Your new travel essentials (as of 2020)
Travel and aviation industry is slowly recovering from the pandemic.
It will take a while, but the first steps are being taken. Travel is a major component of the economy for so many countries. So it’s not surprising, that countries around the world have starter to re-open for international tourism to fix their ailing finances. And people are taking this opportunity to finally break free and travel for the first time during this year.
Is it safe to travel now, you’ll ask? It can be, if you are taking precautions. Read on to find out what items can help you to stay healthy.
What are the new travel essentials?
Your new travel essentials
1. Face masks
Face mask now is an absolute must when travelling.
It protects others by reducing the exposure to the respiratory secretions of the mask wearer (you). Reusable face mask is the most eco friendly option, but, for example, I find it easier to breathe in a medical face mask.
Medical masks are disposable.
And they should be changed after every 2 - 6 hours.
Depending on the mask and environment.
A safer option - N95 masks.
N95 masks are safer than both medical masks and reusable masks due to their material, shape and tight seal. N95 is actually a respirator that not only contains the secretions but also it filters out large and small particles when the wearer inhales.
But they may be hard to get now due to high demand.
N95 type masks also are disposable, and should be changed after a few hours. However, disposable N95 respirators may be reused after UV decontamination.
Pack multiple face masks, especially if your journey is long.
Change them every few hours.
And remember not to touch your face.
To prevent the coronavirus from entering your body.
2. Face shield
For extra protection, consider wearing a face shield.
A medical or reusable mask mostly offers one way protection.
It captures your bodily fluid and protects others from your germs.
See, if everyone wears a mask, it reduces the transmission of particles.
N95 mask helps protect the wearer. But as it only covers your mouth and nose, your eyes are not protected and you can still get this virus through your eyes.
Consider wearing a shield on very busy flights. Still, despite the masks, some particles escape and can enter your nose, eyes and mouth. If you are in a crowded space with no distancing opportunities, face shield will come in handy.
3. Hand sanitiser
Hand sanitiser is a must when travelling.
At all times — pandemic or no pandemic.
You just can’t wash your hands frequently when you’re on a plane, right?
Especially if you are stuck in the middle or window seat.
This is when hand sanitiser comes in handy.
And the rest of the situations when hand washing is not possible.
The best option for pandemic travel? A spray hand sanitiser. You can use it for your hands and for surfaces — disinfecting your seat, armrests and the tray table.
Due to current situation some airports have increased the carry-on allowance for hand sanitiser. But still we recommend you to carry travel-sized hand sanitiser. Even if you use it frequently, you don’t need enormous quantities of it.
A bottle or two will suffice, especially if you use it together with wet wipes.
4. Antibacterial wet wipes
It’s a must for travel right now.
Just like the hand sanitiser, wet wipes will come in handy in situations when hand washing is not possible. Or if it doesn't feel safe enough.
And you can also use them to wipe down surfaces.
There are also antibacterial wet wipes without alcohol, if that’s what you are looking for. These kind of wet wipes are gentle and can be used on sensitive skin. They are perfect for kids.
5. Hand cream
Frequent hand washing and sanitising dries the skin.
So, it’s a good idea to pack a moisturising cream.
Apply it whenever you feel you need it.
6. Airplane seat covers
The airplane seat covers might be an embarrassing sight.
But… they are a good way to avoid viruses and germs.
If you feel like putting a seat cover on your seat, do it.
These airplane seats usually are disposable and come in sets.
7. Gloves
For extra protection and cleaning.
Use disposable gloves when disinfecting the surfaces.
Afterwards throw them out. Or if you can't, put them in a separate plastic bag and dispose of it when there is such a possibility.
8. Liquid soap
Pack a travel size bottle of liquid soap.
If you are using a restroom where there is no soap, it will come in handy.
Another option is a pack of travel soap leaves. These things don’t take up much space and are easy to use. Take out one sheet, wet it with a little bit of water, rub your hands to produce foam, and wash your hands.
If you love outdoors and camping, get yourself biodegredable, multi purpose soap. Not only you can wash your hands and body with it, but also your clothes and dishes, if necessary.
Don't forget about carry on luggage restrictions and the liquids rule.
You are not allowed to pack liquids greater than 100 ml (3.4 oz) in your carry on.
9. Entertainment
Use your own laptop or smartphone to watch movies and listen to music.
The plane’s entertainment system is a high-touch area. And you would want to avoid touching it as it may be covered in bacteria and viruses.
If you still want to use the plane’s entertainment system, be cautious.
Don’t touch your face after touching the screen and controls.
And don’t forget to wash your hands afterwards.
10. Your own pen
Having your own pen always is a good idea.
And now even so, because high-touch areas and objects can be risky as they are reservoirs for germs and viruses. You would want to avoid such shared objects.
That’s why having your own pen with you is a must.
Online check-in
To avoid touching shared objects and high-touch areas, check-in online.
And check your flight status online before going to the airport.
Download a mobile ticket and show it on your phone.
Travel with carry on only and you’ll have less contact with other people. As you’ll not have to check in your bag, or pick it up afterwards.
It’s even advisable to travel with carry on only right now.
To avoid standing in queues and reducing contact with other people.
Have a safe trip!
Remember - whenever your flight is delayed, cancelled or you've been denied boarding - you might be entitled to flight compensation. Contact us to get it sorted out right away!