travel essentials list during covid

What to consider before you go

What should be in your travel safety kit, what you should leave at home, is it safer to fly or drive, your driving safety plan, your airport safety plan, our experts, the 15 travel essentials to keep you the safest from omicron this holiday season.

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• COVID cases are up as the Omicron variant spreads, impacting holiday travel plans across the U.S.
• The best precautions for travel are getting vaccinated with a booster and wearing a mask in public.
• Additional items like at-home COVID tests and hand sanitizer can also help you travel safer.

COVID cases are on the rise again with the highly contagious Delta and Omicron variants. Initial reports do indicate that while Omicron spreads quickly, it might be milder than other COVID variants , at least for vaccinated people.

But taking precautions when you travel is still essential, whether or not you're vaccinated. Everyone must wear a mask over their nose and mouth on planes, buses, trains, taxis, and other forms of public transportation. And all experts agree the best way to protect yourself and others is to get your vaccine , including the booster if you're eligible.

And if you're traveling internationally, make sure you read up on your destination's specific visitation rules, as most require proof of vaccination and/or certification you've had a recent negative COVID test. Many experts also recommend taking a COVID test before and after you travel regardless of if it's required.

No matter if you're flying for driving, vaccinated or not, it's important to be prepared. We talked to three experts about everything you need to know to travel safely, including what essentials to pack and the proper precautions to take.

Here are the new essentials everyone should pack before traveling:

• Vaccine passport: CommonPass
• N95 mask: Kimberly-Clark N95 Respirator
• KN95 mask: Powecom KN95 masks, 10 pack
• Disposable mask: DemeTech DemeMask Surgical Mask
• Fabric face masks: Herschel Classic Fitted Face Mask
• Face masks with removable filter : Halo Life Nanofilter Mask
• Face masks for kids: Onzie Mindful Masks (2-Pack)
• At-home COVID test : EmpowerDX At-Home COVID-19 PCR Test
• Portable hand sanitizer: Touchland Power Mist Sanitizer Spray
• Travel-sized disinfectant wipes : Clorox Disinfectant Wipes To Go
• A smartphone sanitizer: PhoneSoap 3 Smartphone UV Sanitizer
• Packing cubes : eBags Hyperlite Packing Cubes
• Tape to help your face mask fit better : Cabeau Tape
• A mask bracket for added comfort : HeartFormSF Mask Bracket
• Reusable bags for safety gear : Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag

Vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus is the most important and effective way we can reduce the spread and severity of COVID-19, David Aronoff, MD, director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told Insider during his medical review of this piece.

"While masks, reduced crowding, and social distancing are among the many things we can do to reduce the spread of COVID-19, vaccination has been shown to protect against getting infected, reduce the risk of symptoms or severe disease, and prevent death," he said.

Be sure that anyone in your traveling party (or meeting you at your destination) is vaccinated if they are eligible and vaccines are available in their country, and that they've received their booster vaccine dose, which is now available for most people who've already been immunized.

Additionally, all travelers should ask themselves before they go: Can I afford to be trapped somewhere if I or one of my travel companions gets COVID and can't travel home? "If the answer is no, stay home," Dr. Aronoff added.

If you are traveling, Dr. Aronoff encourages checking your health insurance carefully to find out where and how to seek medical attention if you need it and exactly what your policy covers. Some countries require proof of travel health insurance that covers COVID to enter their borders. Dr. Aronoff also suggested having a plan for where you'd go to get care if you got sick and how you'd quarantine from the people you're visiting.

Whether you're vaccinated or not, driving or flying, remember the basics of COVID travel: Wear the best mask you can (ideally an N95-type mask), making sure it fits snuggly without gaps at the sides (layering two masks can help), and keep your distance from people outside your household as much as possible.

Then, pack a portable COVID-19 safety kit, whether flying or driving.

Proof of vaccination

Again, getting the COVID vaccine is the best thing you can do to stay safe and keep others safe while traveling during the pandemic. Many countries require proof of vaccination before entering their borders, and even if you're traveling domestically, it's a good idea to have proof with you just in case a public space or business upon arrival requires it.

If you want to travel with your physical vaccine card, we suggest putting it in a protective vinyl casing . But there are also a handful of apps , such as CommonPass and VeriFLY , that allow you to upload proof of vaccine and even connect PCR test results so you have proof of your low-risk all in one place.

Masks for adults

Masks are required on all airlines, regardless of your vaccination status or where you're flying. They're also recommended for any public place while driving, like public restrooms or service stations.

As coronavirus is an airborne virus, wearing a mask is still one of the key ways to reduce spreading or getting COVID, especially in an indoor, crowded place like an airport or airplane, Joyce Sanchez, MD, medical director of the Travel Health Clinic at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin tells Insider.

Wearing the right mask the right way helps to protect not only the people around you but the wearer too.

Nearly everyone can safely wear a mask, other than those who can't put on or take off a mask themselves. This includes those with chronic lung and heart problems, Dr. Sanchez says. "Even if it feels harder to breathe while wearing a mask, it doesn't actually affect how much oxygen your body gets," she assures.

Why are masks so important? Think of the COVID virus like cigarette smoke spreading indoors — it flows throughout the space (beyond 6 feet from the person who exhaled it and around plexiglass barriers) and can hang in the air for hours, even after the person is no longer in the room.

Considering its spreadability, and given how contagious the Delta variant is, it's more important than ever to wear a well-fitting mask to both prevent spreading the virus to others and inhaling it yourself.

N95-type masks are best now that they're no longer in short supply like early in the pandemic, followed by KN95 masks (both technically called respirators rather than masks). Both seal the sides of the face and top of the nose to minimize any gaps where air can leak, and offer additional filtration of air as you breathe, Dr. Sanchez explains.

However, counterfeits are common, so check the CDC's list of approved masks and suppliers . A quick way to tell is that real N95s have straps around the back of the head instead of ear loops and a TC number (e.g., 84A-XXX for U.S.-approved N95s).

After N95s and KN95s, a three-layer cloth mask is your next best option. The outside two layers should be a tightly-woven fabric like cotton or linen and the middle a filter fabric, either built-in or added-in by you (a folded paper towel works great).

It's important that your mask fits snugly to trap the potentially-infected air particles rather than leaking through the edges of the mask and being directly inhaled, Abe Malkin, MD, MBA, the founder and medical director of Concierge MD LA , tells Insider. Make sure there are no gaps around the edges of your mask — a detail of equal importance regardless of if you're vaccinated or not.

If your mask has gaps on the top or sides or if you only have a single-ply mask, it's smart to double up with a disposable surgical-type mask underneath and a tighter cloth mask over top. And if your mask slips down under your nose as you talk, it's a sure sign you need a better-fitting mask.

Skip the neck gaiters and bandanas — early reports that they're worse than no mask at all were likely overblown , but researchers do know real masks are more effective. Plus, many airlines don't allow them anyway.

Masks for kids

A well-fitting mask is the most important factor for anyone, so children should use masks made for kids , Dr. Malkin says, adding "adult masks are too big for them."

If kids can help choose their own supplies, it increases the chance they'll use them. Dr. Malkin advises opting for a mask with a character or designs your child likes to increase the chance that they'll keep it on when you're not looking.

Masks are generally required on planes for kids 5 and older, though sometimes it's 2 or older (check your airline's requirements before you go). And Dr. Aranoff advises all kids over 2 years old should wear one in indoor, public places unless they physically can't. The CDC does not recommend masks for children under 2.

Kids need multiple masks just like adults, so stash a few extras in their backpacks and in the car, Jagdish Khubchandani , PhD, a professor of public health at New Mexico State University tells Insider.

At-home COVID-19 test

Most countries require you to have proof of a negative COVID test to enter. Taking one is a good idea even if you're traveling domestically, especially if you're unvaccinated, the CDC advises .

Even if your destination doesn't require it and even if you're vaccinated, it's wise to get a COVID test both before you travel and after you arrive to minimize the chance of spreading the virus to vulnerable people. "If you are planning on visiting others, make sure to get tested to ensure everyone's safety," Dr. Malkin adds.

For international or domestic travel, the CDC recommends that people who aren't vaccinated take a COVID test one to three days before you leave, keep your distance from others as much as possible while traveling, and once you return home, take another viral test and self-isolate for a full seven days. If you don't get a viral test, you should isolate for 10 days. Either way, avoid being around high-risk folks for 14 days.

