Whatever kind of traveler we used to be before the pandemic hit, enough time has passed where we need to relearn our own tricks and tips. But why would we stop at just relearning old tricks? Now is a great time to pick up some new information, especially with new safety needs in mind.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Masks. We’ve all gotten used to them by now, and travel isn’t exempt from it. Packing a good number of masks with us makes sense. But masks aren’t the only thing that falls under PPE. Hand sanitizer, gloves, wipes, and the like make sense to take with us as we begin to travel again, just as we would take them with us if we were going anywhere else.
Many people have taken to preparing PPE kits with everything they need in small travel cases, and then packing them into a number of areas. From carrying a few in your car to having one in your backpack, in your suitcase, etc. Being prepared for any situation is a good call.
Comfort Items
Traveling is stressful. We all know how achy a long-haul flight leaves us, or how catching trains can make us nervously check the timetables over and over. Adjusting back into regular travel after so long of a pause will have its toll on our bodies and our minds, so making sure we bring items to help us relax some during this process is important.
Some people take a travel pillow or the like with them – you can get special packs that you can put soft clothes and the like in that take that shape to help save on weight and luggage. Other good items include rolled-up microfibre towels for lumbar support, scarves to use as blankets, earplugs to cut down on the airplane noise, and a little bath kit to keep fresh on flights.
Making Checklists
Let’s be honest. It’s been a while since we last traveled. We may not remember everything we need to bring, so making a list can help us keep track of things. Make that list. Check it. Check it again. Pack according to it, and then check one more time. We don’t want to forget something vital just because we thought we’d remember to bring it.
Pack Double-Duty Items
Making sure that what you bring is going to be able to work in more ways than one. For example, your clothing should be able to dress up and down for occasions. A scarf is a good option, as it can be a shawl, a blanket, a headscarf, a beach wrap, a pillow, and so on. Even something like a zip lock bag can help a lot of people as a makeshift washing assistant.
Don’t Bring More Than You Need
It can be easy to bring more than you need on your trip. After all, it’s the first time out after a year of no movement. The last thing you want is to not have something you need when abroad, right? That’s true, for sure, but if you bring too much you’re going to have to lug that around with you the entire time. This can drag down your vacation experience, leaving you exhausted from something that is meant to help you relax.
One good rule to go by is to use a 3:1 ratio for your clothes. Bring three bottoms, pair with three tips, and do laundry as you go. This helps you keep your luggage down, and lets you buy something you may love without worry.