TripHip - Travel Tips and Advice for Traveling on a Budget

Everyone has heard that you shouldn't drink the water when you are traveling outside the country. While this is certainly true, that isn't where your safety concerns should end.

If the water in an area is especially suspect, don't even eat any raw fruit or vegetables unless its something that you peel the skin before eating. All food should be well cooked, so try to avoid rare or raw meats.

Some places in developing countries may try to sell you "bottled water" that is actually filled with tap water. If your water has a broken safety seal, don't trust it. For the best security, buy carbonated water. Bubbles mean it hasn't been opened.

Don't forget ice cubes. No sense drinking bottled water if you are going to drop a few tap-water ice cubes in your drink. That includes any drinks ordered in a restaurant.

If you are going on a trip on a hot day, fishing, on safari or maybe out on the Everglades, put a bottle of spring water in the freezer the night before.

In the morning, wrap the frozen water bottle in a towel and pop it in a ziplok. As the day goes on, the water will melt, making a deliciously cool drink. Drinking water is essential to avoid dehydration and kids will love it.

If you are traveling in a foreign country, particularly in Asia, South or Central America, or Africa, it's advisable not to drink the water, or else you might get sick.

Instead, always drink bottled water. Make sure that the bottle is properly sealed when you buy it, because sometimes people will fill old bottles and try to sell them as new.

Also, when you order a drink at a restaurant, ask for the drink without ice. You can bet that the ice they use probably comes from the tap, which means it's just as unsafe as drinking the local water.

Going out on the open water to watch some whales? Here are a few tips.

Even if it's fairly warm on land, it will be quite a bit colder out on a boat. Dress appropriately (layers are good) and even bring a jacket. Your shoes should have sturdy rubber soles so you don't slip on a wet deck. If your favorite sandals have smooth soles, leave them on shore.

Whale watching can also be a bit dull if there is a long ride to the open water, or if there are just no whales about that day. Remember that if you plan on taking small children.