Many things are said, so many things about foreign countries. We see all kinds of information on the net, and we have to admit that they are not all true, and yet some people believe in them, which sometimes leads them into rather delicate and sometimes dangerous situations. So today I decided to take a look at some of these preconceived ideas, to see what they really are. If this can help you prepare for a trip, it will be great.

Tap water is safe to drink in all your destinations

You know why most people still use filters before drinking tap water at home? Because the water is drinkable, but sometimes undrinkable and of poor quality. If with the infrastructure we have at home, we can’t even drink water directly from the tap, imagine what the water is like in those poor countries that have trouble getting clean water.

So no, the water is not safe to drink, no matter where you go. The best thing to do is to always drink bottled water in order to avoid diseases, sometimes not very important, sometimes dangerous like cholera for example, which can kill you in no time without good care.

If you want to avoid such worries, I advise you not to drink tap water. Unless there is another possible alternative, boil the water before drinking it, use a filtering gourd or disinfecting tablets.

Beware of the sun in Australia

If you decide to go to Australia for your next vacation, I advise you not to forget a hat and sun protection. Indeed, it is true that the sun is particularly aggressive in Australia, and for good reason, it is located a little too close to Antarctica, where the effects of the deterioration of the ozone layer cause a bad filtration of the solar rays which become dangerous.

It always scares me to think that 3 out of 4 Australians develop skin cancer before the age of 70, which proves that you really have to be careful with the sun there. So be careful when you go there and don’t stay too long. It’s a great place, I agree, but you also have to be careful about your health.

Africa is politically unstable

That’s absolutely true. Africa has been shaken by more than 80 coups in the last decades. It is therefore obvious that the situation of the different countries of this continent is still not at its best, which makes the continent scare tourists. Although countries such as Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Mali and the Ivory Coast have a certain potential for tourism, people are not thrilled to travel to countries where there is a risk of death at every corner.

Today, the situation becomes even more critical when you think about the actions of the Islamic State that have reached this continent for quite some time, which gives rise to carnage and genocide of such a magnitude that it really does not make you want to go there. In any case, I don’t recommend it, especially if you value your life.

Thailand, ideal destination for sex tourism

I know, you are not interested in sex tourism, or are you? But you should know that Thailand is really one of the favorite destinations for sex tourists. And yes, there are still people doing that nowadays, wondering what’s in their skulls or in their pants. But the fact is, it’s true and on top of that, it represents 15% of the GDP there.

If you want to go there for a trip, I have to admit that you will find some nice destinations if you ignore this ugly side. However, take your precautions and don’t go to the neighborhoods known to contain brothels. Don’t walk around too late at night, either.

Junk Food, it’s in the United States

It’s true, Americans are the biggest consumers of rich industrial products. That’s why obesity and overweight problems are so prevalent there, but it would be a lie to say that junk food is only prevalent there.

At home, things are also starting to get tougher than fast food chains are multiplying, and we are also getting used to eating food prepared by them.

However, it is important to remember that there is not only junk food in Uncle Sam. You can find good restaurants that serve good food. All you have to do is look around a bit. Also, if you decide to fill up on junk food, it will be by choice and not by obligation! Indeed, there are not only giant hamburgers, French fries, fried chicken wings, nuggets and so on in America.

The importance of taking out good insurance before leaving

Travel insurance is a point not to be neglected when you decide to go on a trip. Indeed, despite a good preparation of your trip, you can’t control everything that will happen once you arrive at the spot.

So having the right insurance to cover your back in case something goes wrong is a necessity these days. Whether you have an accident or get sick from the water we just talked about, insurance will allow you to get medical care, hospitalization in a suitable place or emergency repatriation if necessary.

In case of loss of luggage, damage to your belongings or theft of any kind, you are normally insured if you have taken out this coverage. Insurance can also save you if you find yourself in the middle of an armed conflict. Insurance can force you to return home. In short, choose your travel insurance carefully and most importantly, get it!