Right, let’s talk about something that can absolutely wreck a perfectly good trip abroad: getting sick from the water. I learned this the hard way, believe me. It wasn’t pretty.
I remember this one time, years ago, I was backpacking through Southeast Asia. Super excited, young, and, frankly, a bit daft about some things. I was all about “experiencing the local culture,” which, in my mind back then, included drinking whatever the locals were drinking and eating whatever looked good from street stalls without much thought. I saw people drinking tap water in a small guesthouse, even saw them fill up pitchers. “Must be fine,” I thought. Famous last words, eh?
About three days into what was supposed to be a blissful week in this beautiful coastal town, it hit me. And when I say “it hit me,” I mean it felt like a freight train. I won’t go into the gory details, but let’s just say I became intimately familiar with the guesthouse bathroom. My stomach was doing gymnastics I didn’t know were possible. Fever, chills, the works. My grand plans of exploring ancient ruins and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters? Gone. Poof. Replaced by a fervent wish for it all to just stop.
I spent a good four days of that precious week feeling absolutely miserable, curled up in bed, surviving on plain rice (when I could keep it down) and wishing I’d been smarter. It was a brutal lesson. All that money spent on the trip, all that excitement, flushed down the toilet, quite literally. The culprit? Almost certainly the water, or maybe ice in a drink, or fruit washed in contaminated water. I couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment, but it was a waterborne nasty, no doubt about it.
So, What Did I Learn From That Debacle?
Well, after that trip, I swore, never again. I got serious about how I handle water when I’m in places where the supply might be a bit iffy. It’s not about being paranoid; it’s about being sensible so I can actually enjoy my travels. Here’s what I do now, religiously:
- Bottled Water is My Best Friend: This is my go-to. I always buy sealed bottled water. And I mean, I check the seal. If it looks dodgy or already opened, I don’t touch it. I use it for drinking, brushing my teeth, everything. It might cost a bit more, but it’s way cheaper than losing days of my vacation to sickness.
- Boil It, Boil It, Boil It: If bottled water isn’t readily available or I want to be extra cautious (or save on plastic), I make sure I can boil water. Most guesthouses or hotels will have a kettle. Bringing water to a rolling boil for a good minute or two usually sorts out the bad guys. I let it cool down, then pour it into my own reusable bottle.
- Water Purification Tablets/Filters: I started carrying these as a backup. They’re small, light, and can be lifesavers. Some make the water taste a bit funny, but it’s better than the alternative. A portable water filter is also a great investment if you travel a lot to remote areas. I got myself a decent one after that disastrous trip.
- Ice? No Dice!: This was a tough one for me because I love a cold drink. But ice is often made from local tap water. So, unless I’m in a really high-end place where I trust their filtration, I just say no to ice. Warm soda it is!
- Watch Those Salads and Unpeeled Fruits: Fresh salads and fruits are tempting, especially in hot climates. But they’re often washed in local tap water. I stick to fruits I can peel myself, like bananas or oranges. For salads, I’m very cautious unless I’m confident about the restaurant’s hygiene practices. Cooked food is generally much safer.
- Be Careful with Street Food Drinks: I love street food, but I’m now super wary of juices or drinks that might have had local water or ice added. I’ll watch how they make it. If it’s just pure squeezed fruit with nothing else added, maybe. But if they’re adding water or ice from a questionable bucket, I pass.
It might sound like a lot of hassle, but honestly, it becomes second nature pretty quickly. And the peace of mind? Priceless. Since I started being this careful, I haven’t had a repeat of that Southeast Asian nightmare. My trips are for exploring and enjoying, not for hugging a toilet bowl. Trust me on this one, a little bit of caution goes a long, long way in keeping you healthy and happy on your travels.
