People often get sick while traveling to new environments. And then there is the old friend always present to accompany you on an international flight, jet-lag!
However, COVID-19 just escalated the need for safe and healthy travel.
If you are suddenly skeptical about a preplanned trip, don’t let panic be the deciding force.
Disrupting travel plans especially to destinations that pose no risk to the traveler makes no sense.
If the Great Wall of China is on your bucket list, then it is best to postpone it, but if you want to see the Taj Mahal, then start packing your bags already!
Still, taking travel precautions is your duty not only because of a pandemic but also otherwise.
What Precautionary Measures Can You Take?
The old saying reigns supreme: prevention is better than cure. Before you start your online digging for flights and tickets, take the following precautionary measures to make travel Safe and Healthy and great again!
1. Consult a Doctor
Booking international air tickets and scheduling a visit to the doctor go hand in hand. This is because many nations require a medical document to validate your well-being.
That also means that a doctor will verify whether you are fit to travel or not.
Another good reason to consult a doctor is to get prescriptions for your ongoing medications. Also, stock up on the medicines as they may or may not be available at the destination.
Here are some general medications that you must carry while you travel:
- Fever medicines
- Cough, cold and flu medication
- Medication to treat motion sickness
- Analgesic or pain relievers
- Diarrhea and constipation medicines
- Medications against allergies, bites, and stings
- Throat lozenges
2. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the wisest investment arrangements. Planning lies at the base of a successful travel plan. Hence, insuring yourself against uncertain events that may disturb your itinerary or upset your budget is only a win-win situation.
You will find many kinds of insurance policies with different coverage terms and conditions. Reading them thoroughly and weighing your needs is the best way to decide what travel insurance policy suits you.
For example, if you are to catch flights to Bangalore, India for adventure sports, choose insurance with good medical coverage.
Similarly, if you are not sure about your plan and think there may be last-minute flights involved then go for a policy that covers flight cancelation and ticket change costs.
3. Register for STEP for Free
Register for the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrolment Program (STEP). Under this free service, you will receive critical safety information about the destination you will be visiting.
It will also help the US Embassy to contact you in case of any emergency such as civil unrest, family emergency, etc.
What Should You Pack?
To successfully combat COVID-19, travelers can add a list of things to their baggage. These products are extremely helpful for you to stay safe and healthy while in transit. Take a look:
1. First Aid Kit
Forget your passport, but don’t forget your first aid kit. No, seriously, it is that important! Prepare one even before you make the airline ticket booking.
Stock them with bandages, cotton, and other medical supplies. Another very important addition to your first-aid kit is the antiseptic wipes!
Also, make sure you remove any item that you cannot bring into another country. New-age first-aid kits are easy to carry and do not consume much space.
2. Disinfectant Wipes
Also, disinfectant wipes can save you against viruses. It is almost impossible for germs to spread inside an aircraft owing to the air filtration and circulation system.
Still, if you are carrying disinfectant wipes, you can use it to wipe all hard surfaces on the aircraft. These include the seat, headrest, armrest, table trays, and so on.
Disinfectant wipes are effective and work their magic against harmful substances.
3. Water Purifier
Staying hydrated is critical to human well-being. And, consumption of non-potable water can make you critically ill.
Make it a point to carry a portable water purifier everywhere you travel. It will remove all the bacteria and harmful particles from drinking water.
Even though, packaged water is available at many tourist destinations, carrying a water purifier ensures the safety and protects health while traveling.
4. Air Humidifier
If you are traveling to a place with dry air such as India, pack a USB air humidifier. Also, it is recommended to take a vacation to a location with a hot climate until the COVID-19 is contained.
Booking airline flight tickets to India or Kenya and other such places is favorable. But, just for the mental satisfaction, you can pack an air humidifier or an air purifier.
5. Hand Sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer, typically 60% are effective germs and viruses killers. Even though airports have installed sanitizing systems, keeping a sanitizer handy is important.
It comes to your rescue when you cannot find water and soap nearby.
Never touch your mouth, nose, and eyes with unclean hands.
6. Facemasks and Gloves
You may also pack surgical facemasks and gloves. These protect mouth and hands from direct contact with microorganisms.
Also, they are a good idea if you are going to visit an environment where you may be exposed to dust particles.
7. Insect Repellant
Transmission of disease through insects like mosquitoes and flies is not uncommon. Therefore, insect repellants can help you.
There are many products that work well such as sprays, nets, and creams you can select what suits you.
Final Thoughts: Are There Any Other Remedies?
So, cancel or postpone non-essential travel to affected areas such as China, Iran, Italy, and pretty much all of Europe.
Lastly, this is how to travel safely and maintain good health amidst COVID-19. However, if you are still worried about your travel plans, exercise the following.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Maintain a good, balanced diet
- Take ample of rest
- Maintain personal hygiene, especially hand and mouth