Tips Many students travel at some point in their college careers, both in the United States and to foreign countries. But trips abroad can take some planning and some relatively simple precautions can prevent many problems and help ensure a safe and healthy journey. Many things can go wrong on vacation. For example, food and water contamination are common.
Boiling water is by far the most reliable method to make water safe to drink.
Water should be brought to a vigorous boil and allowed to cool to room temperature without adding ice. It may be advisable, however, to stick to carbonated beverages such as carbonated bottled water and soft drinks. Food contamination is most risky in any raw foods. Particularly in areas where hygiene and sanitation are inadequate, travelers should avoid salads, uncooked vegetables, unpasteurized milk and milk products, and undercooked meat. Malaria is also a concern for travelers.