Covid-19 Travel Pack: 5 Things to Protect Yourself from the Coronavirus

Tripboba.com - You’ve got an emergency trip that can’t be canceled or postponed? It requires you to travel quite far, using public transportations such as plane or train? You’ll meet a lot of people and it’s hard for you to avoid crowds.

What to do? While you don’t want to get sick nor getting your loved ones sick upon your returns. We’ve talked before about why you should reschedule your traveling plan amid this pandemic.

But, what if some people really have to go for an important trip? Maybe you’re one of them. In that case, you’re in the right place because we will give you a list of 5 things to pack if you want to travel during coronavirus.

First thing first, we want to appreciate your concern about wanting to travel safe and healthy before you go. Applause for yourself! Being worried about your health is a good start.

It means that you care about yourself and the people around you. We hope you’ll be in your top condition before and after your trip. Without further ado, take notes of these 5 essential things you will have to pack before your departure!

Hand Sanitizer

Photo by michael_swan via Flickr - Photo by michael_swan

The first and the most important thing to do is to always keep your hands clean during your trip. It is highly suggested that you wash your hands with soap after you touch a surface that has a high chance of being touched by other people before you.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically stresses on the importance of frequent hand-washing itself. But, if you can’t find any hand-washing stations near you, a hand sanitizer will become very handy!

The CDC also states that hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol are a feasible alternative to get the virus off your hands. If we refer to the newest rules to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), hand sanitizers are allowed in carry-on luggage in containers at or under 12 ounces.

So, make sure you have prepared a travel-sized hand sanitizer in your pocket or bag before you go. Can’t find any travel-sized hand sanitizer? You can make your own by referring to the World Health Organization (WHO) guide.

Tissue Pack

Photo by David Petterson via Flickr - Photo by David Petterson

Aside from making your health a priority, the first thing to remember if you’re traveling is to be mindful of your surroundings. If you need to sneeze, having a travel-sized tissue pack is necessary!

The tissue will prevent the droplets from your mouth and nose spreading into the air around you and affecting other people nearby. After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, keep in mind to sanitize your hand to keep it off of the virus and germs.

You will need 96% ethyl alcohol mixed with aloe gel, and then put it in a travel-sized bottle. [Is it supposed to be here?]

Alcohol or antiseptic wipes

Photo by Julien G. via Flickr - Photo by Julien G.

It’s always a good idea to bring antiseptic wipes whether you’re traveling by train, plane, or boat. You might want to wipe surfaces that are prone to be touched by other people, such as armrests, seatbelt handles, and tray tables. The alcohol on the wipes will kill the virus and makes it safer for you to touch it.

Disinfectant Spray

Photo by Planet Fox via Flickr - Photo by Planet Fox

Just like antiseptic wipes, disinfectant spray is also effective to make the surfaces you’re going to touch becomes germ-free. It’s true that the spread of the virus is more likely to happen through person-to-person contact.

But studies suggest that coronavirus can live on surfaces up to a few days, depending on the material. So, you can spray disinfectant to the surfaces that are prone to be where the virus lands.

But remember that WHO doesn't suggest you to spray disinfectant to your body parts! Also, keep in mind that disinfectant sprays are not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags if you’re traveling by plane.

So, you can just store it in your non-carry on baggage or bring it with you if you’re traveling by other kinds of transportation.

Lastly, do you need a mask?

Photo by Nik Andr via Flickr - Photo by Nik Andr

Once the COVID-19 outbreak was announced, people are hoarding face masks to protect themselves from the virus. Some would say it as panic-buying. This goes the same with toilet papers, face masks ran out very fast in stores, making it unavailable for the people who actually need them.

You don’t need a face mask if you’re healthy. It is ineffective for those without symptoms. Note that COVID-19 is not spread through airborne but droplets!

So the most effective trick to keep yourself healthy is to wash your hands frequently. If you’re having a mild fever or showing symptoms, sure, you will need to wear a mask to protect other people around you.

But if you’re healthy, be kind to let the masks available for the medical professionals. It might sound like a small thing, but you’re saving lives by being mindful of others.