What should be in your travel safety kit?
Everyone is eager to travel after the last few years being indoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given the thumbs up for Americans to travel within the US, and select countries abroad for people vaccinated against Covid-19.
Since we are still in a pandemic, even if you’re vaccinated, you still need to take precautions when traveling. Everyone must still where a mask over their nose and mouth on planes, trains, taxis, Uber/Lyft and other forms of public transportation. This poses the question of what should you have in a travel safety kit to lower your chances of contracting Covid-19. Below are the necessities to have in your covid travel safety kit.
Masks for adults
Everyone must where a mask while traveling. Whether you are vaccinated or not, you must where a mask over your nose and mouth.
Covid-19 is spread through droplets and microscopic particles when we cough, sneeze, laugh, talk and breathe. Wearing mask helps to protect you from these particles. Not only does it protect you, it protects the people around you. In an airport, train station, etc., it is nearly impossible to social distance from others. Wearing a mask helps you compensate for the lack of distance.
The best non-medical masks has 3 layers; an outer layer, middle layer and face layer. The outer & middle layer should be tightly woven fabric like cotton or linen. The middle layer should be a filter fabric. This fabric must contain a water-repellent fabric. Some masks include built in filters. But you can create your own filter with a folded paper towel or non-woven polypropylene fabric. KN95 masks are a great alternative to N95 masks and are great protection against covid.
Masks for kids
If you are traveling with kids, they must wear a mask if they are aged 2 years and older. Since the fit is so important to help stop the spread of Covid-19, they cannot wear adult masks. It can be quite difficult to convince a child to wear a mask. For kids, opt for masks with characters or a design they like to increase the chance they will wear a mask. Consider letting them pick out the mask themselves.
Face Shield
Face shields can be useful as a reminder not to touch your face or mask. They can also provide additional eye protection. Keep in mind a face shield should not be a substitute for a mask. A face shield can protect you if someone sneezes in your direction, but they don’t protect other people from your droplets.
At-Home Covid Test
The CDC recommends those who aren’t vaccinated to take a viral test every 2-3 days before traveling. You can order an at-home covid test kit which allows you to swab or spit at home, then mail it in. Most at-home covid test kits are covered by most insurance.
Hand Sanitizer, Soaps & Wipes
Having clean hands is the most effective way to minimize the transmission of germs. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds and drying them with a clean towel is the best way to keep them clean.
A close second to keeping your hands clean is hand sanitizer. Make sure your and sanitizer is alcohol-based and made with at least 60% alcohol. Be sure to rub it all over your hands until it evaporates.
Hand wipes are the last resort. Most wipes are not safe for hand use. Be sure to check the label before you use them. Just as with hand sanitizer, hand wipes should be alcohol based with at least 60% alcohol to kill viruses.
Williams Hand Sanitizer Wipes
Williams Hand Sanitizer Wipes are a great choice to clean your hands if you do not have soap and water or hand sanitizer.
They are formulated with 70% alcohol to kill germs. As a matter of fact, when you open them, you smell the distinct smell of alcohol.
Williams Hand Sanitizer Wipes also contain moisturizing Glycerin and aloe to keep your hands from drying out.
They are wet enough to clean your hands, but not too wet where the wipes will drip on your clothes.
Disinfectant Wipes
Another must have a disinfectant wipes. You should regular clean your phone, glasses, sunglasses, keys and anything you touch and set on dirty surfaces. As soon as you pick those items up from dirty surfaces, your hands now become contaminated.
If you are flying or riding the train, you’ll want to wipe down all the high-touch surfaces around your seat.
PhoneSoap 3 UV Sanitizer
PhoneSoap 3 has patented and clinically proven 360 degree UV sanitizing light to sanitize your phone.
It also doubles a a phone charger so you can charge your phone while you sanitize it.
It comes in Aqua, Black, Orchid, Periwinkle, Silver and White colors to match your style.
Storage Bags
Storage bags may seem like an unlikely item to keep in your covid travel safety kit, but it’s important to keep your safety kit separate from your other items. Not only do storage bags keep your kit from becoming contaminated, it helps you find your covid travel kits easily in your bag.