As for where to get a COVID test, many towns have free testing sites. But you can also snag an at-home rapid antigen test or, slightly less common, more accurate molecular tests (such as a PCR test). Just remember, the tests aren't 100% foolproof.

Many at-home tests require you to mail in a nasal swab or spit tube to be processed in a lab. But newer tests (both antigen and molecular) available in some countries let you get your results online in as little as 45 minutes, with some antigen tests delivering results right in front of you, within 15 minutes. (Just be sure to follow the instructions closely and know that the tests can give a false negative.)

Most tests that are supervised by a health professional over video provide you with the certification you need for flights. Just make sure you know the precise time window to do your test and get the certification back before your flight.

When our team researched and tested the leading at-home COVID tests on the market throughout 2021, we found EmpowerDX Nasal to be the most accurate, covered by most insurance or the cheapest test available out of pocket and turns results around within two days of the lab receiving the sample. Dr. Sanchez also recommends the Abbott at-home antigen test kit, which offers six tests for $150.

Dr. Sanchez recommends each person bring at least two approved at-home test kits that meet the testing requirements when traveling internationally in case there's a problem with one or you need to re-test. "You do not want to be stuck or delayed in returning home because you have not prepared for that required step," she adds.

Hand soap, sanitizer, and wipes

Traveling exposes you to tons of germs — viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and fungi — outside of COVID that can cause illnesses. It's super important to clean your hands before and after you eat, in particular. The best way : Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then dry them thoroughly with a paper or cloth towel (rather than an air blower).

But since that's not always possible, the second-best option is to use hand sanitizer. Always pack one with at least 60% alcohol in your carry-on, and rub it all over your hands, even the nooks and crannies, until it evaporates.

Antibacterial hand wipes are less ideal since they sometimes contain harmful chemicals and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. But in a pinch, they're definitely better than having unclean hands. Keep in mind that most wipes are formulated for objects and not for skin, Dr. Malkin points out. As with hand sanitizer, the formula needs to be at least 60% alcohol to kill viruses.

Disinfectant wipes

Keeping high-touch surfaces clean is important, but don't obsess over disinfecting every surface you come into contact with, Dr. Sanchez told us — you're not at all likely to acquire COVID by touching an infected surface . This is especially true when driving; there's no need to wipe down your car handles or steering wheel, for example.

That being said, high-touch surfaces on planes — armrests, tray tables, in-flight entertainment screens — can transmit germs, so it's wise to wipe down surfaces around your seat with a disinfectant wipe .

Be sure to clean your phone too — you might be surprised by how dirty it actually is . Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how to clean it and try to use it only with clean hands. (But be careful: Some cleaners can ruin your screen .)

Storage bags

When flying, carry-on storage is essential to make it easy to access hand sanitizer and other essential items. Ideally, your carry-on bag has multiple pockets so you can keep things like food and extra masks separate from dirty items. You can also use a small pouch to keep these essentials right on top (we like these durable, zippered pouches from Baboon to the Moon).

We also recommend having a few plastic bags available to store dirty masks, in addition to things like used disinfectant wipes or tissues until you can find a trash can. You'll want one for your car and in your carry-on.

It's also helpful to have a designated clean storage bag where you can put your mask when you take it off to eat away from dirty surfaces or other people's breath, Dr. Sanchez advises. Avoid placing your mask on a table or your arm to minimize germ contamination.

You don't need to bring gloves with you traveling. First of all, COVID-19 is transmitted by breathing, not by touching things and then touching your face. Regardless, germs can live on the surface of a latex glove, the same as skin, Dr. Malkin says. Plus, "some people become too relaxed when they are wearing gloves. They do not realize they are at more risk for spreading [germs] because they are touching multiple personal items in between other things," he adds.

Studies have suggested that people who wear gloves tend not to wash their hands as often or notice when gloves get dirty or damaged. It's also easy to contaminate your hands when removing gloves. Plus, we don't need any more COVID-19 waste than we already have.

Face shields

How important are face shields? "As we do not have data to support the use of face shields in protecting individuals from acquiring COVID-19 in the community setting, they should not be used as a substitute for a well-fitting mask," Dr. Sanchez says.

She added that while she saw no downside to adding a face shield to your travel safety kit, "they are not an equivalent substitute for face masks." They might provide protection if someone sneezes in your direction, for example, but they don't protect others from any virus you may be carrying.

If you do need to travel, driving is generally safer than flying commercially, Dr. Sanchez says. If you drive , you have control over who shares the car with you, where you stop along the way, and when you return.

If you're fully vaccinated and wearing a well-fitting mask, it's generally safe to fly from a COVID-19 transmission standpoint, she adds.

Just keep in mind that you're most likely to transmit or catch the coronavirus when in close proximity to an infected person, especially in situations where people aren't wearing masks at all or wearing them properly. That means airport lines are an issue (sitting on the plane much less so, as we'll explain below), as is driving with anyone not already in your household bubble. Eating indoors — since people have no choice but to remove their masks — is high risk.

Regardless of your mode of transportation, it's important to be diligent with precautions.

Remember that COVID is spread by people breathing and talking, not by touching surfaces. If you're driving, you don't need to wipe down your steering wheel. But it can bring peace of mind to clean your hands before getting in; have hand sanitizer at the ready before and after you eat, and for after you use a gas pump and public restroom, for example.

Choose restaurants where staff are diligent about wearing masks. Keep your mask on unless you're actively eating or drinking, and try to eat outdoors or in your car.

Use public restrooms for bathroom breaks. Pulling over for a roadside bathroom break is actually illegal throughout the U.S . Just wear a mask and try to wait outside in a well-ventilated space for a free stall. If the toilet has a lid, close it to flush. (There's evidence that the coronavirus can spread by flushing .)

Dr. Sanchez adds that you should assume public restrooms are not properly disinfected and that surfaces could be covered in many kinds of germs aside from COVID. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and then use a paper towel to dry your hands and turn off the tap and open the door. If you do touch anything on your way out, use your 60%-plus alcohol hand sanitizer.

Airports — especially with lines at security, boarding gates, and within the plane itself — are risky because of the close proximity to other people. Wear your mask at all times and keep as much distance from others as you can.

When the TSA has you lower your mask for identity verification, touch it from the ear loops rather than the middle to avoid transferring any germs on the fabric onto your hands. It's wise to sanitize or wash your hands after you've touched security trays, not so much because of the coronavirus, but to protect yourself from other germs.

As for the plane itself, airlines have stepped up their disinfecting regimens. Many use electrostatic foggers nightly — sometimes between every flight. They spray a fine mist of disinfectant throughout the plane, and the electrostatic charge causes it to stick to all surfaces, not just fall to the floor.

Though COVID isn't transmitted by touching things, don't assume your flight has been freshly fogged with disinfectant. Planes can be filthy . It's still wise to wipe down everything in your seat area with a disinfecting wipe like Clorox Ultra Clean Disinfecting Wipes ; many airlines now hand out disinfecting wipes as you board, too.

If you bring your own, look for "disinfecting" and at least 60% alcohol on the label — a cleaning wipe rids your tray table of that splash of Coke, but it won't kill bacteria and viruses. Settle into your seat and wipe down everything you're likely to touch: the seat belt, armrests, the tray table, the air vent, the window-shade handle, and all places you need to touch to operate the entertainment system.

Then, thoroughly clean your hands with sanitizer. The TSA increased the size limit for sanitizer during the pandemic, and until further notice, you're allowed to bring one bottle that's up to 12 ounces in your carry-on bag. If you're flying internationally, note that some countries maintain the 3-ounce limit.

You might be worried about sitting in an enclosed space for hours, but the air on planes is cleaner than in many indoor places , and airlines' mandatory mask policies help protect everyone from virus particles that anyone could be breathing out. A September 2021 peer-reviewed, real-world study showed that the risk of contracting COVID-19 on a plane is 0.1% thanks to mask policies, requiring negative COVID tests to fly, and planes' hospital-grade air filtration systems.

When a plane cruises, the cabin air refreshes every three to four minutes, using both fresh air from outside and air that's gone through HEPA filters that remove virtually all viruses.

However, if you need to eat or drink on a plane, it's wise to wait a few minutes after the people around you have put their masks back on before you take yours off.

