Many folks would normally be finalizing summer travel plans right about now. And yet, given what appears to be an ongoing global pandemic, we’re experiencing what might be considered a “new normal.”
As we work together to minimize risk for all, quite a few among us may be required to travel in the summer months for business or personal reasons. If so, how can we best ensure our own safety and that of others? These five tips can help.
1. Prepare in advance – the earlier, the better.
While you previously may have been carefree with travel logistics, some strategic planning now can help reduce your risk of contagion. For example:
- Pack light: This will make all aspects of your trip easier, with less to manage and expose to germs along the way. It also enables you to handle fewer bins going though security and minimizes struggle for storage on the aircraft, streamlining departure for all passengers.
- Check in from home: Doing so means less time in crowded lines, avoiding kiosks for printing boarding passes and minimizing physical contact with airport employees.
- Pack and carry hand sanitizer: Doing so allows you to apply continuously when you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water. Along with a larger container in your checked bag, fill several small spray bottles with an anti-microbial, anti-viral mist, like the DIY version below, to keep in your carry-on bag. That way, you can easily mist your immediate surroundings, like seats, armrests, tray tables or your hands in a pinch.
2. Keep safe hygiene in mind
Leave space in your luggage for key items that will facilitate safe travel, including:
- Face masks, clean handkerchiefs and gloves
- Natural hand sanitizer and wipes
- A spray bottle of anti-microbial, anti-viral mist. Make your own by adding protective lavender, tea tree, geranium and/or eucalyptus to food-grade hydrogen peroxide. This solution is ideal for spritzing seats, luggage, hotel bedding, various surfaces, your hands, etc.
- You may also like this cool ointment, a powerful, anti-microbial blend of tea tree, lavender and eucalyptus oils. Apply to hands often!
3. Provision yourself nutritionally
- Be sure to pack along protective nutritional supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D, or a combination of key nutrients, as well as herbal support like this Herbs Etc. ImmunoBoost blend, or Source Naturals’ Wellness Formula in either capsule or tincture This fruity, immune-supporting superfood powder also travels well and mixes instantly into juice, water and smoothies.
- To minimize dining out, pack protein-rich snacks, such as healthy bars, nuts, trail mix blends, seasoned sunflower or pumpkin seeds, chia seeds for instant, nutritious “pudding,” hemp seeds to add to soup and salad, etc. This protein-packed, tasty snack mix is an ideal travel companion. Add fresh fruit and veggies to your power staples so you can thrive on the move without having to rely on restaurant fare during uncertain times.
4. Hydrate continuously
Drinking extra water while flying, and when traveling in general, has always been important – but even more so now. That’s because consuming plenty of H20 and other healthy fluids helps reduce our risk of respiratory illness by preventing dry mucosal membranes.
To add flavor to your water, as well as electrolytes, vitamin C and trace minerals, keep these Liquimins Power Pak packets handy during the day. If you’re traveling with kids, try tasty Ester-C Kid Stiks. And, for weary travelers, Emergen-C Nighttime Sleep Aid† is great for jet lag!
Additionally, given that up to 80 percent of your immune system is contained in your digestive organs, you would be well-advised to carry probiotics along. Customized for travel, these little grab-and-go packets are unflavored, so you can add to any beverage such as juice, water, iced coffee and tea.
5. Keep your distance
While travel has traditionally included dense lines or other crowded situations ? quite the opposite of social distancing ? we need a new approach if we are to roam with a measure of safety.
Fortunately, it’s going to be a bit easier now, as we see airports, planes, trains, hotels, rental car venues and other establishments that need your patronage making a concerted effort to accommodate social distancing as much as reasonably possible.
Some airlines are even keeping middle seats vacant on planes to allow for greater travel safety. So, do the best you can to maintain your safe space during every stage of your trip, in airports and departure lounges, on board planes, in airport shuttles, taxi lines, checking in at hotels, and any other place where people are typically crowded together during various legs of travel.
With a little planning and vigilance, as well as keeping your own wellness bolstered, you increase your odds of happy and safe trip. Bon voyage!
