<![CDATA[Background: International travelers are at risk of travel-related illness (TRI), particularly when visiting tropical and developing regions such as Indonesia. Bali, as a major international destination, presents increased exposure to infectious diseases and environmental health risks. International medical students are especially vulnerable due to prolonged stays and high levels of social interaction. Objective: This study aimed to describe travel-health behaviour and the occurrence of travel-related illness among international medical students in tropical LMICs. Methods: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design conducted from January to September 2025, collected using a structured questionnaire administered through in-person and online interviews. A total 60 participants from international medical students, Udayana University using convenience sampling. The study assessed travel-health behaviour : pre-travel preparation, pre-travel advice–seeking behaviour, preventive practices during travel, and travel-health kit utilization. In addition, travel-related illness was evaluated, defined as any self-reported health problems experienced during travel. Results: Most participants showed good pre-travel health preparation (31-58,3%), including professional consultation, and possession of travel-health kits. Preventive practices during travel were generally good (68,3%) but did not consistently increase with higher preparation levels. Despite this, a high proportion of participants experienced travel-related illness (78,3%), mainly gastrointestinal (55%) and respiratory conditions (31,7%). Professional pre-travel advice and good preventive practices were associated with lower illness proportions. Conclusion: Despite high pre-travel preparation, travel-related illness remained common among international medical students, likely influenced by ongoing environmental exposure and situational behaviours during prolonged stays in tropical settings, reducing the effectiveness of pre-departure preparation.]]>
