A very clean hostel in Lisboa

• Always wash your hands after using a bathroom, or after coming in from a day out, as you never know what your hands have touched. Dry them with a paper towel to minimise bacteria, or use a hand sanitizer.
• If in doubt, avoid foods like seafood, dairy and part-cooked meats, as these are the most likely to spoil. Look out for foods you prepare or peel yourself, and you can’t go too wrong.
• If you are travelling somewhere with a poor water system, consider purchasing some water purification tablets so you have a good source of clean drinking water. You can also boil water before drinking it or using it to brush your teeth, to kill bacteria.
• Keep antibacterial wipes in your bag, so when you are out and using cutlery or other communal items, you can wash your hands or the item using the wipes.
• Avoid touching local wildlife, even animals such as cats and dogs, as these can be carrying diseases and parasites.
• Try not to let pool water or river water get into your mouth when swimming, as this can contain unsanitary bacteria.
• If you are staying in a hostel, consider bringing your own pillowcase and sleeping bag if you can carry them; in some lower quality hostels the beds can contain bedbugs and dirt.
• When backpacking you might be unsure of when your next opportunity to wash is, so take advantage of public showers on beaches too. Avoid using them at busy times, but if you need too, you can use them early in the morning or late in the evening. Just make sure you avoid getting soap in the local water system.
• If you can, purchase a small bottle of antibacterial cleaner (Enzy Clean has a good range that can be popped into travel-size bottles) while on your travels and decant it into a small spray bottle, this way, if you really need to you can clean tables and plates before eating from them.
• You might also want to keep a small packet of tissues or wipes to hand too, as these are great for toilet paper in public toilets, and for helping you to clean dirt off your skin.

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