How These 5 Travellers Got Clean Water Anywhere in the World
Staying hydrated shouldn’t mean constantly buying single-use plastic or worrying about tap water safety. Our filter bottles were designed to turn almost any freshwater source into safe, great-tasting water on demand, but don’t just take our word for it. From remote hiking trips to everyday city travel, here is a compilation of testimonials on how Water-to-Go customers trusted their bottles in the real world.
1. Russel-Smith Family filtering with Water-to-Go across the world
”Having discovered Water to Go 
back in 2015 these miracle bottles have been used by the family for all our travels since including our trips to Bali, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, Cuba, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Iceland, hiking in the Swiss alps, the Tatra mountains, the Brecon beacons and Cornwall.
Most recently they they have been keeping us safe on our hike towards the 14 basecamps.
We were first attracted to the fact that we would be reducing our plastic usage and that it would be saving us a fortune on water. It’s was also essential we could always guarantee safe drinking water for the boys.
The bottles really became a life saver rather than a convenience in August 2018 when we were caught up in the Lombok earthquake on the Gili islands. Having no access to bottled water after the quake and so relying on local water when the temperatures were 30+ meant the Water-to-Go bottles literally saved us from dehydration and at best illness and at worst… it does not bare thinking about with a 6 and 3-year-old in tow at the time.
These bottles will never, and have never left our sides again whilst we are on our travels.”
– Russel-Smith Family
2. Global Convoy
From 2023 to 2024, I, alongside a team of friends, drove from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina, in an all-American Yellow Bluebird School Bus. Traversing through 16 countries, we all used our Water-to-Go bottles to ensure access to safe drinking water. We avoided using bottled water where possible, meaning we avoided wasting over 2,000 plastic bottles thanks to having our reusable Water-to-Go’s. As Water-to-Go ambassadors, we encourage anyone travelling with us to invest in this vital piece of gear.
Joel – Global Convoy
For almost a decade, the Global Convoy team has used Water-to-Go bottles wherever we travel. As a result, we have always had access to safe drinking water, from the Kazakhstan Steppe to the Jungles of Costa Rica. The first time I truly understood how invaluable they were was during our crossing of Siberia in 2016, and so I’ve taken Water-to-Go on every trip since to over 70 countries. From lakes in the Andes to questionable water pools in Central Asia, I now know I can drink from any water source and not get sick.
Max – Global Convoy
Water-to-Go is the number one piece of kit I take wherever I travel. Whether at an airport, in a city, or out on an expedition, I know that with Water-to-Go, I have access to safe drinking water, saving me money and reducing my plastic use. Over the years, as the bottles have been developed, I have noticed the care and attention to feedback that Water-to-Go receives from customers and ambassadors, and their continued efforts to make improvements have been greatly appreciated. I’ve used my Water-to-Go bottle in over 50 countries, and I don’t go anywhere without it.
Becca – Global Convoy/Travel Writer
You can find out more about Global Convoy and their amazing adventures here
3. Filtering Tap Water and Avoid Illness as a Digital Nomad in Southeast Asia
Since February, I’ve been travelling through Southeast Asia while working as a digital nomad, and it’s been an incredible experience. I’ve explored the vibrant streets of Thailand, the historic temples of Cambodia, the bustling cities of Vietnam, and the lush landscapes of Indonesia, primarily Bali. One of the biggest challenges when travelling long-term, especially in countries where the tap water isn’t drinkable, is staying healthy and hydrated. When you’re wondering, “Can I drink the tap water abroad?”, it’s vital to be cautious in these regions. I’ve found that my Water-to-Go bottle has been an absolute lifesaver.
With its advanced filtration technology, I’ve felt confident drinking tap water in all these countries, avoiding the dreaded “traveller’s belly.” In Bali, where the water situation is notoriously bad, I even use my Water-to-Go bottle when brushing my teeth and have never gotten Bali belly! It’s one of my top tips to avoid Bali belly. I also take my bottle to local restaurants and ask them to fill it up with tap water, knowing I’ll have safe water to drink with my meal. No one likes getting sick on holiday, but when you’re a digital nomad, it’s even more inconvenient because you still need to be well enough to work.
Cultural Tips on Water and Food
One of the things I’ve learned while travelling through Southeast Asia is that water habits can vary greatly from country to country, and even region to region. This makes many people ask, “What countries can I drink the tap water in?” In some places, locals may happily drink from taps, wells, or rainwater collection systems, while in others, bottled water is the only option available. It’s always good to ask locals how they handle drinking water. In some smaller, rural restaurants, they might bring out a big jug of water for guests, and instead of feeling unsure about its safety, I confidently fill up my Water-to-Go bottle knowing I’m covered. Plus, carrying your own bottle makes it easier to avoid the constant expense of buying bottled water. It’s been a great way to engage with locals too, as they’re often curious about the bottle, leading to conversations I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Balancing Work and Health on the Road
Being a digital nomad means balancing work with travel, and staying productive while also staying healthy is essential. In the tropical climates of Southeast Asia, hydration is especially important for keeping your energy up. When you’re in a hot country and working remotely, you can’t afford to get dehydrated or sick – it’s not just about missing out on travel experiences, but it can also seriously affect your ability to work. I’ve learned that it’s crucial to keep a reliable source of water with me at all times, whether I’m trekking in the jungle or working from a beach café. Having access to safe drinking water has helped me stay focused, energised, and able to get my work done, even when the temperature is soaring. Plus, staying healthy on the road means fewer interruptions to my travels and my deadlines.
Reducing Plastic Waste While Travelling
Another big reason I’m glad I’ve got my reusable filter bottle with me is the sheer amount of plastic waste you see while travelling. In Southeast Asia, especially in tourist-heavy areas, it’s common to see plastic bottles and bags littering the beaches and streets. If you’re travelling for months at a time like me, your single-use plastic consumption would be incredibly high if you were relying on bottled water every day. With a Water-to-Go bottle, I’ve significantly reduced my plastic footprint. Given the recent studies showing how microplastics are even found in bottled water, it’s clear that avoiding them is not only better for the environment but also for your health.
Money and Convenience
Let’s be honest: long-term travel can get expensive, and it’s surprising how much bottled water costs can add up. I’ve saved a fair amount of money by using my Water-to-Go bottle and just swapping out the filter every few months. It’s been way more cost-effective than buying several plastic bottles a day. Plus, carrying my own water solution gives me a lot more flexibility. In countries where tap water isn’t drinkable, finding bottled water can sometimes be tricky, especially if you’re staying in rural or less touristy areas. My bottle’s filtration system ensures I always have a reliable source of clean water, whether I’m at a beach, in a jungle, or hiking up a mountain.
In Conclusion
Southeast Asia has so much to offer, and being able to explore it while working remotely is a dream come true. But staying healthy, hydrated, and mindful of your environmental impact is key to enjoying the experience to the fullest. When I tell other travellers about my Water-to-Go bottle, they’re always shocked, saying, “I NEED this in my life!” I genuinely believe it’s made my travels safer, cheaper, and more sustainable – and as a digital nomad, that’s exactly what I’m looking for.
Charlotte. B