Minimize moving around on the plane, including wrestling carry-on luggage in and out of the overhead bin. If you need to use the restroom, be sure to close the toilet lid before you flush. After washing your hands for 20 seconds and drying them, use a paper towel to unlock and open the door. Avoid touching seatbacks as you return to your own, both to keep your hands clean ( headrests are the dirtiest surfaces inside an airplane cabin ) and so you don't disturb other passengers.

After your flight, it's smart to avoid crowds around the baggage carousel — wait until space clears before you grab your bag.

You'll also want to check your destination's latest COVID-19 rules for arriving passengers. Some countries require everyone, whether vaccinated or not, to have a negative COVID-19 test on arrival and self-isolate until it's confirmed negative.

For this article, we deeply researched across leading health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We also spoke with the following experts:

• Joyce Sanchez, MD , the medical director of the Travel Health Clinic at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin
• Dr. Abe Malkin, MD , MBA, the founder and medical director of Concierge MD LA
• Jagdish Khubchandani , PhD , a professor of public health at New Mexico State University

This piece was also medically reviewed for accuracy before publishing by Dr. David Aronoff, MD , director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

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Table of Contents

1. A contactless credit card

2. a portable power bank for your phone, 3. toilet paper (and other diy-restroom supplies), 5. a water bottle, 6. a selfie stick, travel essentials during the pandemic, recapped.

You don’t need a travel writer to tell you that the way you travel has dramatically changed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The items on your packing list may also need to change.

Of course, there are the obvious things you should add, like masks — they’re mandatory on most airlines and at pretty much every major hotel chain, as well as places you’ll visit from Walmart to Walt Disney World. And there are other cleaning items you may have already added to your everyday routine:

Disinfecting wipes.

Hand sanitizer.

But there are several less obvious items you may want to bring that you likely have not prioritized before. Here are six additions to your packing list for travel in the COVID era:

Contactless credit cards have been considered a safer way to pay to prevent fraud , but they could also be a safer way to prevent infection. No more swiping your plastic through the same machine that everyone else has touched or having to hand your card to another person.

Credit cards are increasingly being designed with “tap-to-pay,” which means your card is equipped with a technology called near-field communication. Just hold your card (or mobile wallet-enabled device, like a phone or smartwatch) close to the card reader to complete your transaction.

Certain restaurants — even some that had historically been cash-only — are now encouraging customers to make contactless payments. Some restaurants will no longer accept cash at all.

Not sure if your credit card is equipped with tap-to-pay tech? Look for the contactless logo on your card (four graduating arcs, like a sideways Wi-Fi symbol).

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel this year, according to recent NerdWallet study

File a power bank under what to bring on a plane during COVID.

You may find that your travels take you somewhere where you can't use your physical credit card to pay at all, even if it’s a tap-to-pay card. For many attractions, like theme parks and national parks, you may need to reserve tickets ahead of time.

Some restaurants, such as the San Francisco-based bubble tea shop Boba Guys, will serve you only if you’ve ordered ahead online. While you can certainly stand on the curb and place your order, that means having a charged phone right now is more important than ever. A simple portable charger or power bank can get you out of a low-battery jam when finding a physical outlet may be more difficult than it once was. Otherwise, no boba for you.

Stopping to use the bathroom in gas stations, public parks and restaurants is no longer a sure bet as some businesses temporarily close their facilities to the public.

Even if the bathroom is open, there is some concern about the aerosols produced by flushing toilets, potentially increasing the spread of coronavirus.

If you’re in a remote area, you might find yourself taking a wee in the woods. Choose a spot away from bodies of water or areas where other people are present. You'll want to ensure you have your own toilet paper and bring a bag to dispose of it while always practicing Leave No Trace principles .

Depending on the nature of your trip, it might make sense to go all-out and bring a travel toilet, which is essentially just a bucket with a seat mounted on top that's designed to fit a waste bag.

If you like those notepads and pens that typically come with hotel rooms, you’re out of luck. Some hotels, including Hilton, have adjusted their health policies and removed a number of amenities including pens, notepads and guest directories from rooms. While such moves are commendable (Hilton lands among the highest in our ranking of hotels that have handled the coronavirus best ), it still requires some advance planning and packing. For example, Hilton says products like pens are available upon request — but do you really want to call the concierge just for a pen, when you can easily pack your own?

As far as scenarios where you might need a pen (such as signing receipts), some cash registers have separate piles for clean and dirty pens. Still, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that pens are difficult to clean or disinfect, and sharing them should be discouraged. Bring your own to avoid using one that someone else has touched.

While the CDC has stated that there is no evidence showing anyone has gotten COVID-19 through drinking water, some public drinking fountains have been turned off. Even if they’re still on, you might be disinclined to use a public water fountain; after all, the surfaces around the fountain including the button you touch to turn on the spigot may pose a risk for transmission.

Instead, bring a large, reusable water bottle that you can fill from a faucet you know has been cleaned. Or, go for boxed water or a plastic water bottle (though that also comes with its own downfall: contributing to waste).

Cue eyerolls. The haters came for selfie sticks in the mid-2010s, and the “narcisstick” moniker certainly didn’t help.

Why use a selfie stick when you can simply ask someone else to take your family photo? In 2020, the answer is easy: You don’t want a stranger touching your phone or camera, and they don’t want to touch yours, either. And no, your arm isn’t long enough to really get a great photo, despite your selfie skills. So in order to get everyone (and everything) in the frame, it’s time to revert to self-sufficient photography.

Pack hygiene and sanitation supplies for your level of comfort. Traveling during a pandemic introduces new urgency to pack items you might not normally use at home, so ignore the selfie stick haters, get a contactless form of payment and leave room in your suitcase for a roll of toilet paper. Travel has changed this year, so your packing list should too.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards:  Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card  

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

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Coronavirus travel essentials: Masks, hand sanitizer and more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises against non-essential travel — even if you’re fully vaccinated — but sometimes travel is unavoidable. I’ve traveled back and forth between my university and hometown throughout the past year during holiday breaks. And after researching the best safety practices to abide by while traveling during the pandemic, I got over my fear, including having to sit very close to a stranger for over two hours on a plane.

I also drove from New York to Chicago in the fall before school started. I packed my own snacks and drinks in a cooler so I wouldn't have to purchase any along the way. Rest stops were generally empty, and anyone inside wore masks (I only traveled through states with mask mandates in place). I used hand sanitizer frequently, and bought an anti-touch door opener that’s also useful to press elevator buttons and punch numbers into a keypad.

Despite the success of my road trip, I couldn't drive across the country in the winter when ice and snow covered roads — I had to get on a plane for the first time in a year. As I began reading studies about air travel during the pandemic, I learned that physically being on the plane poses little risk to my health so long as proper safety procedures are followed — including wearing a mask. Research about Covid-19 and plane travel from Harvard University's Aviation Public Health Initiative (APHI) found that, with proper precautions, "the risk of transmission onboard an aircraft is below that of other routine activities during the pandemic, such as grocery shopping or eating out.”

If you have to travel during the pandemic, we compiled some of the best face masks to wear, as well as other items that might be useful to take with you on your journey. We also broke down the CDC’s guidance on precautions to take while traveling, and how safe it is to fly right now in the first place.

Shopping Latest CDC guidance about face masks, simply put

Best masks to wear while traveling.

In January, the CDC issued an order requiring masks on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within or out of the U.S. Masks are also required in U.S. transportation hubs like airports, train stations and bus stations. Keeping in mind expert guidance we’ve previously reported on regarding double masking , KN95 masks and other types of face coverings, here are some of the best masks to wear on a plane.

1. WellBefore KN95 Face Mask

WellBefore ’s KN95 masks are registered with the Food and Drug Administration and underwent laboratory testing to ensure they filter 95 percent of particulate. They feature five layers of non-woven fabric, an adjustable nose clip and elastic ear loops. The masks are individually wrapped so you can put them in your bag without worrying about them getting dirty. In addition to this White KN95 mask, WellBefore also sells kids KN95 masks .

WellBefore KN95 Face Mask

2. wecare individually wrapped disposable face masks.

When I travel, I wear one of these disposable masks under a reusable face mask. They’re individually wrapped, made from three layers of non-woven fabric and feature elastic ear loops and an adjustable nose clip. Masks come in a pack of 50 and are available in a variety of colors and patterns . WeCare also sells kids disposable face masks .

WeCare Individually Wrapped Disposable Face Masks

Shopping Shopping in 2020: Bestselling face masks

Face masks and alternatives to wear on public transportation, according to the cdc.

