prejudice is such a timeless story because of the emotions in the book; they are as pertinent now as they were in 1812.
“Embarrassment of your family, fear that you’re going to get left behind, fear that the world is not going to be a safe place for your children as it was for you, mortification that you judged someone incorrectly or that you had been misjudged. We go to that book to see our hearts reflected in it.”
“I always knew that I wanted it to be the opening line of the trailer, not only because I think it’s so relatable to women now who are looking to find the right partner and looking to find love, who are resentful of how much time it takes over their schedule and their brain, but also because it captures how much Lizzy is a character who’s working things out as she goes along.”
The official Netflix synopsis reads: “When wealthy bachelors arrive in their neighbourhood, the five Bennet sisters must navigate love, family, and society’s expectations to secure their futures.
“Jane falls for the charming Mr Bingley, while Elizabeth clashes with his proud friend Mr Darcy – but unexpected encounters and family scandals force Elizabeth to reconsider her feelings and discover the true nature of love.”
Pride and Prejudice arrives on Netflix on 3 December.
Polo Lam and his girlfriend Laura Matos say they only spent minutes on the phone to check Google Maps and the internet but were stunned at the final cost
08:00, 27 Oct 2026Updated 08:36, 27 Oct 2026
Polo Lam and his girlfriend Laura Matos were shocked at the cost(Image: Polo Lam)
A British traveller has warned holidaymakers about the risk of unexpected charges after spending just two hours in Monaco left him and his girlfriend with a £109 (€128.88) phone bill. Polo Lam, 30, from Whitby, North Yorkshire, was travelling across Europe with his girlfriend Laura Matos, 29, in September when the couple made a brief stop in Monaco.
Despite using just 18.66MB of mobile data between them, the pair were left picking up almost £85 (€99.79) in roaming charges, sending their monthly bill soaring to £109 (€128.88), compared with just £25 (€29.18) the previous month. Experts say 18.66MB is roughly the amount of data someone might use scrolling through Instagram for just three to 10 minutes, depending on the content being viewed.
The couple were enjoying a budget-friendly interrail holiday from Barcelona to Vienna, travelling through France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary. While staying in Nice, they decided to visit nearby Menton and make a short stop in Monaco, which hadn’t originally been part of their plans.
Laura, a psychologist and founder of La CoolMente, said: “It was actually my idea to visit Monaco. I’d heard so much about the luxury and the famous casino, and I wanted to see what it was like for myself.”
But it was only when they continued their journey into Italy that Polo checked their mobile account and discovered the their trip had cost more than they bargained for. Speaking to Nomad eSIM, Polo said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the bill. We’d only been in Monaco for a few hours, and somehow our phone bill had jumped to £109 (€128.88).
“We’d barely used our phones. We only checked Google Maps and opened Instagram, but that was about it.
“What really scares me is thinking about what could have happened if we’d stayed overnight. If we’d spent a whole day or two there, we could potentially have been looking at a bill running into the hundreds, or even thousands of pounds.
“I’m pretty stingy when it comes to money, so you can imagine how I felt. We’d gone interrailing to have a relatively inexpensive holiday, and suddenly we had this huge phone bill.”
Laura added: “We were both confused about where the charges had come from. We’d only used our phones briefly to find our location, so we felt the bill was completely unreasonable. We kept talking about it for days afterwards because we’d been trying so hard to save money throughout the trip.”
Polo said the unexpected expense put a dampener on their holiday. “The worst part was thinking about what else we could have spent that money on. We were trying to keep costs down, and it would have paid for three or four meals out in some of the places we visited.”
Laura agreed that the money could have been put to much better use. She said: “We’d been avoiding expensive experiences to save money, so it was frustrating to see that money disappear on a phone bill without getting anything enjoyable in return.
“I’d much rather have spent it on a nice meal at a restaurant with a view, visiting a museum or even a more comfortable hotel. When you’re travelling around Europe by interrail, a bit of extra comfort can make a big difference.”
