Essential Items for Covid-Era Travel
Nationwide, COVID-19 cases are showing a promising downward trend. Still, experts recommend that the public refrain from travel, unless it is unavoidable. If you must hit the road, these packing essentials will help keep you and your family safe and healthy.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer has become a staple of daily life in the age of COVID-19. The CDC recommends using a sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol content. Hand sanitizer comes in a variety of forms these days, including gels, sprays, and lotion-infused versions that help to combat the drying effects of alcohol on the skin.
Travelers should bring along larger containers for use in vehicles and lodging. Small, pocket-sized bottles should be kept on your person when you are out and about, for easy access. Trusted brands for daily use include Equate, Purell, Germ-X, Acure, Dr. Bronner’s and Dove.
Soap
If you are planning to stay at a hotel, soap will almost certainly be provided among your standard amenities, but you should plan to bring your own if staying at campground or rental home where such products may not be provided. The CDC recommends washing your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds–roughly the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice through.
Hand sanitizer, while helpful, should not be a replacement for thorough hand washing. Travelers should wash their hands after visiting any public place where frequently-touched surfaces are unavoidable. Wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, before and after handling food, and immediately following use of a toilet or latrine.
Alcohol/Disinfecting Wipes
While traveling, it is likely you will come into contact with frequently-touched surfaces in public areas such as terminals, restrooms, stores and fueling centers. Disinfecting wipes allow you to readily clean any such surfaces you might encounter. Trusted brands include Clorox, Lysol and Wet Ones.
DIY wipes can also be made using a bleach solution. However, these have a shorter shelf life than store-bought brands, and are only effective for around 24 hours.
Paper Towels
Paper towels are an essential item for wiping down surfaces and drying your hands after washing. They remain in short supply in many areas, so it’s wise to bring along your own when traveling.
Masks
Masks are perhaps one of the most vital items on today’s list. A federal mask mandate currently requires the use of face coverings on all federal property, including public transportation hubs nationwide. Most state and local governments have similar mandates in effect. The CDC recommends “double masking” as the most effective method to prevent transmission of COVID-19. This is done by wearing a disposal, surgical-grade mask underneath a second fabric mask, covering both your mouth and nose. Alternative methods such as bandanas and neck-gaiters have been proven less effective at preventing transmission, due to thinner cloth and a looser fit.
When packing masks for a trip, take into account the climate of your destination and any activities you plan to partake in. It’s helpful to have a variety of masks on hand, especially if laundry options will not be available. Reusable masks should be cleaned with hot water and detergent following each use, so make sure to pack plenty so you can frequently change them out.
Gloves
Experts warn against the daily use of gloves by those not working in a medical environment. Germs can remain on the surface of the gloves for hours after contact, and can be transferred to other surfaces quite easily. Still, they are a useful item to pack if you plan to clean or disinfect using bleach products such as Lysol or Clorox. Use gloves to protect your skin from these harsh chemicals, and dispose after use.
Detergent
Fabric masks should be thoroughly cleaned after each use, so detergent is a handy item to bring along. Small, portable options such as Tide Sink Packets work nicely if you lack access to a traditional washing machine and plan to wash your masks in a hotel sink or bathtub.
Personal Water Bottle
Most public water fountains are currently off limits due to sanitary concerns. Packing a water bottle or thermos for each member of the family is an excellent alternative–many even include features such as built-in filters.
Snacks
Food is a resource constantly in demand when traveling. Packing healthy, ready-to-eat snack options will reduce the need to enter high-risk areas such as restaurants, grocery shops or convenience stores.
Cashless Payment Options
Many businesses are currently requesting cashless payment such as mobile or card-based methods. This is due both to the risk of germ transmission, as well as a coin shortage currently affecting the country. If possible, plan to use a card or digital method such as Apple/Google Pay when paying for things during travel. If relying on a mobile method, bring along an extra charger and battery pack to make sure your phone stays charged.
First Aid Kit
First-aid supplies are still in high demand and may be difficult to find, depending on your location. Pack a small kit containing items such as bandages, antibiotic ointment, and multipurpose medicines such as Tylenol/acetaminophen. Temperature checks have become commonplace at many businesses, transportation hubs and public venues, so including a reliable thermometer is also handy.
We hope these packing tips will keep you safe, wherever your journey takes you.
