Travel in the time of a global pandemic is not an easy feat to accomplish. But, it is also not impossible! If you already had a trip scheduled or if you are currently planning a trip, it is important to consider all of the new safety precautions that should be in place to ensure that you have a great, safe trip.
In addition to what you would normally pack during your trips, here are some items you should add to your travel bag:
Hand Sanitizer
This item became a hot commodity when the ensuing panic of COVID-19 started kicking in a few months ago. It became extremely difficult and almost impossible to find in stores or to order online for delivery. When traveling, it is important to be able to quickly sanitize after handling and touching high-touchpoint areas. In addition, always remember to sanitize whenever you don’t have access to soap and water. Ensure that the hand sanitizer you are using is at least 60% alcohol as that is the amount recommended by the FDA to be effective against the virus.
Antibacterial Wipes
Another hot button item that became popular at the height of the pandemic, having wipes are essential to keeping your area clean during travel. If you’re flying, even on your way to the airport, you can wipe down the surfaces of the vehicle you’re traveling in or especially if you are taking the train to get there, you can wipe your area clean. As per the FDA, the virus is said to live on surfaces, taking the extra step to wipe your area down to prevent transfer of bacteria is essential.
Facial Tissues
Don’t sneeze into your hands! Get a travel pack of facial tissues that you can keep on-hand for when the unpredictable sneeze attack happens. Facial tissues can also be used to wipe away excess oils on your face, you can cough into them, and to limit contact if you must touch something, you can use it to create that barrier between you and the object in lieu of gloves.
Reusable Straw & Water Bottle
En route to your destination, you will frequently be snacking and drinking. You can combine being healthy with being environmentally friendly by getting a reusable straw and a reusable water bottle. Reusable straws come in handy when you’re drinking out of a can or bottle that
May be difficult to keep steady during the ride. Instead of continuing to have to touch new water bottles and throw the ones that are plastic out, consider getting a reusable water bottle that you can refill.
Miniature Alcoholic Beverages
Travel sized alcohol of spirits, liqueurs, and other alcoholic drinks can be useful when you want that buzz that comes in just the right size. Now that contact is being very limited on flights, many airlines have either restricted or completely stopped serving alcohol. With a miniature bottle, you can still enjoy your buzz at a fraction of the cost.
Snacks
Grab a zip lock bag and fill with your favorite sweets to crunch on. Continuing with airlines limiting contact, some airlines no longer serve peanuts or any other food items. Having snacks on hand can be a good pick me up for you or your family when getting a full meal may not be possible while traveling.
Related post: Best foods to pack for long flights
Disposable Utensils
Keeping a set of plastic forks will be helpful in restaurant environments that may still be serving patrons on reusable silverware. It comes in handy as well when access to a dish soap and a sink are not readily available.
Extra Facial Coverings
In the wake of the pandemic, the CDC has recommended people wear facial masks to minimize risk of getting sick due to droplets in the air. You can find some of your favorite characters or patterns on face masks here. Get creative with these new, here to stay items because they will be required in many places for the foreseeable future.
Entertainment
Just in case your flight doesn’t have a TV (or one that is working,) make sure you bring along things to keep you busy during your client. A kindle, iPad, laptop, crossword…whatever it is you enjoy. A distraction could also help keep your anxiety levels down.
Other Travel Essentials
In addition to the aforementioned items, other travel essentials like toiletries and prescriptions are also important. Follow the tendencies that you have on a regular day-to-day basis. Think about where you’re going, what you’ll be eating and what you normally use to make yourself comfortable all while staying safe. Over-the-counter medicines for minor aches can also come in handy. A travel size first aid kit is always a good idea.
Note: We share tips for health, travel & preparedness, but this is not official medical advice. Please contact your medical professional if you have questions or symptoms.
