Travelling is exciting, but maintaining hygiene while on the move is just as important as planning your itinerary. From airports and aeroplanes to hotel rooms, travellers are constantly exposed to high-touch surfaces filled with germs and bacteria.
A recent survey by Quotezone.co.uk has highlighted the top unhygienic travel habits that could increase the risk of illness during holidays. As international travel peaks during summer, experts are encouraging holidaymakers to take extra precautions to stay healthy abroad.
Why Travel Hygiene Matters More Than Ever
Airports, hotels, and aeroplanes are shared environments used by thousands of travellers every day. While many areas may appear clean, some commonly touched surfaces can harbour harmful bacteria and germs.
According to the survey, many travellers unknowingly engage in unhygienic habits that can expose them to infections and potentially ruin a much-awaited holiday.
Here are the top five most unhygienic things a traveller can do and simple ways to avoid them.
1. Forgetting to Wipe Down the Hotel TV Remote
One of the dirtiest items in a hotel room may surprise you, the TV remote control.
Studies suggest hotel TV remotes can contain more germs than toilet seats because they are frequently touched but rarely sanitised thoroughly. Despite this, nearly 17% of British travellers admitted they never clean the remote before use.
Hygiene Tip:
Carry antibacterial wipes and quickly disinfect frequently touched hotel room items like remotes, light switches, and door handles upon arrival.
2. Placing Suitcases on the Hotel Bed
After travelling through airports, taxis, and public areas, suitcases collect dust, bacteria, and dirt along the way.
However, many travellers still place luggage directly on hotel beds, unknowingly transferring germs onto sleeping areas.
Hygiene Tip:
Use the designated luggage rack or place your suitcase on hard flooring instead of beds or sofas.
3. Storing Personal Items in Plane Seat Pockets
Plane seat pockets may seem convenient for storing phones, passports, books, or snacks, but they are among the least-cleaned areas on an aircraft.
Research has shown that bacteria, including MRSA, can survive on seat pocket fabric for up to seven days. Despite the risks, 8% of travellers still use them to store personal belongings.
Hygiene Tip:
Avoid placing personal belongings inside seat pockets. Keep essentials in your handbag or backpack instead.
4. Walking Barefoot in Hotels or Aeroplanes
Walking barefoot in hotel rooms or aircraft cabins might feel comfortable, but it can expose travellers to hidden germs and bacteria transferred from outdoor footwear.
High-contact flooring areas may not always be disinfected thoroughly, increasing the chances of exposure.
Hygiene Tip:
Wear slippers, socks, or indoor footwear, especially in hotel rooms and airplane restrooms.
5. Forgetting to Sanitise Hands After Airport Touchpoints
From passport checks to airport touchscreens and fingerprint scanners, travellers frequently touch shared surfaces throughout their journey.
The survey found that 15% of people do not sanitise their hands after handling passports, while 10% skip hand hygiene after using airport touchscreens or fingerprint scanners.
This becomes especially important as fingerprint scanning systems continue to expand across international airports.
Hygiene Tip:
Carry a travel-sized hand sanitiser and wash your hands regularly, especially after touching shared public surfaces.
Expert Advice on Staying Healthy While Travelling
Helen Rolph, travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, explains that crowded airports, hotels, and flights can quickly become hotspots for germs and bacteria.
Simple precautions such as regularly washing hands, sanitising surfaces, avoiding barefoot walking, and keeping luggage off beds can significantly reduce the risk of illness during travel.
Experts also recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before heading abroad, ensuring coverage for medical emergencies or unexpected health-related travel disruptions.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining proper hygiene while travelling does not require major effort, just smarter habits. By avoiding common travel hygiene mistakes like using dirty hotel remotes, placing luggage on beds, or skipping hand sanitisation, travellers can significantly lower their risk of illness and enjoy a stress-free trip.
Before your next vacation, pack essentials such as sanitising wipes, hand sanitiser, and comfortable indoor footwear to help protect your health while travelling.
