How to best prepare for travel during pandemic
Question for all my dear bloggers: what did your first blog look like? :)
My first blog was about a Japanese band I really liked. It was almost a decade ago. Back then, I was a rookie graduate student on a stranger’s land.
Today, I have lived in three states, learned to make American breakfasts, sharpened my baking skills, got PhD, and on my second job in the beautiful, hilly city of Pittsburgh.
2020 was an unusual year. The pandemic started but never ended. Many of us decided to stay home and wear masks wherever we go.
In an unavoidable situation, some of us must travel. How to best minimize the chance of infection and keep your family and yourself safe?
Here are the five tips I found useful on my own travels:
Prepare at least two sets of clothes: one set for the road, one for inside. After arriving at the destination, change clothes.
Carry a box of 70% Isopropyl Prep Pads. They can be found in most retail stores, and very cheap for 100 pads. Put 5-10 in your pocket, keep it handy, and use it to clean seats & wheel if renting a car, seats & table if on a plane, the surface of a dining table if outside, or, just simply wipe your hands before and after eating. This will save you so many trips to the bathroom to wash your hands. **Some flight companies do provide their own cleaning pads once boarding (e.g. United), but some do not.
Bring two pairs of disposable gloves. You never know when you might need it - in an unlikely situation, your hands get cut and you definitely need to put those gloves on for protection.
Double the amount of masks you think you should be bringing. Why? cuz the string breaks!!!! And it breaks easily. On my trips, I have never had cases when it does not break. At one time, it broke right before I boarded. You might be able to get spare pairs if you ask the airport officials, but definitely feels better if you ensure yourself with masks in handy :)
Put a clip to keep your hair up. I know this seems trivial, but it really helps minimize the chance of your hands touching hair or face, as someone might do so unconsciously (that someone is me!)
Wear masks, always. It might not be comfortable, but it really stops you from touching your face!!! As someone who unconsciously touches face from time to time….. :) and it does stop gems in the air, to a good level.
Lastly - if you see someone not following social distance guidance or wear masks improperly, walk away, relax, and find a safer place to sit. Your safety is your first priority, there is no need to get into argument while traveling.
FAQs: (those are not medical advice, only my experiences as the low-risk population of COVID)
Do I need to buy a face shield for travel?
No. I got one for myself but it caused me bad headache 30 mins after wearing it - considering you have to remove it here and there (e.g. while eating) there is a higher chance of getting it contaminated with your hands than its protection impact. As long as you are not chatting with someone for hours close by, this is not necessary.
Do I need to buy a whole body disposable suit for international travel (long hours)?
No. During my trips, I have only seen < 5 people wearing them.
Is it safe to buy food from airport food courts?
Stick to hot and cooked foods. Wipe your hands with isopropyl pads before and after eating. **Do not touch your face!!! You will be okay.
Is it safe to drink water from the fountain at the airport?
I do, and was never bothered by it. But I felt this is a personal preference, whether fountain water or bottled water :)
Is it safe to use towels provided by the hotel in my room?
I do, but do pick hotels carefully, especially during a pandemic. Check Expedia or Tripadvisor for reviews of the hotel before booking it. A lot of customers comment on the hotel’s hygiene situation these days.
There! You have it. It sounds pretty simple, isn’t it? After all, try to stay home as best as you can, and if you must travel, be prepared.
Happy New Year!
