Travel Health Hacks I’m Continuing Even After COVID-19

I took a couple trips in 2020. I know the safest thing I could have done was stay home. But for my mental health, I needed to get out of my house.

I took a long weekend road trip to Michigan. I took a week-long trip to Washington and Montana. And I took an 11-day trip to Utah. All three trips were exclusively outdoor activities like hiking, and takeout or cooking meals at our Airbnb.

I know not everyone will agree with our actions, but we isolated before and after each trip and distanced and wore masks during. We were lucky to have flights with as few as 15 people, but that isn’t a guarantee.

However, I also did a ton of research and planning to help make these trips as safe as we could. And honestly, I’ll probably continue doing many of these things even after COVID. How were we ever comfortable letting strangers breathe on us?!

How to stay healthy while flying during COVID:

Before you book any flight, research the safety protocols of the airline you’re considering (or just ask me since I’ve already done that research). Some aren’t selling middle seats; some are spray sanitizing; some are offering no-fee cancellations or changes. These safety policies are constantly evolving so be sure to check the dates as well. My personal recommendations are Delta and Southwest.

1. The air on a plane circulates top to bottom, not left and right or front to back. So as soon as you get on the plane, open the vent above your seat, then once you get situated make sure it’s pointed right at your nose so that’s the air you are breathing the whole flight. 

2. Most airlines are providing wipes as you board to wipe your area. This is mostly superficial since many airlines are also spray sanitizing and wiping everything before you get on, but it doesn’t hurt. I am sure to double wipe everything I plan on touching, including the seatbelt, the arm rests, the knob that opens the tray table, the tray table itself, and the window cover. If you get a second one or bring your own, I also wipe the seat itself and the headrest.

3. You may not wear a mask with a plastic filter on most airlines, but you should still consider one with a metal noseband and that fits very snugly around your nose and mouth. I even have a few that have fabric carbon filters.

4. Do not remove your mask for any reason. This includes indulging in the free snack and drink the flight attendant might bring you, especially right after they deliver the goodies as that’s when most people will remove their masks.

5. Bring your own snacks and fill your water bottle at the airport after security. Many airport restaurants are closed which crowds the ones that are still open. If you must eat and drink between home and your destination, I have felt most comfortable finding a secluded spot in the airport directly below a vent where I can take my mask off to quickly eat and chug water. Be sure to hydrate and eat prior to leaving your home and have a plan to replenish as soon as you get to your destination.

6. In addition to your mask, some sort of covering for your eyes may give you more peace of mind as well. I wore my simple blue light filter glasses, but some have worn lab goggles or the headband-style plastic shields like medical personnel wear. 

7. This one may seem overkill, but unless you prefer to sleep, sanitize your hands every hour. This may dry out your skin so remember lotion as well.

8. Because you’ll have the air conditioning vent on full blast the entire flight you’ll want long sleeves and long pants. This will also protect your skin from exposure as well. Be sure you change clothes when you arrive in your destination, and if you can, shower. Put on a fresh mask after your shower.

9. Ideally you should drive yourself to the airport and park. Unless you can walk everywhere, you should rent a car upon arrival so you can avoid ride shares and public transportation.

10. If you are the type to wipe down your groceries, you may also want to wipe down your luggage, handles, phone and other items you touched throughout your trip, even if no one else touched it.

How to stay safe while driving:

1. Drive only with your household members. If that is not possible, all people should wear masks and roll the windows down. I did take a Lyft on one of my trips and the driver had no issue with leaving the window down even in chilly weather.

2. Make as few gas, bathroom and food stops as possible and combine stops when you can.

3. Bring food and drinks from home.

4. Wipe down your vehicle before and after your trip. Even if it’s your personal vehicle; all our cars could use a clean anyway, I’m sure.

5. If you are renting a car, drive with the windows down for your first few minutes to make sure it is aired out a bit.

How to stay safe when you arrive at your destination:

1. While there is significant debate over whether a hotel is safer than an Airbnb, I personally feel better about an Airbnb simply for the reason that I can isolate from other people more easily. It’s difficult to keep distance when we’re riding in elevators and sharing hallways and lobbies. In the Airbnb, I can clean and sanitize the home when I arrive.

2. Before you leave home, schedule a grocery delivery to your destination. Another reason for Airbnbs: when you can get groceries delivered and cook for yourself in the kitchen you can interact with fewer people from restaurants.

3. I know take out food is never as good, but it’s safer than eating at restaurants unless it’s on a patio.

4. Choose outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, skiing, climbing, beaching, etc. There are plenty of options, but make sure to practice outdoor safety as well like sunscreen.