The experience left the couple more cautious about using their phones abroad, particularly when travelling between countries. Polo said: “I’d tell anyone travelling around Europe to check exactly which countries are covered by their mobile plan. Just because somewhere is in Europe doesn’t mean your normal roaming allowance applies. We found that out the expensive way.”
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Tim Page, Marketing Lead at Nomad eSIM, said: “One of the biggest misconceptions about mobile roaming is that travelling within Europe automatically means you’re covered by your usual mobile plan.
“Monaco is a perfect example. Despite being surrounded by France on three sides, it’s not part of the European Union and isn’t automatically covered by the EU’s Roam Like at Home rules. Introduced in June 2017, these rules generally allow customers of EU mobile operators to use their calls, texts and data across EU countries without paying additional roaming charges.
“This means travellers could be using their phones in Nice without additional roaming charges, then cross into Monaco and face significantly higher rates for exactly the same usage. Before travelling, always check which countries are included in your mobile plan, particularly destinations such as Monaco, Andorra and Switzerland.
“Even small amounts of data can result in surprisingly expensive bills, so consider switching off data roaming or using a travel eSIM that specifically covers your destination. If you do receive an unexpected roaming charge, contact your mobile provider as soon as possible. While there’s no guarantee, some providers may be willing to reduce or waive the charges as a goodwill gesture.”
Nick Knowles has spoken out after the news that DIY SOS was being rested by the BBC and whilst he is “disappointed,” he can understand the reasons behind the decision
15:46, 19 Oct 2026Updated 15:46, 19 Oct 2026
Nick Knowles has admitted he is “disappointed” that DIY SOS has been rested by the BBC(Image: Daily Mirror)
After 27 years, the BBC has admitted cost-cutting methods are behind the decision to bench the show for the foreseeable, and now former Strictly Come Dancing star Nick has spoken out on the matter.
He wrote on Instagram: “You may have already seen the news that DIY SOS is being put on ‘pause’. Of course, I’m disappointed not to be filming the show next year or again in the same format we know and love.
“But I do understand there’s no endless pot of money at the BBC and sometimes they have to make difficult decisions. Thank you for all the messages and comments over the weekend. It’s so clear you share my sentiment and deep love for this show.
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“For 26 years it’s been an honour and a privilege to be part of DIY SOS and I’ve loved nothing more than making it. What I always come back to is that it’s the people who are the beating heart of SOS. “
Nick used the rest of his lengthy post to reflect on the help that the programme has brought to thousands during its time on air, and thanked everyone who has been invoved.
“Over the years we’ve had thousands of tradespeople, suppliers and volunteers, all people trying to make their own living, who have shown up time and time again for the families who need it most. Kind, hardworking people and real working-class heroes coming together to build a better community. It really is the best of Britain and we need to see more of it on telly.
“I’ve always put my head above the parapet for tradespeople and this industry I love and I’ll keep doing that. But for now, I want to say thank you to every family for sharing their story with us over the last 26 years.
“To the volunteers, production team, purple shirts, commissioners and everyone watching at home, we couldn’t have done this without you. And to everyone who hasn’t seen the series yet, give it a watch. I promise your heart will be warmed.”
Despite initial reports that the programme had been cancelled entirely, the BBC were keen to stress that this is not the case.
A BBC Spokesperson said: “In light of the BBC’s savings challenges we have taken the decision to rest DIY SOS in 2027 and commission a new spin off show instead from producers South Shore. DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life (w/t) will revisit successes from the show’s past and expand the brand on the BBC in a more cost-effective way next year.”
The comments come after sources claimed the show was to be cancelled all together. A source told The Sun : “We were told it was being paused, but when we asked whether it would come back in 2028 or 2029 they couldn’t give us an answer.”
They went on: “It’s a disgusting outrage that a BBC show, which genuinely helps some of the neediest people in our country, is being shut down because it’s basically seen as ‘too expensive’.
