Three tips to avoid buying 81 water bottles while traveling

The more I traveled the more I found myself looking for ways I could save money…so I could travel even more. I also noticed that some countries didn’t have the infrastructure to manage the waste generated by tourism; among other contributing factors of course. One thing I realized was that I was spending a fortune on bottled water to avoid playing roulette with sketchy tap water. If you're like me and worry about water quality but don’t want to contribute to the global mountain of plastic waste, or have to be on the lookout while you’re out and about for venders selling water, here are three ways to keep sipping safely.

Be a Filtering Pro with a LifeStraw Water Bottle

The first on the list, and my personal favorite, LifeStraw water bottle. It comes with a built-in filter that catches bacteria, parasites, and microplastics so you don’t catch them. It doesn’t matter whether you're filling up from a questionable tap, a stream, or a public fountain that’s seen better days, it will work. The filter lasts a long time too so you won’t have to worry about replacements while you’re traveling. It’s budget-friendly, planet-approved and you don’t have to waste a minute while traveling thinking about or looking for water.

Shine a Light on Contaminants with a UV Water Purifier

If you like your water treatment with a touch of sci-fi, a UV water purifier like the SteriPEN is for you. This nifty device blasts bacteria, viruses, and protozoa with ultraviolet light in mere minutes. No chemicals, no aftertaste—just pure, drinkable water. Perk: If you take care of it, it lasts forever! Bummer: If you don’t remember to charge it, you’ll be stuck looking for bottled water again.

Pop a Purification Tablet Like a Pro

Think of water purification tablets, like Aquatabs or Katadyn Micropur MP1, as the breath mints of the hydration world—tiny but mighty. These little lifesavers use chlorine dioxide or iodine to zap away bacteria and viruses lurking in your water. Just drop one in, wait a bit (30 minutes w/Aquatabs), and you have safe water! Bonus perk: they take up zero space in your bag, making them perfect for the minimalist traveler. The con: tablets don’t filter out microplastics and some have an aftertaste.

With these hacks, you can keep your travels fun, your wallet happy, and your carbon footprint low. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and keep adventuring!