Reasons to Bring Your Own Water Bottle on Overseas Trips
It might not be on a school field trip checklist, but I highly recommend bringing your own water bottle on overseas trips.
Sustainability, saving money—those are some reasons. But that's not all.
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You have to empty your bottle at airport security. But once you've passed through, you can refill it as much as you like.
At the Kansai Expo, there were free water refill stations everywhere, which was a huge help.
Recently, more airports have been installing water refill stations, too. They are often located near the restrooms.
The hotel I stayed at in Waikiki actually had a machine next to the lobby where you could get coconut or lemon-flavored water.
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People abroad, especially in America, have such imposing physiques. I observe them at the risk of being rude, but it looks like they drink soda as if it were water.
There are also many zero-calorie and sugar-free drinks sold.
During this trip to Hawaii, I bought some sparkling water in a very cute color, drawn in by the 'sugar-free' and 'no-calorie' labels.
But the taste...
I just can't bring myself to like that aftertaste.
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After all, I prefer plain water best.
I carry a stainless steel insulated bottle. Being able to keep my water cold is the thing I appreciate most.
When I buy a larger plastic bottle, I transfer half of it into my own bottle first. After I finish the plastic bottle, the contents of my own bottle are still cold. I can enjoy it comfortably until the very last drop.
It's a small trick, but it makes a big difference during long periods of travel.
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You can drink tap water as-is in Japan. Surprisingly few countries abroad allow you to do that.
That is exactly why I bring my own bottle.
It's lighter than constantly buying plastic bottles, and it produces no waste. Above all, the freedom of not having to look for a place to buy water when I'm thirsty has been quietly comfortable.
It makes me feel a little lighter on my travels.
…It's funny how much a single water bottle can change things.