An infections expert reminds Australians who plans to travel overseas to do everything they can to avoid bringing any disease home.

Dr Philippa Binns of NPS MedicineWise says such health precautions involves planning ahead, making necessary preventive measures and taking care of one's self while on travel.

She gave the advice following the company's survey of 1000 people which reveals that nearly half of the respondents never considered the risk of catching an antibiotic-resistant infection while traveling.

Diseases of concern include gonorrhoea, which has been circulating in Japan since 2003 and in Norway and the UK in 2010. Measles, on the other hand, is common in some parts of Asia, Europe, the Pacific Islands, and Africa; however this could be easily prevented by vaccination.

"Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a problem everywhere. International travel means that they can spread quickly around the world," Dr Binns says. "Not everyone will catch a superbug if they get sick overseas, but we should take every precaution to avoid infection."

Dr. Binns advices further on more precautions to take when planning an overseas travel, especially on keeping routine vaccinations up to date before scheduled departure.

"(F)ind out what vaccinations are recommended for your destinations. Some vaccinations need more than one dose over a period of time, and your body will need time to build up immunity before you leave; see your doctor at least 6 weeks before your departure," Dr. Binns tells further.

Dr. Binns also enumerates ways to stay healthy while on travel, such as "practice good hygiene and safe sex; drink bottled or boiled water if it is from an untreated source; avoid ice; eat fruit you can peel; and don't eat raw or reheated food."

Finally, the infections expert urges every traveler to know what to do in case the traveler gets sick while away, particularly seeking a health professional for expert health advice before, during, and after travel.

"(I)f you feel unwell or need to see the doctor once you've returned home, be sure to tell them where you've been. Open communication with your health professionals is key."