sanitize Archives

Covid traveling tips.

by Donna Hunter, PhD | Sep 19, 2021 | 0 comments

As most traveling happens in public spaces, it made sense for many to want people only to do essential travel during Covid 19. However, after almost two years of Covid, many who put off traveling have decided that life must go on. I wholeheartedly agree, and while there is no absolute way to avoid Covid, there are some precautions we can take to minimize our risks. Here are five Covid traveling tips I think help minimize your risks while traveling.

Get vaccinated.

There are many reasons people have for choosing to or not choosing to take the Covid vaccine. Everyone is entitled to their choice and opinion, and I respect that choice, whatever it may be. I realize that there may not be a lengthy body of research on the vaccines and their long-term effects, but pausing my life as I did in 2020, is no longer an option. I have always lived a life of taking risks and slightly different choices. The Covid vaccine is simply another one of those choices for me.

Choose a window seat.

Before Covid, my preference was always for an aisle seat. I like the ability to move around at will without having to disturb my seatmate. However, in an aisle seat, you are exposed to everyone who passes by you. The aisle seat gives you more exposure to people who may be sick. A window seat allows you to be more distant from the majority of airplane passengers.

Use the overhead bin.

As somewhat of a germophobe, the thought of putting my purse on the floor is disgusting. Putting your things on the floor exposes you to more germs. The airline may have wiped down the seating area before you got on, but I know for sure the floor has not been sanitized.

Sanitize your seat area.

For many sanitizing wipes has become the norm, and they are not only useful for your hands. Seatbelt buckles, armrests, headrests, tray tables, and screens are all places that the passenger before you have touched. Be sure to sanitize them, as you can never be 100% sure it was done for you.

Wear your mask.

To me, this is a no-brainer, but unfortunately, it’s not too many passengers. Many travelers seem to get into a sense of total relaxation during travel. I know masks are uncomfortable, but in addition to the benefits of filtering out the air, it prevents you from touching your nose and mouth with your hand. The same hand that’s been touching the very public seat you’re sitting in. Additionally, it is a federal mandate. No matter what airline you travel on, it is guided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It’s not possible to eliminate all the chances of getting sick on an airplane. But taking steps to lessen your exposure can be done. Traveling is a part of life and may be necessary. As with all travel, travelers should stay informed and plan accordingly. I hope these tips help. Let me know. Subscribe

5 Covid friendly hotel stay tips.

by Donna Hunter PhD | Dec 16, 2020 | 0 comments

Having flown as a career for over 20 years I have stayed in many hotel rooms and so the experience has taught me a lot about what to look out for in terms of cleanliness.

1. Check the hotel sheets. No one wants to sleep on possible dirty covid sheets. I can’t tell you how many different times I have gone into a hotel room just dying to shower and get into bed and found that the sheets have not been changed. If you do this when you first get into the hotel room, there is plenty of opportunity for the hotel to fix the issue before you are ready to go to bed.

2. Make sure the sheets are visibly dirty before you check out of the hotel and prevent any possible Covid spread. I think it’s just a matter of kindness to the next guest and just plain hygienic. Don’t feel bad as the hotel should automatically be doing this anyhow. I always wiped the bottom of my shoe across the sheets before I checked out.

3.Place a face towel or hand towel on the bathroom counter to place all your items on. Especially in this time of covid you do not want to transfer any germs to your face or hands. It’s also a visual reminder of anything placed on the counter and it helps in not forgetting items like jewelry in the bathroom.

4. Take an extra washcloth and wipe the toilet seats down. I think we all assume that the hotel room has been cleaned thoroughly but my experience has shown that the toilet seat is often overlooked.

5. Treat hotel room floors like airplane bathrooms and never assume it’s just water. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve passed through hotel corridors and seen the remains of a hotel room party gone wild. Let’s face it, the hotel does not have the manpower or capability to thoroughly clean hotel room floors, nor do they often have time between checkouts. Covid can be easily spread through bodily fluids.

I hope my tips have been helpful, check back in for more of my lived travel experience.

Massage, one of the best things for self care.

by Donna Hunter PhD | Nov 19, 2020 | 0 comments

They are plenty of different types of travelers. Backpackers, weekenders, thrill seekers, and holiday travelers are but a few. I have traveled extensively for work and pleasure and I consider myself a spa traveler. For me, travel is not just to have been to a destination or to check it off my bucket list, I travel for the experience of travel. Most importantly, a spa visit to wherever I go is a must as I believe that self care is the best care.

With Covid 19, travel is limited, but it is limitless in my mind. Inner travel often takes me back to many of my previous travel experiences as well as the ones I’d like to have. Lately, getting at home massages has been a way for me to elevate my inner travel experience. I believe that a massage is one of the best things for self care, a way to treat yourself and take a break from life. For an hour, I can do nothing but be still and have someone concentrate on me, the ultimate getaway.

What travel experiences do you think you can bring to your life without leaving the presence of your home? Can you make a cocktail or cocktail and take an hour for yourself? Can you just sit still and watch the world go by on your street or neighborhood? Just people watch like we do when we’re on vacation and curious about the people and places we see. Try it and let me know how bringing the inner travel experience to life works for you.