The CDC states that manufactured and homemade masks can both be worn on public transit and in public transportation hubs, as long as they fit properly. Reusable , disposable and medical-grade masks, as well as respirators like N95 and KN95 masks, are all permitted. Gaiters can be worn, too, as long as they are made from two layers of fabric or can be folded to make two layers. And while travelers can wear face shields or goggles while traveling, they cannot be used to supplement a mask. Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas and bandannas cannot be worn as mask substitutes. All travelers over 2 years old must adhere to these mask guidelines no matter how long or short they will be in transit for.

According to the CDC, masks you wear on public transportation should:

• Completely covers the nose and mouth
• Be made with two or more layers of tightly woven, breathable fabric
• Be secured to the head with ties, ear loops or elastic bands that go behind the head
• Fit tightly against the side of the face
• Be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves or punctures

Shopping Universal masking in schools: A shopping guide

Other products to travel with during the pandemic.

• Hand sanitizer : If you don’t have access to soap and water, the CDC recommends using hand sanitizers that contain at least 60 percent alcohol. In addition to bringing travel-sized containers on the plane, the TSA is allowing passengers to bring one oversized liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 oz. per passenger in carry-on bags.
• Disinfectant wipes : While public transportation is cleaned frequently, I always wipe down my seat, seat belt and armrests for peace of mind.
• Water bottle : Pulling your mask down while eating or drinking is permitted on public transportation. I bring my own water bottle on the plane, train and subway, as well as bring an empty water bottle to the airport to fill up before I board. I like the Que collapsible water bottle since it doesn't take up a lot of room in my bag.
• Reusable straw : I take a reusable straw with me while traveling to put any cup or bottle I’m drinking out of. I can slip the straw under my mask to drink and thus don’t have to completely remove my mask from my face.
• Stasher Bags : Instead of buying snacks at the airport or at rest stops while on a road trip, I pack food in Stasher Bags beforehand.
• Thermometer : I got in the habit of taking my temperature every morning at school, and I always keep this no-touch infrared thermometer with me while traveling (just in case).

Shopping Where to find travel-friendly hot tools

How safe is traveling by plane during the pandemic.

The U.S. has recently seen an uptick in air travel, despite cautions from the CDC. The TSA screened 1.357 million U.S. airport passengers on March 12, the highest number screened since March 15, 2020 — On March 21, it screened more than 1.5 million people. Experts say an increase in air travel specifically may stem from students across the country going on spring break , and people feeling safe to take public transportation again after being fully vaccinated.

Whatever the case may be, APHI’s study showed that traveling by plane is generally safe so long as travelers and airlines follow safety precautions. Travelers should physically distance, wear face coverings at all times (except while eating and drinking), avoid touching surfaces as much as possible and sanitize their hands. For airlines, consistent use of ventilation systems on planes while boarding, deplaning and in flight is essential. Disinfecting surfaces like tray tables and seats frequently is also important.

According to research by Boeing , as well as the military's U.S. Transportation Command , a plane’s cabin environment significantly reduces and removes cough particles from the air. This is because the air in a plane’s cabin primarily flows from ceiling to floor, not front to back. The air inside the cabin is exchanged every two to three minutes with outside air through HEPA filters, which are similar to those used in hospital operating rooms. Taking this into account, the research shows that the design of a plane’s cabin and its airflow system create the equivalent of more than 7 feet of physical distance between every passenger — even on a full flight.

APHI also conducted research about Covid-19 mitigation efforts at airports . It found the overall strategy to decrease transmission is similar to aircraft efforts: ventilation, disinfection and cleaning procedures, as well as traveler behavior like face mask wearing, hand-hygiene, and physical distancing.

CORRECTION (April 1, 2021, 3:55 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the certification status of masks made by Halolife. After consulting lab reports and experts, NBC News confirmed that the masks did not meet a new standard for reusable masks. As a result, mention of the masks has been removed from the article.

Shopping Best travel-sized hand sanitizers

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date .

Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor for Select on NBC News.

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I'm a Travel Writer, and These Are the 7 Things I'm Buying for My First Post-pandemic International Trip

From a vaccine cardholder to a pair of comfy walking sneakers, these travel essentials have earned a spot in my suitcase.

Rebecca Carhart is a senior e-commerce writer and strategist on Dotdash Meredith’s news and deals travel team. Her reviews of products across the fashion, beauty, home, and travel spaces have appeared on TravelandLeisure.com, InStyle.com, People.com, and more.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

After having two trips postponed due to Covid, my friends and I are finally cashing in our airline credits and heading to Europe in a few weeks. We've already made lists of the restaurants we want to try and the museums we want to visit, but now comes the hard part of figuring out what to pack .

Luckily, I already have a list of go-to items that I bring with me everywhere, but after two years of not traveling internationally, there are definitely a few things that I need to stock up on before my vacation. Whether it's items — such as KN95 masks and Clorox wipes — that will make me feel safer about traveling during a pandemic, travel essentials I need to replace (oof, like that plug adaptor I misplaced), or a few wardrobe upgrades to help me look and feel my best, I've narrowed my shopping list to seven key products.

Perhaps best of all, each item on my international travel packing list is actually affordable. Prices start at just $5, and nothing on my list exceeds $65 because I'd rather save that money for souvenirs and experiences at my destination. Keep reading for all of my top picks, which might inspire you to invest in one or two for yourself before your next getaway.

Reebok Club MEMT Sneaker

A priority on my list is a new pair of white sneakers . I need shoes that will be comfortable enough to walk around in all day but still be versatile enough to wear with the rest of my travel wardrobe. I like these classic Reebok kicks, in particular, because their simple design will look good with everything from jeans and leggings to skirts and dresses. They have a durable rubber sole for added traction, and shoppers say they are " incredibly comfortable " since it feels like you're " walking on clouds ."

To buy: amazon.com , $65

Kgx Vaccine Card Holder

I just had to fill out travel documents and submit a photo of my vaccine card for my flight to Paris, and when I pulled my vaccine card out of my wallet, it was looking a little worse for wear and frayed around the edges. Next on my list is getting a vaccine cardholder to keep it safe, especially since I'll likely have to pull it out and show it to gain access to some locations. I like this Kgx option because it is waterproof, slim enough to fit in my wallet, and easily wipes clean. Plus, you can't beat the price at only $6 for two. (But, you may want to check out this vaccine card multitasker for $7, if you also need a safe way to store your passport.)

To buy: amazon.com , $6 for two

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

I've always been a bit of a germaphobe, and I've been disinfecting my plane seat prior to takeoff for years. Now, after the pandemic, I'm sure I'll get fewer weird looks as I do it, but rest assured I'll have my trusty pack of Clorox wipes in my tote bag for this upcoming flight. These travel packs don't take up too much space in my bag and have enough wipes for me to use throughout my trip as well giving me so much peace of mind .

To buy: amazon.com , $15 for 3

Away Small Toiletry Bag

My toiletry bag has been long overdue for an upgrade, so I've decided on this Away option to coordinate with my suitcase. The outer shell is made from a water-resistant nylon material, and a coated wipeable lining makes it easy to clean any unwanted spills. I like that it boasts two compartments — one transparent pocket and another mesh pouch — so I can see where everything is, and it's big enough to hold all of my toiletries. Even better, the bag's design can even fit at-home Covid-19 tests, which I need to pack to show proof of a negative test result in order to get back into the US.

To buy: awaytravel.com , $55

Evolve Together KN95 Mask

While it's no longer required to wear masks on flights , I still plan on wearing one. I wore this Evolve Together KN95 mask a few months ago on a flight to Miami (which was a few hours), and it was super comfy and easy to breathe in, so I plan on stocking up for this long international flight. The six-layer mask has a double filtration system, is hypoallergenic, and has an adjustable nose bridge for a comfortable and secure fit. Also nice: It has a flatter, more modern profile in comparison to other KN95 masks on the market, meaning it won't have me awkwardly resembling a duck in transit.

To buy: evolvetogether.com , $15 for 5

SublimeWare International Plug Adaptor

Since I haven't left the country in a few years, I seem to have lost my international plug adaptor . After browsing Amazon for a highly rated pick that would ship quickly and not cut too much into my budget, I've settled on this option from SublimeWare. I like that it can accommodate multiple plug types, including Japan, China, the UK, and the EU, and I can use a normal wall plug or USB with it. I can even charge up to four devices at a time with the single adaptor, and it comes in four different colors.

