Staying hydrated is essential while travelling, whether you’re trekking through the mountains, exploring city streets, or lounging on a beach. A good water bottle can be your best travel companion, ensuring you have access to clean and refreshing water wherever you go. It can be handy to have when you find a stunning waterfall in Iceland and want to fill your water bottle with the cleanest, freshest water on the planet.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of water bottles, their pros and cons, and how to keep them clean on the go.
Types of Water Bottles for Travel
1. Plastic Water Bottles
- Pros: Lightweight, inexpensive, widely available
- Cons: Can retain odours and tastes, not environmentally friendly, may contain BPA (look for BPA-free)
2. Stainless Steel Water Bottles
- Pros: Durable, excellent insulation, keeps water cold/hot for hours
- Cons: Heavier than plastic, can be expensive (but will last longer)
3. Collapsible Water Bottles
- Pros: Space-saving, lightweight, great for backpackers
- Cons: Less durable, may develop leaks over time
4. Glass Water Bottles
- Pros: Environmentally friendly, does not retain odors or flavors
- Cons: Fragile, heavier than plastic or metal options
5. Filtered Water Bottles
- Pros: Allows access to safe drinking water in remote areas, removes impurities
- Cons: Filters need replacement, usually more expensive
Pros and Cons of Carrying a Water Bottle While Traveling
Pros:
- Saves Money: Reduces the need to buy bottled water frequently.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces plastic waste from disposable bottles.
- Convenience: Always have water available, no need to search for stores.
- Health Benefits: Encourages regular hydration, which is crucial while traveling.
Cons:
- Extra Weight: Some bottles, especially stainless steel, can be heavy.
- Maintenance Required: Needs regular cleaning to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Airport Restrictions: Must be emptied before security checks, but can be refilled after.
How to Clean Your Water Bottle on the Go
Keeping your water bottle clean is crucial to avoid bacterial growth and unpleasant odours. Here are some quick and easy methods, of which a few may need the help of a restaurant.
1. Rinse with Hot Water and Soap
- Swish warm, soapy water around the bottle and rinse thoroughly. This is the easiest as all hotels and cruise ship cabins provide soap.
2. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
- Fill the bottle with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. Vinegar can be obtained at any restaurant, however, you will need to bring baking soda with you. You could also fill a small plastic travel container with vinegar and bring it with you. Make sure it is 100ml or less when travelling with carry-on luggage only
3. Lemon and Salt Scrub
- A great natural option: Use lemon juice and coarse salt to scrub the interior. These can be obtained at any hotel or cruise restaurant.
4. Bottle Cleaning Tablets
- Drop-in cleaning tablets are convenient for deep cleaning while travelling. These can be purchased at any department store, grocery or pharmacy. To save space in your luggage, pop a few in a small ziplock bag.
5. Self Cleaning using UV Light
- Some high-tech water bottles come with built-in UV sterilization to keep them bacteria-free. Keep in mind these require electricity to power them, so USB cords are necessary. As not all hotel rooms or cruise ship cabins have USB ports, we recommend packing an adapter just in case.
Conclusion
A reliable water bottle is a must-have travel accessory that ensures hydration, saves money, and helps reduce plastic waste. Choosing the right type depends on your travel needs, and keeping it clean is essential for health and hygiene. Whether you opt for a collapsible bottle for convenience, a stainless steel one for durability, or a filtered bottle for safety, there’s a perfect water bottle for every traveller. So, pack one on your next trip and stay hydrated wherever you go!
Gin & Tonic Travel aims to help you travel sustainably, and we can certainly point you in the right direction. We realize that sustainability isn’t perfect, and we’re here to help you make the best choices for you.
You can read more about sustainability in travel in our weekly Sustainable Sips blog. If there is a topic you would like for us to write about, please send us your suggestion to explore@ginandtonictravel.com.
Article by Angela Jeffreys-Geuzinge, Co-founder and Travel Specialist at Gin & Tonic Travel
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