Traveling in Bali, we made the happy discovery that sidewalk vendors and small restaurants keep a pile of coconuts handy and will slice one open for you. You can watch them use a small machete to carve the top at an angle and then make a small hole in the top.

It is a delicious and inexpensive beverage, served with a straw. We found that the same natural coconut water was also available in Thailand and in Costa Rica.

In Costa Rica, where coconut water is called agua de pipa, or just pipa, there are coconut trees everywhere. They grow on the sides of the roads and along the beaches. We have watched locals, spending a day at the beach, knock coconuts down from trees with a long bamboo pole (which also litter the beaches there). Then they use a machete and soon have a delicious, refreshing treat.

When we were house sitting in Costa Rica, we decided we wanted to try it ourselves. There was an abundance of coconut trees and a machete was available. There was also a gardener named Santana, who was happy to give us a quick demonstration.

Our doggy friend, Buster, likes coconut water too!

There is so much to love about traveling in the tropics. But, all the mosquito bites? Not so much! This safe and effective insect repellent is a must-have travel item (and is not available locally).

Read Next