5. Wash your hands, bring sanitizer, swap out cloth masks every day (bring at least as many masks as you are underthings).

It feels like there are no hard and fast rules other than wearing a mask. Any of the above precautions could help mitigate your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19. 

If you’re nervous, I’m happy to share my own experiences and discuss the risks and precautions further. 

And if you’d rather avoid planes at all this year, I’m happy to brainstorm a road trip for you.

15 Ways To Stay Safe While Traveling

Sirens blared, the crowd roared and a stampede of rioters raced toward the market we were planning to visit for lunch in Boston yesterday.

Luckily the Lyft driver we chatted with that morning told us there was a protest (and counter protest) happening in Boston while we were there so it was on my mind as we wandered through the Back Bay and Downtown Crossing neighborhoods.

As the riot escalated, my husband and I immediately turned around and ran the opposite direction. Knowing what signs to watch for and what to do in a dangerous situation can make your vacation safer and more pleasant. And hey, we visited the market today instead.

Here are a few things to remember to give you peace of mind.

1. Talk to locals. Sure, they can share great restaurants and things to do, but they can also alert you to other things going on in the city like major events.

2. Be cautious in crowds. While crowds aren’t always a bad sign, large gathering places like shopping centers, stadiums and festivals are easy targets for criminals whether that’s pick pocketing, groping or an active shooter situation.

3. Respond, don’t react. When you hear or see something that doesn’t feel quite right, stop and think before acting. Taking a moment to analyze the situation and thinking through your options will help you make the best decision on what to do next.

4. If you do get stuck in something awful, call the authorities to get help. In the United States, 911 is drilled into our brains since toddlerhood, but be sure to check the emergency phone number in the country you’re visiting and even write it down in your itinerary for urgent access.

5. Take photos of your driver’s license and passport. Plus leave copies of your itinerary in your checked bags and with someone at home.

6. Stay connected with someone back home. If something happens in the city you’re in, you can certainly mark yourself safe on Facebook, but staying in touch with friends and family back home can help them worry less when they first see the news.

7. Sign up for STEP. If you’re traveling internationally, know where the embassies are, plus the U.S. has a great program called the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program where you can let the government know where you are traveling in case something does happen. They also send you security information and travel advisories before and during your trip. We found it incredibly helpful when we visited Barcelona during the Catalonian independence crisis.

8. Talk like a local. In my itinerary docs, I always learn a few important words in the local language in case they aren’t comfortable or don’t know English. Hello, goodbye, please, thank you, yes, no, do you speak English, where can I find, how much does this cost, where is the toilet, I would like, I’m sorry, pardon me, and cheers are a good place to start. I also like this picture book for when you really get stuck.

9. It’s okay to bail. As an experienced traveller and urban dweller, I feel comfortable in most situations. But there is no shame in revising your plans to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Vacation is supposed to be relaxing and if you’re constantly looking over your shoulder, that will be hard. Trip insurance may help your recoup some of your sunk costs, but the airline change fees and hotel or Airbnb cancelation fees will be worth a smoother trip.

10. Wash fruits and vegetables. Visiting markets is one of my favorite ways to try local food, but don’t forget the general safety precautions you take at home.

11. Stay hydrated. You are most likely walking more than you normally do so be sure to drink lots of water. Before you leave on your trip, research if Americans can drink tap water safely in your destination. Additionally, your lodging may provide some information about water safety while you’re there. There are so many other things to consider if the water is unsafe: brushing your teeth, ice in your cocktail, and washing your fruit. No one wants to get an upset stomach on vacation.

12. Wear sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen is better for the oceans and some destinations prohibit chemical sunscreen. Also consider bug and animal safety as well as ocean and water safety.

13. Zip it up. I’m a big fan of packing a zippered crossbody bag over a backpack, but I also keep my hand over the closed zipper when I’m out and about as one more level of security. And with a crossbody bag, keep it on you at all times, no need to take it off like a backpack.

14. Protect your credit cards. RFID wallets can help protect your debit and credit cards from criminals swiping your information on the go.

15. If you can, look at your map and figure out your directions before you leave and don’t just stare at your phone as you navigate. You’ll look less like a tourist target for criminals, but you’ll also get to see more of your destination.

I can help you plan a unique and safe vacation or even just validate your choices as you plan your own. Reach out if you wanna talk about how to stay safe, or how to convince your mom that you will stay safe on your trip. Been there, done that.