Traveling Safely - Part one of Four. Travel Essentials to Pack

 

What travel essentials do you need to make sure you pack?

Making sure you pack the essentials isn't a new concept for traveling, but some of the items on this list may be new additions to your packing list.  I'll go through each item to cover how it will help you stay safe traveling.  This list isn't going to guarantee you won't pick up a germ while you are traveling away from home, but it will cover some of the bases needed to maintain your basic hygiene!

Here's a handy graphic you can save.  I'll go into more details of each item below.

Cleaning Essentials:

• Hand Sanitizer - small bottles that meet carry on size requirements (no larger than 3.4oz inside your carry on bag) If you want to bring a larger bottle so you can refill your small bottles, pack that inside your checked baggage.  
• All Purpose Soap - In case your hotel does not provide soap for you, packing an all purpose soap that will wash your face, body and hair will solve that problem.  Some hotels are also providing large dispensers of soap in their bathrooms.  While hotels are cleaning them between guests, for personal peace of mind having your own on hand isn't a bad idea.  Bonus idea - pack a small travel size detergent bottle to hand wash your masks in the hotel room sink.  
• Surface Cleaning Wipes - Disinfecting wipes will help keep your personal space clean while traveling.  Pack a large container for your hotel room so you can wipe down high touch items like doorknobs, the TV remote and the room phone.  Grab a smaller size package to take with you on your outings each day also!
• Disposable Tooth Brushes - If you want to keep your teeth clean and freshen up after lunch out while traveling, disposable toothbrushes help you clean up without needing water.  
• Baby/Bathing Wipes - Rinse free bathing wipes will help you freshen up on the go - wiping off hands after eating (and you can follow it up with hand sanitizer).  This is no longer just an essential for families with young kids - having a pack of wipes on hand can help you out in sticky situations.  

Daily Essentials:

• Laundry Bag/Basket for dirty clothes and masks - being able to separate out your dirty clothing will help reduce the chance of contact contamination.  Bring a delicates laundry bag to drop your masks into so they don't get lost!
• First Aid Kit - Pack yourself a first aid kit to prevent the need to run to a pharmacy or drug store.  Include items like over-the-counter pain relievers, your regular prescription medicines, antacids, assorted bandages and an antibiotic ointment
• Multiple Masks - Having back up masks is a must!  Plan for more than 1 mask per day, especially if you are traveling places that are humid.  If you bring laundry detergent with you, you can plan to wash masks at night, and hang them dry overnight.  
• Refillable Water Bottle - Having a refillable water bottle helps cut down on waste, but you also reduces the number of surfaces your mouth comes into contact with.  Remember to pack some soap to clean it at night.
• Day Pack for Carry On Essentials - Having a separate bag to hold onto your daily essentials is a must.  You may not want to lug a giant backpack around all day, but a small day pack can help keep your essential close by.
• Sunscreen - Protecting your skin from the sun isn't a new precaution - but sunscreen is often forgotten about when you aren't headed towards a tropical destination. If your itinerary includes long walks and time outdoors, your skin will be thankful you remembered to pack this!
• Hanging Toiletry Bag - Having a hanging toiletry bag will save space in the bathroom and keep you organized.  
• Flip Flops to wear in the hotel room - even if you have a pair of flip flops packed as regular shoewear, grab a cheap pair from the dollar store or when they go on sale at Old Navy so you can be comfortable walking around your hotel room without having to be barefoot.  Flip flops are also great shower shoes!  

Anything else you would add to this essentials list?  I'd love to hear from you!