“DIY SOS is one of the few shows on television that genuinely represents working-class people. Thousands of tradesmen and women offer their time, and often the materials, for free to people in need, even when they’re struggling to make ends meet themselves.”
A |masterpiece” period drama starring Cillian Murphy is leaving Netflix in a matter of days. Small Things Like These was only just added to the platform earlier this year but fans will need to act fast before it is removed from the service.
The film is an adaptation of the award winning book of the same name, written by Claire Keegan. It was shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize in 2022 as well as the Rathbones Folio Prize, while it took home the Orwell Prize for political fiction in the same year.
Its big screen version came out in 2024, with Irish actor Murphy in the leading role. Although it was perhaps overlooked by some, as this was the same year the star picked up his Oscar for a very different period piece – Oppenheimer.
Like the novella, Small Things Like These takes place over Christmas in 1985, when devoted father and coal merchant Bill Furlong, played by Murphy, discovers startling secrets kept by the convent in his town, along with some shocking truths of his own.
The plot is inspired by the truth behind Ireland’s Magdalene laundries. These were asylums run by Roman Catholic institutions from the 1820s until 1996 which were supposed to reform “fallen young women.”
Netflix now lists a warning label on the title, that informs users it will be ‘leaving soon’. The streamer states that the last day to watch will be October 27, meaning at the time of writing, viewers have just a little over a week to catch it before it’s too late. It’s not yet known if it will became available on an alternative platform or service after this date.
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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV bundle. This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.
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Despite the tough subject matter, the film received a positive response from viewers and critics alike, with Murphy often being singled out for his stellar acting performance. It holds a rare 94% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes with many fans backing up the reviews.
One person posted online: “A masterpiece. Every shot is a masterpiece. The soundtrack is a masterpiece. Every performance is a masterpiece. The casting is beyond perfect. If possible, it’s even better than Claire Keegan’s short story.”
While some admitted they struggled with the slower pace of the film, many have suggested it is a must watch. One person said: “A hard to swallow, but fantastically acted, written, and directed film putting religion and its mafia laden tendencies at the forefront. Cillian continues to be a star, with a support cast of epic proportions. Based on a true and very sad story.”
A fourth penned: “Totally absorbing yet disturbing film, brilliantly led by an understated master class of acting by Cillian Murphy. The sudden ending leaves you literally crying out for more. A modern day masterpiece.”
Someone else added: “Following a read of the perfectly written book, I had to watch the film when I heard that Cillian Murphy was the star. He and the rest of the cast bring this extraordinary story to lives. Is there nothing he cannot do! Well worth a watch, it’s poignant from start to finish.”
Amanda Cannon was taken ill while on holiday with her daughter
08:10, 19 Oct 2026Updated 08:16, 19 Oct 2026
Amanda Cannon is fighting for her life in Turkey(Image: Marisa White/SWNS)
A British nan is fighting for her life in Turkey after suffering a heart attack while on holiday as her family faces a £25,000 hospital bill.
Amanda Cannon, 58, was rushed to intensive care after collapsing during a trip with her daughter Marisa White on October 10. The grandmother-of-nine from Redhill, Surrey, reportedly went without oxygen for 10 minutes after suffering what doctors believe was an epileptic seizure and cardiac arrest.
She is currently on life support in a private hospital in Antalya, Turkey. Relatives say her treatment is costing around €3,500 (£3,000) a day, with the bill already reaching €30,000 (£25,000).
Hannah Cooper, the mum of Amanda’s grandchildren, flew to Turkey with her five-year-old daughter after receiving a distressing call from Marisa. She said Amanda suddenly “jolted backwards”, turned blue and stopped breathing. Marisa immediately began CPR before paramedics arrived and took over.
No travel insurance
But because she has no travel insurance, her former daughter-in-law Hannah said Turkish medics would not stop treatment for religious reasons. They fear the mounting costs could run into hundreds of thousands of pounds if her condition does not improve.
