Anyone who’s deciding on setting out for a long trip out of the country is faced with a number of interesting challenges. Aside from visas and passports, there is the question of how to pack. Away from the conveniences of home, there are other struggles that will immediately make themselves known. Fresh water is one of the most elemental concerns. Being away from the familiar water filter in the house or apartment might not seem like a big deal, but it can soon turn into one.
Fortunately, most places in the world have a very steady supply of bottled water. In Latin American countries, where the risks are the stuff of legend, the availability of bottled water is rather widespread. Even anthropologists and eco-travelers usually discover that water is easier to find than imagined. But if a new traveler does discover that they’ve wandered far off the beaten path, where the fun is, and bottled water is scarce, then it can be a little more tricky.
There is no substitute for pure water, and it’s very difficult to make questionable water pure. Boiling for prolonged periods can decrease the risks, killing most if not all of the bacteria. There are also those who swear by the power of the chile . The active ingredients that cause the mouth to burn also have an effect on cleansing the stomach, although it’s not necessarily a safe bet every time. In a pinch, however, it’s certainly better than nothing.