What should one do when visiting "Don't drink the water" countries?

When you are unsure about the quality of the water you are using, few things kill bacteria such as giardia and other waterborne pathogens quite so well as a few drops of iodine. Lifesystems Iodine Droplets come in a small dropper bottle. Just three drops will make safe a litre of water - or six droplets when giardia is suspected. You wait between 10 and 20 minutes, and then the water is ready for consumption.

Any drawbacks?

Most obviously, the taste. Iodine-treated water is not delicious, it's disgusting. It leaves the water with a feint metallic flavour. So that's why, if you are going to drink the iodine-treated water, it's best to also use Lifesystems Neutralising Tablets. Pop one of these into a litre of treated water, let it stand for five minutes and the water no longer leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.

Is that all there is to it?

Where possible, treat and use relatively clear water. If there is "other matter" in the water, travellers are advised to strain it "through a piece of fine cotton such as a T-shirt".

I'll hide my favourite Versace T-shirts, then. Any other wardrobe tips to offer?

If you get a drop of iodine on your clothes, a solution of water with several neutralising tablets "may" help remove the stains.

Where do I get this water-treatment double act?

Lifesystems Iodine Droplets cost £4.99 a bottle while the Neutralising Tablets are £3.99 for 75. Both are available, plus p&p, from Itchy Feet (01225 442618, itchyfeet.com).