Hannah, 33, from Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex, told Talk to the Press: “She’s now in a deep coma. She’s got kidney failure, liver failure. They said there’s a 20 per cent chance that she’ll wake up and if she does, she’ll be in a vegetative state.”
She added: “I got a phone call from her daughter saying that she just suddenly jolted backwards, went grey, purple, blue, started foaming from the mouth and stopped breathing. Her daughter gave her CPR. Then when the ambulance got there, they took over. She went without oxygen for about 10 minutes.”
Doctors later told the family Amanda had suffered what appeared to be a seizure as well as a heart attack. She was placed on life support and remains in coma.
Amanda travelled to Turkey with daughter Marisa, who Hannah said suffered from many severe physical and mental health conditions. Concerned she would struggle to deal with the crisis alone, Hannah booked flights and travelled out to support her.
She said: “She doesn’t have the mental capacity to cope with what’s going on. The language barrier is so hard. We have to keep going on Google Translate to speak to the doctor because he doesn’t understand us and we don’t understand him.”
Medical costs stacking up
As the family tried to come to terms with Amanda’s condition, they were shocked to learn of the mounting medical costs. Hannah said she received a phone call asking for £5,000 shortly after Amanda was admitted.
She said: “I said to them that I don’t have £5,000, but I’d be flying over to Turkey. Since then, I’ve had several emails asking for payment.”
Hannah later discovered Amanda’s stay in the private intensive care unit was costing around €3,500 every day. She also revealed that the hospital wouldn’t release her to a public one until they cleared half of the bill.
Hannah said: “I’ve asked for a transfer to a state hospital where it would still cost money, but not like this.”
The family launched a GoFundMe appeal with an initial target of £15,000, but now fear the total bill could be far higher. Despite no longer being with Amanda’s son, Hannah said the 58-year-old has remained a huge part of her life.
She said: “She’s been like a second mum to me for 17 years. She’s always been my biggest supporter.”
Toll on family
The ordeal has also taken a toll on Amanda’s grandchildren.
Hannah said: “My eldest is asking a lot of questions and is upset. My little girl just keeps saying she wants to see her nan.”
She said doctors would either wait until Amanda was biologically dead or keep her alive. Hannah and her daughter are set to return to the UK on Sunday, October 18, while Marisa plans to fly back to Turkey after collecting medication.
Hannah concluded: “We’re upset, shocked and confused. We just don’t know what’s going to happen next.”
Maya Jama could be about to exit The Celebrity Traitors after making a plan for the latest murder game and viewers of the BBC show think she has been ‘too obvious’ with her tactics
Fans think Maya Jama could be about to be banished from the castle(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Studio Lambert/Cody Burridge/BBC Creative)
Maya Jama could be about to exit The Celebrity Traitors after being “too obvious” in front of a Faithful.
The Love Island host, 30, is currently taking part in the hit BBC game show as a Traitor fronted by Claudia Winkleman and in Friday night’s episode, she had to join in with a yawning game. The challenge, which left all three of the Traitors feeling the pressure, was to get either of Faithfuls, Jerry Hall or Ross Kemp, to yawn in a specific room after spraying some “deadly sleeping powder” from a perfume bottle, which would be breathed in.
Reading out the instructions in disbelief, comedian James Acaster said: “To seal the murder you must then say, ’Am I boring you?’ – followed by the victim’s name. I can’t believe this.”
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Viewers will have to wait until next Thursday to find out who will be leaving the castle for good, but fans think that Maya could be up for the chop after making the apparent mistake of inviting EastEnders legend Ross into the mix, having decided that the only way to instigate the murder was to start up some contagious yawning.
But many viewers think this strategy will backfire on Maya, as her pretend yawning was deemed “too obvious” and think she could be rumbled as a Traitor immediately if not careful.