To buy: amazon.com , $23 (originally $26)

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

While fanny packs used to scream "tourist," they are now more fashionable and convenient than ever, so I'm taking the plunge and buying the popular Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag for my trip. I like its lightweight, water-resistant design and that it's spacious enough to hold all of my essentials while on the go. I plan to wear it as a crossbody, which will keep my belongings safe and secure, while giving it a more updated feel than wearing it around my waist. The hardest part will be choosing which of the 12 colors to buy.

To buy: lululemon.com , $38

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• COVID-19 travel advice

Considering travel during the pandemic? Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19 . But even if you're vaccinated, it's still a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and others while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, you're less likely to become seriously ill or spread COVID-19 . You can then travel more safely within the U.S. and internationally. But international travel can still increase your risk of getting new COVID-19 variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should avoid travel until you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
• Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
• Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
• Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Get vaccinated.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
• Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

• Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
• Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
• Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
• Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
• Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
• Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
• Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
• Vaccine recommendations for staff
• Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
• Contactless payment
• Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
• Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

• Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
• Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

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U.S. travel resources

• Check CDC recommendations for travel within the U.S.
• Review testing requirements for travel to the U.S.
• Look up restrictions at your destination .
• Review airport security measures .

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Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What You Need to Know

Your guide for everything from travel advisories and rewards status to vacation and staycation ideas.

What to Know For COVID-Era Travel

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Ready to wander again? We've got everything you need to know.

As borders reopen and travel bans ease, you're likely itching to get out of the house. U.S. News has a variety of resources to help you prepare yourself (and your loved ones) for your next vacation. Check out the pieces below to help you plan each stage of your trip.

Before You Go

• Is It Safe to Travel? How to Travel Safely During the Coronavirus Pandemic
• Where You Can Travel if You're Vaccinated
• Where Can Americans Travel Right Now?
• What Will Happen to My Elite Status and Points Because of the Coronavirus?
• When Will Cruises Resume?

Travel Insurance

• Travel Insurance 2020: Find the Best Policy for You
• The 10 Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The 7 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies
• Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know

Where to Stay and Hotel Info

• The Best Hotels
• The Best Vacation Rental Sites
• The Best Cabin Rentals
• 13 Top Hotels With Work-From-Hotel Packages
• Top Glamping Resorts in the U.S.
• Charming Bed-and-Breakfasts Across America
• Hotel Cleaning During COVID-19
• 7 Ways Hotels Are Changing Because of the Coronavirus

Getting There

• Things to Do if Your Flight is Canceled
• RV Travel: 12 Tips for Renting an RV

What to Pack

• The Best Face Masks for Travel
• The Best Camping Gear
• Road Trip Essentials for Your Vacation
• Travel Accessories That Make Vacationing Easier

Domestic Vacation Inspiration

• Best Places to Visit in the USA
• Best U.S. National Parks
• Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
• Best Weekend Getaways
• Best Family Vacations in the USA
• Best Romantic Getaways in the USA
• Best Relaxing Getaways in the USA
• Need more inspiration? Check out other vacation ideas here .

Activities for at Home and on the Road

• Virtual Tours and Attractions to Explore Online
• The Top Jigsaw Puzzles, Games and Books to Keep Travelers Entertained
• The Top Cookbooks to Buy
• The Best Language-Learning Apps, Programs and Online Courses
• Travel-Themed Activities to Do At Home
• The Top Staycation Ideas
• Social Distancing Outside: Safe Places to Go and Things to Do

Tags: Travel , Coronavirus , Vacations , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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From face masks to comfy jeans.

No exaggeration, one of the things that brings me the most joy in life is traveling. I love exploring different places, learning about new cultures, meeting new people, and experiencing a change of scenery. So, when quarantine began to lift in the tri-state area, I immediately started trying to figure out how to travel safely during Covid 19 outbreaks.

Though I fully plan to hop on a plane soon, for my first quarantine getaway, I decided to plan a road trip. Since I desperately missed the beach, I chose a destination near the water: Montauk. It's great for socially distanced walks along the sand, outdoor dining, and even sailing which is a pastime of mine.

I rarely drive in NYC so BMW lent a special car for my trip, the BMW 840i xDrive Coupe . Besides the beautiful red color, it has plush seats, cruise control, and lane assist which is perfect for a long drive.

Since I get cold easily, I made sure to pack my favorite $15 Old Navy jeans and to activate the heated seating to make the drive comfortable. And then I switched out of my ubiquitous summer flip flops into my New Balance sneakers for a safer drive. Those kicks combined with the Sports mode driving option and powerful engine made for such a fun ride.

All that was left was to pack essentials for a safe, socially-distanced trip, including plenty of face masks , sunglasses , and hand sanitizer to help combat the spread of coronavirus. I wore sunglasses and a face mask whenever I was in public and less than 6 feet away from others — and washed and sanitized my hands frequently.

And I did some research to choose the right place to stay. Gurney's Star Island Resort & Marina requires face masks in all common areas and there are hand sanitizing stations throughout, so I felt comfortable there.

Once I was confident I would be safe, I focused on the fun part: the fashion. I packed a playful straw hat to shield me from the sun, a pretty summer dress from Sleeper , and my go-to Telfar shopping bag and Away luggage to transport it all. It was so much fun that I can't wait to plan the next vacation.

Ahead, find everything I packed for my social distanced road trip.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

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I'm so glad I was able to enjoy a socially distanced road trip this summer. Keep scrolling for everything I brought for a safe, relaxing getaway to Montauk.

Since I planned to spend most of the trip social distancing at a beach or at the park, I knew I'd need to bring bulky items like picnic blankets and towels. This suitcase is big enough to hold everything, and it has an interior compression system so you can fit several items comfortably inside. Plus, the gorgeous rose gold color is an added bonus.

I like to dress casually on vacation but for a fancy dinner at Showfish Restaurant , I decided to go for a more polished look. I love this dreamy Sleeper dress because of the romantic details — the puff sleeves and off-shoulder neckline — but also, it feels so comfortable that you'll forget you changed out of your pajamas.

I'm becoming more and more obsessed with sneakers during quarantine — and while we all wait with bated breath for the next New Balance x Staud launch — I'm wearing these NB trainers on repeat. They were super comfortable to drive in and combined with my car's powerful engine and Sport Mode gear, it made for a fun ride.

Lugging around a huge cosmetics bag full of makeup is not my activity of choice on vacation. This highlighter pen is so compact that it fits right in my handbag — and it makes my skin look super smooth and glowy.

I find it really helpful to pair my masks with chains. On the trip, I needed a mask to walk around the resort but not while driving. So, once I hopped inside the car, I was able to take my mask off and hang the chain around my neck so I knew exactly where it was.

When packing, I usually roll my clothes to fit in my carry-on luggage and put smaller items in a medium-sized bag to conserve space. My Telfar shopping bag was perfect to store my valuables, and when I arrived at my destination, it doubled as a purse and a beach tote. The instantly-recognizable logo also made it a great conversation piece.

I'm a big fan of incorporating jewelry into my outfits but I'm always nervous that my earrings and necklaces will break while I'm in transit. These earrings were perfect to throw in my handbag, and the neutral animal print goes with everything. What's more, they're from an amazing Black-owned brand.

I love lounging by water on vacation and this trip was no exception. At the Gurneys Resort, we were able to socially distance at the pool while wearing masks. For those moments, I grabbed this beautiful Jacquemus hat to shield my face from the sun. And I just love the cottage core vibes of that delicate black neck tie.

Another cozy staple for the car ride was these Old Navy jeans — seriously, they feel like leggings! I wore this pair and I activated heated seating in the car so I was able to stay warm during the drive. I wore them for the entire four-hour ride and they were super comfortable.

Glitter masks are festive enough that you won't mind wearing them — and these come with an opening for drinking so it's pretty much tailor-made for cocktails by the pool.

Even better, sales of the mask benefit Survivor Corps, an organization supporting research to find a cure and vaccine for COVID-19.

You’ve Got the Vaccine Booster—Now What? Here’s How to Still Stay Safe While On-the-Go

• By Sage Anderson

Sage Anderson

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

As Covid-19 vaccines and booster shots continue to become more accessible, you, and many people that you know, might slowly start to feel comfortable going out again. It’s only natural to be a little stir-crazy at this point and feel the urge to get out and travel , especially since more business and restaurants are opening up.

