Water
One of the most common discomforts travelers experience while away from home is caused by a lack of knowledge about proper food and drink precautions.

In areas without chlorinated tap water, or where hygiene and sanitation are poor, travelers may find that only the following water is safe to drink:

	Beverages made with boiled water
	Canned or bottled carbonated beverages, including carbonated bottled water
	Beer and wine

Additional Helpful Hints

	In areas of unsafe water, ice should also be avoided.
	When drinking bottled beverages, surfaces which come in direct contact with your mouth, should first be wiped clean.
	Brush teeth and rinse toothbrush with bottled, boiled or treated water.
	Boiling is the most reliable method for making water safe to drink.   Bring to a vigorous rolling boil for one minute and allow to cool to room temperature.  At very high altitudes, above two kilometers, longer boiling or chemical disinfection will be necessary.
	Chlorine is less reliable than iodine for chemical disinfection.

Food

Food should be selected with care.  All raw food is subject to contamination.  Avoid salads, uncooked vegetables, un-pasteurized milk and milk products (such as cheese).  Eat only cooked food that is still hot, or fruit that you peeled yourself.

Avoid all raw seafood.  Avoid shellfish that may come from polluted water.  Choose ocean source seafood that is well cooked and served hot.