One person wrote on X: “Ross Kemp was the last person the Traitors should have encouraged into the room. He will be all over this ‘murder in plain sight’. Captain’s hat anyone?” A third wrote: “Ross clocking Maya’s GCSE drama yawning.” A fourth said: “So you’re telling me Ross was freaking out about every possible evidence of murder at the beginning and now he’s sitting in a room full of yawning traitors, possibly not suspecting a thing.”
A fifth added: “This yawning task is too obvious in front of Ross Kemp.” Another wrote: “Maya Jama’s yawning was more obvious than Richard E Grant saying he was a traitor.”
Meanwhile, Clare Balding, who competed on the first series, said she thinks the best thing for the Traitors is if Ross yawns. Believe me, if Jerry yawns and Jerry goes, Ross will notice,” she said on Uncloaked.
However, other fans had just taken umbrage with the fact they will now have to wait to find out what happens next. One fan said: “NOOOOOOOOOOOO You cant leave on that cliffhanger, the producers are just geniuses. I think the Traitors FAILED to Get them to yawn in the Time…. AND they will be punished in some way IMO!!”
Another wrote: “10 million people are now going to have a tense wait of 6 days to find out whether Ross Kemp or Jerry Hall yawn first. Now thats a TV cliffhanger.”
More than a third of British holidaymakers have experienced ‘travel tummy’ in the past 12 months
08:33, 11 Oct 2026Updated 09:27, 11 Oct 2026
If you’ve ever felt bloated or sick on a plane, you’re not alone(Image: Nansan Houn via Getty Images)
More than a third of British holidaymakers (36%) have suffered from ‘travel tummy’ over the past year, new research has revealed. The term describes stomach upset or illness experienced while on holiday.
Safa noted the findings indicated that digestive problems were a widespread concern amongst travellers, often having a detrimental effect on overseas trips. The Saga Travel Insurance study, which surveyed 500 UK holidaymakers, discovered that half (49%) had endured diarrhoea while away, with nearly one in 10 (8%) battling gut troubles on every single trip.
Those with pre-existing conditions, such as IBS, may face a heightened risk of digestive complications when abroad, as travel can worsen symptoms. Local chemists are the first stop for most holidaymakers grappling with travel tummy overseas (35%), while almost a third (30%) resort to Google and one in 12 (8%) consult AI to assess their symptoms before seeking professional advice.
Saga Travel Insurance consulted Dr Nick Burr, a gastroenterologist at healthcare provider LivingCare, to explore why travel tummy happens and what holidaymakers can do to prevent problems on future getaways.
Bacteria often the cause of travel tummy
Travellers’ diarrhoea is a frequent problem among holidaymakers, especially when heading to destinations where food hygiene standards differ.
Dr Burr said: “Traveller’s diarrhoea is usually caused by bacteria, most commonly E. coli, picked up from contaminated food or water, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central or South America. Symptoms can include loose stools, cramping, bloating and nausea, often within the first week of travel.”
Tap water standards differ significantly from one country to another. Numerous countries have updated plumbing infrastructure, which typically means tap water is safe for consumption.
In other nations, it may be wiser to opt for bottled water, as unsafe drinking water can harbour dangerous bacteria, parasites and chemicals.
According to the NHS, boiling water is the most dependable method to purify it and eliminate any bacteria or viruses. Chemical disinfectants, such as iodine or chlorine, can also be employed, but may prove less effective than thoroughly boiling water and allowing it to cool in a sterile container.
Water filters ranging from 0.2 to 1 micron can also be utilised to remove dirt or parasites from water before applying chemical disinfection.
Two-fifths of Brits reckon their symptoms were triggered by local food
Local cuisine emerged as one of the most frequently mentioned causes of travel tummy amongst holidaymakers in Saga Travel Insurance’s survey, with 44% of respondents blaming their holiday stomach troubles on this. Dr Burr explained: “Common sources [of infection] include untreated water, ice cubes, buffets, shellfish, undercooked meat and food left sitting in the heat. Exploring local food is one of the joys of travel and most people can do so safely as long as they apply common sense. For example, freshly cooked, piping hot food in a busy restaurant is usually OK.”