But it’s best to take a pause, be smart, and keep certain safety essentials on-hand when going back out in public (one of those things should still always be a face mask, officials say.) It’s a critical time, as the latest Omicron variant continues popping up around the country, and the CDC is urging everyone to take certain precautions—even if your immunity now has a boost.

So first things first: here’s what you can do when you’ve been fully vaccinated. Based on what we know about Covid-19 vaccines, CDC guidelines state that you can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people, but you should still wear a mask indoors in public if you’re in an area of substantial or high transmission (which, due to the Delta variant, is mostly everywhere). If you’ve been exposed, you won’t have to stay away from others or get tested (unless you have symptoms) either. But you still have to take certain steps to protect yourself and others.

Say you have to go out somewhere public with heavy crowds, like a grocery store; or despite warnings against domestic and international travel , you still might have to take a flight for any number of reasons. Even if you finally feel comfortable enough to visit a local restaurant in person or hop on a plane, you still have to follow the basics. Here’s what you need to know, including tips on what should still be bringing with you when you leave the house.

How to Stay Safe From Covid-19 When Vaccinated

The CDC recently published a guide on recommendations for fully vaccinated people. But what’s considered “fully vaccinated” anyways? The guide states “people are considered fully vaccinated for Covid-19 less than two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or less than two weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson (J&J)/Janssen).” If that sounds like you, then you should still be:

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• Wearing a well-fitted mask (see some of our top-reviewed options here )
• Practicing physical distancing, staying at least six feet apart from others when in public
• Avoiding medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings
• Avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces
• Watching out for symptoms of Covid-19
• Still following CDC guidelines for travel

Sounds pretty much like what we’ve been doing all year, right? Even if you’re a pro by now at masking up and sanitizing as often as possible, the biggest challenge is knowing what you still have to take with you when you go out in public, or when you do have to do some long-distance traveling. Should you still keep sanitizer on hand? Or antibacterial wipes?

Don’t just toss your phone, wallet, and keys in your bag. Here are the necessary items to still keep prepared and protected against Covid-19 when you get back out there.

1. Light and Breathable Face Mask 

While a single cloth face masks can keep you shielded on a walk, or quick trip to the grocery store, if you’re going to be out for a longer period of time, your mask should have a removable filter. Any face covering can help reduce the spread of Covid-19, but if you’re still unvaccinated, we recommend doubling up with a disposable mask underneath a reusable, washable face covering.

What about N95 vs. KN95 masks ? You can certainly chose either, but if you go for a medical-grade mask, chose one without a valve (that just pushes air out at other people), and has a tight fit. Increase the fit of any mask with a good mask extender or FDA-approved tape to seal the edges.

One of our favorite reusable masks is this ProSport mask from BlueBear . It stands out from other masks because it includes a built-in slot for a filter, adding extra protection. It’s super gentle on the skin and won’t chafe, thanks to the soft and hypoallergenic fabric. The contoured shape fits more naturally over the face, and the adjustable straps help the mask stay put even during your longest days out. Get a 10-pack of replacement filters for $8.50 here .

Buy Blue Bear ProSport Reusable Mask $16.99

2. Safety Goggles (or “Stoggles”)

The CDC recommends “ protective eyewear ” such as safety glasses during periods “where splashes and sprays are anticipated” or where “prolonged face-to-face or close contact with a potentially infectious patient is unavoidable.”‘ Even Dr. Fauci urged Americans to wear safety goggles with their virus-protection wardrobes last July.

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While some pairs go more heavy-duty on protection (and might fit right in to a science lab), others are more practical, and can accommodate prescription lenses. We like this pair from Zenni, which features anti-scratch, impact-resistant lenses, and a superhydrophobic (read: water-repellant) anti-reflective coating. The adjustable nose pads make this an easy-to-wear protective style for every face shape. With a unique, retro silhouette, you don’t have to compromise style for protection.

Buy Zenni Safety Glasses $35

3. Portable Hand Sanitizer

Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them off thoroughly is the best way to not transmit bacteria from your hands, according to the CDC . You should ideally wash them before and after you use the restroom, eat, or touch your face or mask.

But if you’re out and about and can’t get to any soap and water, hand sanitizer is another effective option. It’s convenient too, as long as you pick a sanitizer that’s made with at least 60% alcohol, and make to rub it in until it evaporates completely.

If you’re looking for a safe and effective formula, we like this natural “Power Mist” from Touchland. This sanitizer works double duty, and can also stave off dry airplane hands with moisturizing ingredients. The mist is formulated with 70% alcohol— exceeding CDC recommendations by 10%. It also contains aloe vera and lemon essential oil to help soothe sensitive skin. Each bottle is 30ml, and you can stock up with this special five-pack, which includes your own chosen assortment of scents.

Buy Touchland Power Mist Bundle $42.50

4. Smartphone Sanitizer

You’d be surprised how dirty your phone can get, especially while out-and-about—the average smartphone has 17,032 germs on its surface. One of the easiest ways to clean your phone is with a good, portable UV smartphone sanitizer. That being said, while blasting your phone with UV light may reduce your exposure to bacteria containing Covid-19 , but you should still take other precautions to limit your exposure.

That’s why we like the Invisible Shield UV Sanitizer from ZAGG, which can kill 99.9% of common surface bacteria on your phone in just five minutes. It’s great for disinfecting your keys, earbuds, wallet, sunglasses and other small accessories too. The Invisible Shield UV Sanitizer is 9.45 inches long, 5.75 inches wide, and 1.57 inches deep, which is small enough that you easily carry it in a backpack. This is also one of the best UV sanitizers for under $100, so it’s a budget-friendly pick too.

Buy Invisible Shield UV Sanitizer $41.99

5. Power Bank for Personal Electronics

This may not be something you have on-hand regularly, but here’s why you should: several business have switched over during the pandemic to contactless payments like Apple Pay and Paypal, and certain restaurants will only allow you to order ahead on an app, or use your smartphone to view the menu. A small power bank will keep your smartphone battery fully charged and ready, no matter where you are.

For quickly powering up your phone while you’re out and about, or in an emergency, we like Anker’s PowerCore Fusion. The 5,000mAh battery can fully recharge an iPhone 12 Pro once, and its ultra-fast USB-C power can charge it from zero to 50% in about 30 minutes. The PowerCore Fusion also has a USB-A port, so you can charge two devices at the same time. While it may not have the highest battery capacity, the PowerCore Fusion is super convenient, with a power plug built right in.

Buy Anker PowerCore Fusion 10000 $49.99

6. Portable Thermometer

While everyone from airport security to your local barbershop might check your temperature at the door, it’s handy to have a digital thermometer so you can check yourself before you go anywhere you know will be crowded, or where socially distancing is less than possible.

For expert precision and speed, we recommend the iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer, which uses an infrared sensor to get a temperature read in just one second. Instead of a loud beeping sound, the device vibrates once the reading is done.

Whether you’re in a well-lit area or a dark spot, visibility isn’t an issue, since you can easily see the numbers on the LED display. The weather outside won’t affect the temperature results, since the sensors take things like distance and environmental factors into account for the most accurate reading possible.

Buy iHealth No-Touch Thermometer $15.99

7. Travel-Pack of Disinfectant Wipes

It’s  harder to catch Covid-19 from surfaces , so you don’t need to go crazy wiping down every surface you touch. But you should be regularly cleaning things that you touch regularly, like your phone, sunglasses, keys, and wallet. Once you set something down on a dirty, high-touch surface and pick it back up, you’re bringing that bacteria with you. That’s why it’s always good to carry a mini travel-pack of antibacterial wipes with you.

SONO Healthcare’s travel safe wipes are FDA-approved, and are good to use on most surfaces too, from wood to bathroom counters and even furniture upholstery. That makes it great around the house or office, to wipe down appliances, bathroom fixtures and high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and light switches too. The company says the wipes are effective at killing 99.9% of most common germs, including SARS-Cov-2 (which causes COVID-19). This three-pack gives you 20 disposable sanitizing wipes per pack.

Buy SONO Healthcare Disinfectant Wipes $17.95

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Travel Tips

What to pack during COVID-19: the ultimate travel checklist

By six-two team

Published on Feb 22, 2021

The Coronavirus pandemic brought travel plans to a halt in 2020. Now, as the world begins to open up and regions like Australia and Costa Rica are decreasing their restrictions, travel is once again on the cards. And the world can’t wait to get back on the road! But, a s travel resumes, it’s more important than ever that we prioritise good hygiene – to help keep ourselves and others safe. That’s why we’ve created a COVID-19 travel checklist with tips on what to pack for your next trip.

