While you may not be traveling as much as previous years, the world is starting to open its arms back up to those with a nomadic lifestyle. Even so, the way that we move through the world has irrevocably changed. Here is a list of some of the items that will make your foray into the world as seamless as possible.
1. Sanitizing wipes
This may have been in your traveling arsenal already, but we recommend taking a closer look at the kind of sanitizing wipes you’re using. Because we are using them more frequently than ever, it is best to use ones without parabens, fragrance, and phenoxyethanol (a nasty preservative). A great option that also happens to be easy on the bank is Honest Company’s alcohol wipes. These even contain aloe in case you want to use them on your skin.
2. Mask
Eight months ago, a face mask probably wouldn’t be very high on your list of travel must-haves, but now it’s an essential item. While cloth face masks are more sustainable, disposable ones are preferred for traveling. Most health organizations recommend washing a cloth mask after each use, and that’s not always an option when on a trip. Be sure to grab a mask that fits your face properly; the more personalized your mask the more comfortable it will be!
3. UV Sterilizer
Once you get your (clean) hands on a UV sterilization box, you’ll never go back! This is a piece of technology that kills the germs on all of your everyday use items. Wiping down surfaces work well, but it can get tricky with electronic devices. UV sterilization boxes and devices kill bacteria without damaging your smartphones and tablets. Our pick is the 59S UV Sterilizer Box For Household Equipment. This one is great because it is large enough for more than just your phone and it can still fit easily in your suitcase.
4. Hand Sanitizer
This may seem like a no-brainer, but hand sanitizer is one of the most important things to bring on any trip, abroad or not. With as much sanitizer as we are using these days, it’s important to keep a careful eye on the ingredients to ensure you are not using any products that damage your skin. We recommend using one with moisturizing properties and a smell that won’t make you crinkle your nose. Touchland makes a sleek sanitizer that not only smells great but is dermatologist recommended.
5. Hand and Body Lotion
Even with a hand sanitizer that is dermatologist tested, frequent travelers can suffer from dry hands. To avoid this, we suggest carrying a bottle of hand lotion. An unscented lotion will prevent allergic reactions and keep your hands moisturized and healed. A great option is the Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion because it is non-greasy and comes in a convenient travel size.
6. Water Bottle Purifier
You will discover that many public areas have turned off the water to their drinking fountains and restaurants refuse to fill a water bottle, all in an effort to reduce the spread of germs. You could bring plastic water bottles, but a more efficient option is a filtered reusable bottle. Hydration is key to health, and this way you can have water no matter where your journey takes you. Brita and LifeStraw both make great options, depending on your needs.
7. Electric Thermometer
A frequent traveler should get used to taking their temperature regularly. Though it may seem uncomfortable, an electric thermometer can make the process so easy you’ll become used to it in no time. The average person will usually have a temperature of 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). It is very handy to carry your own thermometer because many places require a temp check before entry. iHealth makes a very nifty non-contact infrared option, so you can test your traveling partners without worry!
8. Information
It’s important to become familiar with the regulations of the area you are planning on visiting. Every country, state, and city can have different rules, and planning ahead can prepare you for what to expect. The local government usually has a breakdown of the information visitors will need on their websites.
9. Snacks
Even though businesses are tentatively opening up, it is a good idea to bring more snacks than usual on your trip. Many airports and cities do not have food as easily available as they once did. Bringing your own food will ensure that you won’t have to rely on corner shops that may or may not be open.
10. Your own pen
Trust us, bringing your own pen along with you will come in handy more often than you might think. You can pick your favorite one, the one that glides deliciously across the page, and save yourself from using a pen that thousands of other people may have used. The Fisher Space pen is an investment we recommend because you can use it in extreme temperatures and it is also airplane safe, meaning it won’t leak ink when the pressure changes.
11. Reusable Silicone Bags
Throwing in a few reusable snack bags to your carry on can be a total game changer. While being sustainable, you can pack your snacks in these bags without worrying about saving old, gross plastic bags. The best part is that you are able to safely microwave the bags in your hotel room if you decide to bring a snack best served warm. They are made from silicone, making them very easy to clean.
12. Face cleansing wipes
It is no secret that traveling can be hard on your skin, so it is important to keep a face cleansing wipe on hand, especially now that you will be wearing a mask. If you have been racing to catch a plane or sweating in the beautiful sun of your destination, face wipes are an easy way to make sure that the bacteria stuck under your mask doesn’t turn into acne. We love the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths because they are kind to your skin, while still being able to cleanse the skin under a beard.
13. Antibacterial lip balm
Even though you will be using your filtered water bottle to stay hydrated, chapped lips are sometimes inevitable when traveling. Be sure to stock up on a lip balm that not only protects your lips from cracking, but also protects you from germs. There are products on the market that are formulated with germ-fighting ingredients that are gentle on your lips.
14. Vitamins
Even though you may already integrate vitamins into your daily regimen, it can be easy to forget to bring them on a trip. Boring as it may seem, vitamins can help a travel weary body ward off illness.
15. Emergen-c
To be more specific, Vitamin C is a well known antioxidant that assists your body in healing. Bringing along a powder version that can be mixed into water is an easy way to boost your immune system. The orange flavored Emergen-C is a classic, but the company makes several other options, including acai berry and cranberry-pomegranate.
16. Food delivery app
Food delivery apps for smartphones are a great way to get yummy food delivered straight to your location. Even if the restaurants themselves do not deliver, oftentimes food delivery apps will! It can also be a great way to look at the dining options in an unfamiliar area. A few examples of the apps include DoorDash and GrubHub.
17. Electronic Maps
Whether you have an Apple iPhone or an Android, downloading a separate app for your travels can be beneficial. Do your research and find a map that best suits your needs. If you plan on visiting a large city, download Citymapper to easily find public transportation. If you plan on hiking, running, and cycling, download AllTrails to look for the best trails in your area. There are hundreds of other apps that are tailored to your needs.
18. Portable Chargers
Portable chargers are a necessity when it comes to any trip. Any seasoned traveler will know how much easier they make keeping your devices at 100%. It is also a much more sanitary option than using a wall charger that hundreds of hands have touched. MyCharge makes a powerful charger that is sleek enough to slide into any carry on.
19. Gloves
Disposable gloves can help you stay safe from germs in public places. It’s another added layer of protection, but wearers should be sure to dispose of the gloves right away. It is also important to make sure not to touch your face while wearing the gloves. Regular latex gloves are not recyclable and can be wasteful, but luckily Vegware makes compostable food prep gloves. These gloves are also made from a plant-based material!
20. Disinfectant Spray
Yes, we know we included a lot of sanitizing options in this list, but that’s part of traveling in 2020! Disinfectant spray is a great option for sanitizing without touching the object. On a road trip? Spray down the gas pump handle before refueling, and head safely down the road to your next incredible destination. Flying to a gorgeous location? Spray down the airplane seat and settle in for a relaxing flight.