Dehydration poses one of the greatest threats to your wellbeing while travelling
Diarrhoea was the most frequently reported symptom of holiday tummy among UK travellers, with more than a quarter (28%) of individuals suffering from it while abroad over the past 12 months, according to Saga Travel Insurance’s survey. Loose and watery stools can lead to dehydration as your body is losing more fluids and electrolytes than you’re capable of replenishing.
Dr Burr said: “Dehydration [can be serious], especially in hot climates. Alcohol and caffeine can both worsen dehydration and have a laxative effect, so it’s best to limit these while symptoms are severe. Intense exercise while dehydrated or unwell may also slow recovery, so it’s usually best to rest, drink fluids, and stick to simple foods until symptoms improve.”
Rehydration solutions are an effective method to prevent dehydration and support recovery. If you’re unable to obtain rehydration sachets, Dr Burr points out that you can prepare your own from scratch.
He said: “If oral rehydration sachets are unavailable, a homemade solution can be made using six level teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt in one litre of clean water.”
Routine disruption
While bacteria and infection remain the most frequent culprits behind traveller’s diarrhoea and stomach complaints, there may be more environmental factors at play when holidaymakers feel under the weather.
Dr Burr explained: “[In other cases], symptoms are not due to infection, but are related to changes in routine. Prolonged disruption to normal routines, including sleep patterns, hydration, alcohol intake, stress and diet, can make the digestive system more sensitive, particularly in people prone to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional gut symptoms.”
The survey by Saga Travel Insurance revealed that a third of holidaymakers (34%) said travel-related stress played a part in their travel tummy, while over a quarter (27%) pointed to long journeys as a contributing factor.
Dr Burr said: “For those who experience an upset tummy when flying, this is often linked to cabin pressure changes, dehydration, reduced movement, disrupted sleep, stress and unfamiliar foods. Staying hydrated, moving around during flights and eating lighter meals can help reduce discomfort.”
Michelle Cooper, director of Saga Travel Insurance, added: “If you’re on a longer flight, try to walk up and down the aisle every two hours to help with your circulation and digestion.”
Travellers with pre-existing conditions could be at greater risk
‘Travel tummy’ can present heightened dangers for those with underlying health conditions.
Dr Burr said: “People with diabetes, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or weakened immune systems may become unwell more quickly.”
For individuals with pre-existing conditions, advance preparation is particularly crucial – not only regarding health matters, but also in making certain adequate travel insurance protection is arranged.
Michelle explained: “Many insurers offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, however, it’s essential to declare them when taking out your policy. If you have an underlying health condition, becoming unwell abroad can be more serious and may require quicker access to medical care or more specialised treatment. Making sure you have the right cover in place means you can get the support you need without facing unexpected costs while you’re away.”
Most travel tummy is mild, but severe cases need treatment
While a dodgy stomach abroad might amount to little more than mild discomfort, it can occasionally prove more serious and necessitate a trip to a local doctor – or a call to your insurer’s 24-hour travel GP, if it provides one.
Michelle said: “Getting sick abroad is never ideal and you may be tempted to wait until you’ve returned to the UK to get checked by your doctor. However, it’s important that you seek out medical attention as soon as possible if you think you might be ill.
“Treatment costs abroad can add up quickly, particularly in countries where healthcare is private. Call your insurance provider’s 24-hour emergency number to check if they cover everything you need, including medical translation services. Travel insurance can help provide both financial protection and peace of mind if the unexpected happens.
“Having the right cover in place means you can get the care you need without worrying about the cost, so you can focus on recovering and enjoying the rest of your trip with confidence. Taking simple precautions before and during your trip could be the difference between a disrupted holiday and a smooth, stress-free getaway.”
Should you fall ill while overseas, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office holds a comprehensive list of English-speaking doctors, medical facilities and practitioners across the globe. In an emergency situation, don’t hesitate to contact the local emergency services in the country you’re visiting.