If you’re travelling with Contiki, we cover many of the items that you’ll find on this list. In response to the pandemic, we’ve updated our health and hygiene protocols with guidance from the World Health Organisation and government agencies. Some precautionary measures include:

• Alteration of group size to comply with regional distancing requirements
• Increased in-coach cleaning protocols with medical-grade disinfectants and products
• Allocation of masks and hand sanitizers per group
• New training for Trip Managers on how to deal with COVID-19 and any of the questions or concerns you might have on a trip

Check out all of our health and wellbeing protocols here . 

You’ll also be sent information that’s relevant to your trip ahead of departure, which will include the latest guidelines and any restrictions in the country(s) you visit. The below COVID-19 travel checklist is our collection of recommended, rather than essential, items to help you plan ahead.

We’ve heard it all year long and it remains as true now as it was in 2020: one of the best forms of protection against germs is a face mask. You can either bring a large pack of medically approved disposable masks or bring a few reusable masks if you have a way to properly wash them after use. 

It’s important to pay attention to local guidelines: for example, Austria requires travellers to use FFP2 masks (ones with a filter built in). Although guidelines vary by country, as a general rule, you’ll be required to wear masks on planes and public transport, indoors, or anytime you’re unable to practice appropriate social distancing.

Image source: Thomas Park / Unsplash

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Zip-lock bags for face masks.

Throw a few extra zip-lock bags into your suitcase to help keep tabs on ‘used’ face masks. These come in handy if you’re bringing reusable masks; you’ll have somewhere to pop them before you clean them, rather than throwing them in your suitcase in and amongst your personal items.

Antibacterial/Disinfectant Wipes or Spray

After a day of exploring and sightseeing, it’s a good idea to wipe down any valuables like phones, cameras, keys and wallet – any personal items you might have touched throughout the day without clean hands. 

Bring along some antibacterial wipes or spray as an easy way to help keep your belongings clean day to day. They’re also a handy way to decontaminate surfaces like light switches, door handles and seat-handles on airplanes.

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Hand sanitiser.

We’ve all become familiar with hand sanitizer in recent months. Add a pocket-size tube to your COVID-19 checklist to stay clean on the road. The best way to keep yourself protected from germs is to wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds (or two choruses of the Happy Birthday song) but hand sanitiser is a great alternative. 

Contiki coaches, hotels and vendors will have their own hand sanitiser for you to use but it’s always good to bring your own as spare. You can use it for top-ups throughout the day or if you’re unable to wash your hands at the sink. 

The effectiveness of the product depends on its alcohol content so make sure you use a sanitiser that’s at least 60%. If possible, grab a couple approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which contain 80% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol content. 

Image source: Tai S / Unsplash

As many of us learnt in the past year, when you’re washing your hands 30 times a day and using hand sanitiser regularly, your hands can get pretty dry. So it’s a pretty good idea to include a nourishing hand cream on your COVID-19 travel checklist. 

Look for ingredients like shea butter, petrolatum, lanolin or dimethicone for a super-moisturising hand cream. Apply it overnight to nourish your skin as you sleep, and help prevent any cracks and dryness. 

Disposable gloves

A nice to-have, a few pairs of disposable gloves can help ease any potential discomfort when you’re in situations where you’d prefer to avoid touching surfaces. Some travellers prefer to don disposable gloves when on airplanes or using public transport. For peace of mind, these can be a helpful addition. 

What It’s Like to Travel Internationally During Covid

Vitamin d supplements.

There has been some discussion among health professionals from the NHS around Vitamin D supplements helping to lower the risk of contracting COVID-19. Though the link hasn’t been entirely “proven” yet, many doctors say there is nothing to lose in adding more Vitamin D to your daily routine – especially when travelling. 

Reusable Cutlery, Straws & Flask

You may prefer to use your own cutlery or straws for eating and drinking instead of the plastic ones in cafes and restaurants. Although most food-outlets have pretty stringent hygiene measures in place, some use communal cutlery receptacles which you might not be comfortable with. Reusable products are of course always a positive tick when it comes to more sustainable travel choices. 

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Thermometer & pulse oximeter.

Again, these suggestions are based on how comfortable you feel to travel, and the additional precautions you might want to take on top of those already in place depending where you’re travelling.

An infrared digital thermometer is a popular choice as it avoids skin contact and offers peace of mind if you’re worried about a fever. A pulse oximeter is an increasingly popular device that allows you to measure your oxygen saturation level. Because it can detect even small changes in your oxygen, it’s a handy tool for people who want to take extra precautions in monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms.

When you’re ready to travel, we’re ready to welcome you back

Watch our wellness video for more information on how we’ll be taking care of Contiki travellers on any future trips:

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A traveler walks through Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport May 13, 2020. Netherlands-based KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, like most carriers, now requires passengers to cover their faces to board planes.

• CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

Is it safe to travel now? It depends.

Here are the best practices for getting on the road without endangering your health—or anyone else’s.

Although many restrictions are still in place, travel is slowly starting up again. People locked down for months want to stretch their legs, see something other than a screen, and boost the economy. Restaurants and some tourist attractions (Florida’s Universal Orlando Resort, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston) are opening for local and domestic travel. A few countries (Greece, Italy) are starting to welcome international travelers.

But how can you safely explore a world of potentially deadly encounters with friendly people who might infect you (or who you might expose to the virus)? Is the airplane really a soaring petri dish? Is visiting a national park possible while social distancing? And if you choose a seemingly safer road trip, can you stop to use a public restroom?

A poll by National Geographic and Morning Consult finds that just 2 percent of 2,200 Americans said they’d jump on a plane now, and only another 8 percent would consider it later this summer. That’s wise with travel advisories still in place, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warnings against international travel and cautions about travel within the U.S. , and with many countries and states ( Maine , Hawaii ) still requiring 14 days of post-travel self-isolation regardless of symptoms.

As we recently report, travel planning is good for your mental health . Knowing more about real and perceived COVID-19 risks might help you feel better about getting out as roadblocks lift. Here are best practices for travelers.

Should I get on an airplane?

Challenge: Being crammed next to strangers in a flying metal tube

Best practice: It’s reassuring to know that “data to date suggest only rare possible occurrences of in-flight transmission” of COVID-19, says Dr. Lin H. Chen , associate professor at Harvard Medical School and director of Cambridge’s Travel Medicine Center at Mount Auburn . She explains that if everyone follows the World Health Organization’s guidelines , the risk of transmission aboard planes, and anywhere else, is significantly reduced.

A plastic drape covers an airline check-in counter at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on March 27, 2020. Barriers like this between workers and travelers are meant to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Many people think they get sick on an airplane, but the reality is that the air quality on an airplane is actually really good—high amounts of clean outdoor air and all recirculated air passes through a HEPA filter,” says Joe Allen . An assistant professor and director of the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Allen explains that you’re more likely to pick up a bug standing in line at airport security, at the boarding gate, or on the subway.

Airports and airlines are trying to minimize the risks of contagions in their often-crowded environments. Intensive cleaning is now the norm; planes are now being fogged with electrostatic disinfectant that sticks to surfaces like seatbelts. Some airlines give you wipes and the Transportation Security Administration has upped the size of hand sanitizer bottles you can bring on board from 3.4 ounces to 12.

(Related: What’s the safest seat to claim on the plane?)

Face coverings are required to board most flights. Airlines are trying to seat people so they have more space. But that doesn’t necessarily mean middle seats are remaining empty, especially with reductions in numbers of flights. There’s no national U.S. policy yet, but several airlines are checking for fevers. They won’t let you fly with a temperature above 100.4℉ (though testing is far from foolproof).

Internationally, some destinations require proof of a negative COVID-19 test; other destinations test passengers on arrival. Many have mandatory 14-day quarantines, sometimes requiring you to submit a quarantine plan for approval, download an app, or get a tracking bracelet to ensure you follow the rules. Vaccination certification may eventually be needed for travel, but so far the science doesn’t support “immunity passports” or proof that a person has had COVID-19 and is, in theory, immune.

Should I head to a national park?

