Is it even a holiday if you don’t sample the local delicacies? 

And while turning down the area’s freshly made breads and pastries is obviously a no-go, be mindful that eating lots of low-fibre foods combined with a lack of fruit and veg could change your bowel habits.

Try to keep plant-based foods and fibre in your meals including whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and pulses, or try out a new local fruit or vegetable to increase diversity in your diet.

Foods with omega-3 fats such as oily fish and fermented foods such as kimchi and tempeh are also great as they can support your gut health.

“The change in timings of meals could also impact the circadian rhythm of the gut microbiome, affecting your sleep cycle,” Pearse adds.  “Eating much later than usual means it might be more difficult to drift off to sleep afterwards.”

Try bringing some peppermint teabags in your suitcase for a relaxing sip before bed that helps you wind down while relieving bloating.

As for when you get back home, fortunately it’s easy to get things back on track.

“There can be changes to the gut microbiome while on holiday, but short-term changes are not going to disrupt the microbiome long term,” explains Pearse.

“Get back into a routine when you return to support your gut microbiome and keep those friendly bacteria happy.”

4 summer holiday gut concerns and what to do about them