Map reveals exactly where you can and can’t drink tap water on holiday

FROM visas to jabs, there are a lot of things to think about before jetting of abroad.

Another factor which many travellers often forget about the drinking water situation – until they get thirsty, that is.

Drinking unsafe water can give you all sorts of nasty bugs from diarrhoea and Hepatitis A to typhoid and cholera, the NHS says.

So it’s worth knowing how safe the water is in your chosen destination before turning on the tap.

This map, based on advice from USA’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has revealed where you should be more vigilant with your water. 

The countries considered are Brits top 20 holiday destinations in 2022, according to the Office of National Statistics.

According to the CDC website, the majority of vacation hotspots produce safe-to-drink tap water.

In Europe this includes Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Poland, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Austria.

And outside of Europe, the US, Romania, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates also provide safe tap water.

However, travellers should opt for bottled water in the following countries: Turkey, India, Mexico, Morocco and Cyprus.

Travel experts at insurance company AllClear, warned that even in countries where the water is considered safe, it’s worth bearing in mind that you may still fall ill.

They said: “The quality and composition [of water] will always be different to what you’re used to.

“In some countries for example, the mineral content will be different, and it could be irritating to your stomach if you are already sensitive to gastrointestinal disruptions.

“In this case, it could be worth sticking to bottled water instead.”

And when heading to countries where the tap water isn’t safe, make sure to avoid tap water at all costs.

Filtered, bottled, boiled or chemically treated water should be used.

The NHS suggests steering clear of salads and fresh herbs which may have been washed with tap water.

It also advises using bottled water to brush your teeth and asking for drinks without ice.