Unprepared travelers who hope to enjoy exotic locations often spend their days in the hotel bathroom instead. Almost 40% of all travelers experience some form of stomach upset from minor to debilitating diarrhea. For people who have underlying kidney or heart problems, the dehydration from diarrhea can be life-threatening.



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates which countries have safe drinking water. Countries are rated by risk - high, intermediate and low -

- High risk: Africa, Mexico and Central America, most of Asia and the Middle East, especially the rural areas. Hepatitis A is a concern in Russia.

- Intermediate: South Africa, Southern and Eastern Europe.

- Low risk: US, Canada, Japan, Northern Europe and Australia.

To Stay Safe -

- Drink bottled water, but inspect it first. In some countries, a container of bottled water costs $4 or more. Unscrupulous vendors may refill empties with tap water. Always check that the factory seal is intact. Buy carbonated water if available - it's harder to fake.

- Wipe bottles and cans dry before drinking. Bottled and canned beverages may be kept cold in tubs filled with ice water. Moisture on the outside may contain organisms that can get into your mouth when you drink. Of course, don't add ice cubes to beverages unless you're sure they are made from uncontaminated water.

- Use bottled water for brushing your teeth. Also stand your toothbrush upright between brushing so that it isn't contaminated with water from the sink.

- Drink bottled water on cruise ships and airplanes. Nonbottled water could be contaminated. Coffee and tea, made with boiling water, should be safe.

- Sterilize your water by boiling. Put the water in a clean pot, bring it to a rolling boil, then remove it from the heat and let it cool. Transfer to a sterilized container. Boiling is the most reliable way to kill most disease-causing organisms.

- Use a water-filtration bottle. This can protect you from bacteria, protozoa and lead. Some also filter viruses, including hepatitis A. Check out the product label.

- Beware of swimming. Swimming in the ocean is generally safe, since few bacteria and parasites can survive in the saltwater. But lakes and other bodies of fresh water can have high levels of contamination, and some organisms pass directly thru the skin.

Showering and toweling off soon after swimming will assist in removal of parasites before they have a chance to burrow through the skin. Wearing swimming shoes can protect you from parasites and puncture wounds.

Well maintained and chemically treated swimming pools generally are safe.