Five travel must-haves post Covid-19.

Five travel must-haves post Covid-19.

With many people choosing to vaccinate against Covid-19, the possibility of safer and healthier travel is closer to reality.  However, being vaccinated does not ensure that you will not be affected by the virus, and there are certain health precautions, such as wearing masks, that we still need to take.  When it comes to travel, here are five must-haves I think all travelers should have post-covid-19.

Antiseptic wipes

No matter how much the airline tries to clean and sanitize an airplane, the short timing between deplaning and reboarding an airplane does not seem guaranteed to sanitize the aircraft thoroughly.  Therefore, having your sanitizing wipes and sanitizing your seatbelt, tray table, armrest, and general area, would be a more intelligent and healthier choice.

Disposable masks

Post covid, wearing a face mask has become more of a fashion statement in addition to a measure of health safety.  When traveling, it is advisable to use disposable masks to change often rather than the pretty fashionable ones you tend to use at home. Stylish face masks are great for use when at home because you can wash them often.  When traveling, cleaning your masks is not usually an option, and disposable masks can be a safer, healthier, and economical choice when traveling.

Sanitizer spray

In addition to sanitizer gel, sanitizer spray is also another excellent option for travel.  Travelers can use sanitizer spray to disinfect surfaces without coming into direct contact with surfaces.  They are now available in travel sizes, and travelers can make homemade solutions to fit travel-sized containers.

Disposable gloves

Using gloves when disinfecting surfaces is just another precaution to take from coming into contact with infected surfaces.  Travelers can use a disposable glove when wiping down their seatbelt, tray table, or armrests, and even when they go to the restroom to sanitize toilet seats or accessing toilet seat covers.  Gloves are just another way to minimize your contact with items that might be infected.

Travel soap

Consider the ramifications of pressing the button that everyone else pushes for dispensing soap after using the bathroom but before washing their hands.  Having personal travel soap can make for even less avoidable contact.  There are now tiny travel packets of soap flakes available that are small enough to carry in your purse.

Travel realities have changed post covid, and travelers now have a few more precautions to consider when traveling to avoid becoming sick.  Have you changed the health precautions you now take for travel?  Let me know.

Traveling while vaccinated

Traveling while vaccinated

As a travel blogger, I often see and hear that the reason for being vaccinated is to be able to travel.  The reality is that being vaccinated will not only lessen your anxiety about social situations but puts others at ease as well.  However, being vaccinated is not a guarantee that you won’t get or spread the covid virus.  There are still precautions you need to take in social situations and when traveling.

Wear a mask.  If you chose to be vaccinated, it means you have made a social commitment to the health and well-being of others.   It means that you are caring enough about your health and the health of others to opt for a vaccine, none of which are 100% effective. Continuing to wear a mask is still part of the social commitment you take to show the value you have for people in social situations at home and abroad.

Covid testing is still a requirement in many places.  Just because you were vaccinated does not preclude you from Covid testing.  If the state or country you are traveling to requires testing, you will have to comply with meeting their requirements to travel. There are different types of testing and timing restrictions for testing.  Make sure you do your research and know what is needed to avoid any travel complications. I wrote a previous blog about Covid and its impact on travel that you may find helpful.

Follow the local guidelines.  Being vaccinated does not permit you to act without thought for others.  There are still state and country restrictions on the number of people allowed in a group, when and where to wear a mask, and even outdoor activities requiring you to wear a mask. Please be aware that you can be fined or confined for flaunting local rules, and you might have to cut your vacation short if you don’t follow local guidelines.

Be prepared to show documentation.  To date, there is no uniformity in requirements locally or internationally for vaccine or testing documentation.  Know that the documentation you have given to you at your local vaccination or testing site may not be acceptable at some places as documentation.  If possible, have paper copies of documents or authorizations printed ahead of time.  Often, we rely on our phones for data such as QR codes and emails; there is no guarantee you will be able to access this information at all times, so be prepared.

