Packing for Holiday Travel During Covid-19: 15 Essential Items
For many travelers, this holiday season marks the first time they’ll be packing items like masks and sanitizer for their annual trip. It’s easy to remember the usual items, but often less obvious what may need to be considered “essential” in this new climate of travel during Covid-19. To help make packing easier, here are 15 items that will alleviate some of the stress and safety-concerns on your next trip.
1. Masks, masks and more masks. Unless you’re planning to do laundry on your trip, be sure to pack plenty of masks, so you have enough options for fresh face coverings each day.
2. Sanitizer wipes. If stores are getting low, set aside some sanitizer wipes now for your trip. At least enough for wiping down your seats in the plane and high-touch items in your hotel room.
3. Gel hand sanitizer. Now that the TSA is allowing passengers to bring up to 12oz size bottles of hand sanitizer through security, there’s no reason not to come prepared. Pack it in a zip-lock bag to avoid messes, and if you’re traveling by car, be sure to keep it out of the sun and heat.
4. Pocket tissue packs. The more self-contained you can be, the better. That goes for having something as simple as your own tissues, so you don’t have to get them from the public restroom.
5. Portable charger. I’ve been known to scope out a seat at the airport for its proximity to the nearest electric outlet. Now, I prefer to keep my plug-ins – and my charging – to myself.
6. Screen-cleaning wipes. What do our hands touch the most? Our phones! It’s a good idea to keep some individually wrapped lens wipes with you to keep germs off your screen.
7. A selfie stick. Cue eye-roll, but really, who wants to ask someone to take your picture…and touch your phone…nowadays? I say, pack it, and rebrand it “socially-distanced photography.”
8. Thermometer. It goes without saying that temperature checks have become part of our daily routines. Not something we typically bring on a trip, but good to continue to check yourself on the road.
9. Blanket. You won’t see airlines handing out blankets any longer, so if you’re like me and are always cold on planes, bring a travel blanket, or even a large pashmina, that is easily packable in your bag.
10. Snacks and drinks. While some airlines are still handing out packaged snacks, they aren’t serving drinks and many concessions in airport terminals remain closed or have very limited hours. Pack your own snacks and grab a beverage before you board your aircraft.
11. Reusable water bottle. I’ve always been a big fan of filling up my own water bottle at the airport. However, many drinking fountains at airports and at public places like parks and attractions continue to be turned off for safety reasons. While you may need to buy some bottled water, it’s still a good idea to have a refillable one for day trips.
12. Ziploc bags. I always find uses for Ziploc bags on a trip…a here’s a new one…keep your used and clean masks separated and organized.
13. Pen. Sounds odd, but everywhere I go, I find I’m using a pen, whether it’s filling out luggage tags at the airport or signing a receipt at restaurants and hotels. Pack your own, it’s one less thing to worry about sharing with others.
14. Touchless Pay. If you haven’t figured out how to use Apple or Google Pay, now is the time to do it. Whether is paying for coffee or doing holiday shopping, you’ll appreciate the touchless experience now more than ever.
15. Health Insurance Cards. Hopefully no one in your family needs it, but be sure you have your health insurance information with you or take a photo of it and store on your phone.