Finally, please remember that although you are vaccinated, there is no guarantee that others have been, particularly in social situations.  Especially on public transportation, when you are in confined spaces, be aware of the possibility that you can come into contact with someone who may be Covid positive.  We come into contact with hundreds of different people daily, and there is no way of knowing who, how, or where you may have interacted with the Covid virus. Be safe.

Have you been vaccinated and subsequently traveled?  Any complications or stories you like to share? I’d like to know.

Before you travel.

Before you travel.

Many times, travelers get so excited about taking a trip and their destination expectations, they forget to plan for the actual trip.  One should do many things to prepare before you travel, but from my lived experience, I’d like to share a few tips to get you prepared for your trip beforehand.

Electronics

Charge your electronics!  It can be frustrating to be in the airport and not have access to a charger or find a plug outlet that holds the plug without you holding it into the wall.  Many airplanes now have in-seat outlets available.  However, they are not guaranteed and may be inoperative.  Be prepared and have your electronics fully charged before your trip.

Chargers

Don’t forget your chargers for your electronics.  When purchased at the airport, these items are often overpriced, and there is no guarantee of finding the correct charger or borrowing one on your trip.  My tip is to place your chargers on top or in your carry-on the night before your trip, so you do not forget them or pack them when you grab your bag.

Apps

Download all the apps you will need for your travel.  Many airlines now have their apps so that you can check in or get access to inflight information or entertainment onboard.  Other apps such as airport-specific apps, packing list apps, TSA apps, or country-specific apps are also helpful.  Downloading these apps at home before you need them is much easier than downloading them over airport Wi-Fi or on the go.

Security screening

Prepare for TSA screening or airport screening.  If your outfits or jewelry contain lots of metal, be prepared to take them off before going through airport screening.  It saves you time in security and prevents the lines from backing up when you constantly have to remove items to get through security.  Additionally, plan your footwear accordingly.  It will be easier to have comfortable slip-on shoes to get through security than to have to unlace a pair of boots.  You might also like to have a pair of socks on hand, so you are not walking on cold or dirty airport floors in your bare feet.

Government websites

Finally, be aware of government websites that will have travel information domestically as well as internationally.  Some to remember are TSA, the US Department of State, and the STEP or Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.  These sites allow you to get the latest security updates for your travel or destination.

I hope these tips help you and you are more prepared the next time you travel.  Do you make any preparations that I haven’t mentioned? I’d like to know.

Travel without traveling.

Travel without traveling.

With Covid realities, many people have put off traveling due to health and safety concerns.  For those who love traveling, however, Covid has not stopped them from traveling. I’m an advocate of traveling, but I highly advise doing it safely and with the thought of not only your health but the health of your fellow traveler.  Although staycations are great, here are a few more ideas to temper the travel bug without traveling long distances.

Visit local tourist attractions as though you were a tourist.  Often, we take our cities for granted and never take advantage of the local attractions those who pay to fly into our towns to enjoy.  One of the single most significant costs of a vacation is the flight.  Not having to pay for travel might cover the cost of a local tourist attraction you would otherwise consider expensive.  Additionally, you can go whenever you choose.

Read travel blogs like mine (shameless plug), watch travel videos, documentaries, podcasts, and all things travel. You’ll be amazed at the things you can learn from other people’s travels and experiences.  You will also be better able to plan your trips in the future by knowing some tips and tricks about your preferred destination.

Visit an international museum virtually.  One of the benefits of Covid is that museums worldwide now offer virtual tours.  A virtual international museum tour could save you time on your itinerary to visit something else or do another activity you might not have time for when you finally reach your destination.

Try dining out in different international restaurants in your area.  The world is so multicultural that it is almost a guarantee to have an international restaurant in your area.  Why wait until you travel far away to try the cuisine.  Dining locally might give you a better palate for the food when you do travel.

Try cooking an international dish at home, along with an international wine, or making a destination drink while you’re cooking will make you feel more compelled to complete the plans for your trip.

Have you tried any travel without going places? I’ve taken advantage of my home city Dallas Texas and seen places I hadn’t even considered.  How about you? Let me know.

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