Challenge: Avoiding big crowds in the great outdoors

Best practice: “There are many health benefits to being outside in nature, and the risks are low and manageable,” says Allen. The key is keeping a six-foot distance. A good practice at a park is to pretend that other people are grizzly bears and stay away from them.

Check the National Park Service’s find-a-park website to see if the park is closed or partially closed (restrooms and food services, in particular), for limits on numbers of visitors, and other rules like mask-wearing. Avoid group activities that involve close contact and practice social distancing at camp sites. Joyce Sanchez , an infectious disease specialist and medical director of the Travel Health Clinic at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, reminds us that “summer is tick and mosquito season,” so don’t forget your bug spray and sunscreen (though perhaps a face-mask tan will become a badge of honor that you’re doing your part to protect others).

(Related: Learn how COVID closures are impacting the small town bordering Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.)

Should I rent a cottage by the sea?

Challenge : Assessing the safety of beaches and vacation rentals

Best practice: Like park trips, seaside vacations are great if you can stay away from others and obey beach closure rules. There’s no evidence you can catch COVID-19 from the water (it’s other people you should be concerned about). Remember to bring your two best beach friends: reef-safe sunscreen free of oxybenzone and hand sanitizer.

A woman sunbathes in a roped-off social-distancing zone on the beach in La Grande Motte in southern France.

Regarding rentals, ask whether properties are cleaned according to public health guidelines, such as the WHO’s accommodation sector advice . Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Initiative includes a 24- to 72-hour vacancy period between guests (though cleaners may visit during that window), but it’s likely unnecessary given evidence that the coronavirus floats in the air only up to three hours. Since it’s possible for the virus to live on surfaces for two or three days , you could give high-touch surfaces an extra clean. As Chen says, “good hand washing should overcome potentially contaminated touching.” If anxiety outweighs the benefits of a vacation, it’s a sign you’re not ready to venture out yet.

Should I stay in a hotel?

Challenge: Distancing safely and trusting housekeeping

Best practice: Hotels that take better care of their employees (by providing them with personal protective equipment and paid sick leave) are more likely to take better care of you. Check the website of any hotel you’re considering to determine how they’re responding to COVID-19. Many U.S. hotels are following the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s new Safe Stay guidelines .

Choose properties that base their protocols on science, rather than things that sound good but have little effect or take focus away from areas that really matter. Look for hotels that have installed plexiglass at reception and that require staff to wear masks, or where you can check-in online and use your phone as your room key.

(Related: Want to stay healthy on the road? Follow these germ-fighting tips.)

In Pristina, Kosovo, a worker in a protective suit sprays disinfectant in a hotel room to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Avoid elevators and, if able, “take the opportunity to exercise and use the stairs,” advises Sanchez. Room service may be safer than the restaurant. Go for a swim if the pool isn’t crowded: Standard pool cleaning kills viruses, so the pool is probably safe; it’s the people you need to worry about. While clean rooms are important, what’s more important is staying six feet away from others. And, of course, wash your hands when you arrive in your room and again before you leave.

Should I use a public restroom?

Challenge: Taking care of business in busy bathrooms

Best practice: Assume public restrooms “are not properly disinfected and treat surfaces as if they have live virus on them,” says Sanchez. That said, it’s often necessary to use. When you do, choose single-stall and well-ventilated bathrooms if you can, and keep your distance from others.

Chen says that “good hand hygiene is key after using a public bathroom,” meaning wash and dry your hands; if there’s no soap, use hand sanitizer. She adds “I am unaware of any data to show that flushing aerosolizes SARS-CoV-2 and transmits the virus.” Regardless, it’s always good practice to put the lid down before you flush .

What about people who don’t wear masks?

Challenge: Staying safe while respecting others’ boundaries

Best practice: Following all the new COVID-19 protocols takes some getting used to. It’s easy to revert to pre-pandemic habits in new situations, when we’re stressed, and when we’re trying to relax and have fun. Being as kind and understanding as possible helps minimize stress.

Setting a good example is the best way to encourage others. Jonathon Day , associate professor and graduate program director at Purdue’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management , says “safety when traveling (and when out and about in general) is a ‘co-creation.’”

“If it’s someone you know who is non-mask-wearing [or] non-social-distancing, it might be worth discussing the reasoning behind these measures,” says Chen. Remember that not everyone can wear a mask and that we’re all human and can forget the new norms. You could politely ask anyone who gets too close “would you mind giving us a bit more space, please?” but it might be easier just to move away from them. It’s likely not worth the risk, or the stress, to confront a stranger. If you can’t escape the situation, ask a store manager or flight attendant for help.

Remember that, with communicable diseases, “if everyone is responsible to themselves and community/society, then we would all be safer,” says Chen.

Know the safety basics

We’re still learning about COVID-19. But one consensus is that it seems to spread most easily by close contact between people. The CDC says that touching objects isn’t the main way of contracting it .

This means that whenever you’re away from home, the most important thing you can do is maintain a six-foot (or more) distance from people you don’t live with. Wearing a face covering also minimizes the chance you’ll pass a virus or other illness to others.

Other key prevention measures, outlined by the World Health Organization and other public health authorities: washing your hands well, avoiding touching your face, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, disinfecting frequently touched items like your phone, and staying home if you’re sick. Practicing these measures keeps you—and everyone else—safer, regardless of how far you roam. “COVID-19 has shown that we have shared responsibilities to reduce spread,” says Chen, who’s president of the International Society of Travel Medicine .

General considerations for travel

During a pandemic, going to the grocery store—let alone traveling to another city or country—requires new protocols. Follow policies about lockdown restrictions and mandatory quarantines, both at home and at your planned destination. The CDC provides links to the rules of each state’s and territory’s health departments . Many international borders remain closed to nonessential travel, and some countries also limit domestic travel between regions.

Examine your personal situation. Extra cautions are needed for anyone at elevated risk of contracting COVID-19 . Check post-travel quarantine rules, including your employer’s. Just as important as protecting you and your loved ones is shielding other people. You don’t want to bring the virus from your community, especially to places with low case numbers, or bring it home (the CDC tracks cases and deaths by state and county ). Consider whether the benefits of travel outweigh the risk that you might spread the virus.

When deciding where to go and how you’ll get there, scrutinize how easy it will be to stay away from other people. “Generally speaking, driving is going to be safer than flying commercially from an infection standpoint because you can control how you reach your destination—who is sharing the car with you, what measures are used for disinfecting surfaces, where you stop along the way, and when you return,” says Sanchez.

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9 Essential Steps for Planning a Family Trip During COVID-19

By Cassie Shortsleeve

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

For many, summer usually means family travel (sometimes in the form of a big trip ), but COVID-19 has complicated things this year. We’ve gleaned some insight into how to start cautiously getting out of the house—we know, for example, that outdoors is generally safer than indoors, everyone over two should wear a mask, hand sanitizer can mitigate risk, and social distancing is key. But tackling the many moving parts of a family vacation, while factoring in those concerns? It can feel like it's more trouble than it's worth.

Ultimately, the choice to take a trip right now is a personal one that involves many different factors, from individual risk status to personal comfort levels , to how cases are trending where you live (or are going). But if a respite from coronavirus-induced cabin fever is what you and your family need, consider the below a roadmap for starting to plan a family getaway in an unprecedented summer—whether that's a day trip to a nearby state park or a week in a rented cabin . Here is your nine-step travel planning checklist.

1. Read up on travel restrictions

Stay up to date on federal, state, and local recommendations and restrictions, and check back for potential changes regularly. Make sure you know what your destination, any other destination you might pass through, and your home state and county are asking of travelers. Some state governments , like Hawaii and Florida, may require those who have recently traveled or are arriving from hotspot states to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival (this may include returning residents). Before you travel, you'll also want to check Harvard's new COVID risk-assessment map . In red-colored places, stay-at-home orders have become necessary again, researchers say, even if that is not reflected in local policy.

While many international borders remain closed, those that are open to U.S. travelers, including Cambodia and Barbados , are requiring everything from active COVID-19 tests on arrival to several-thousand-dollar deposits for potential medical costs. (Non-essential international travel is currently discouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. State Department.)

To stay on top of these rapidly changing restrictions, there are a few sites you can bookmark, including the CDC’s recommendations for travel in the U.S. , state health departments' websites , and—if you need to travel internationally—the U.S. State Department’s country-specific COVID recommendations . We are also tracking how destinations in the Caribbean , Europe , and Asia are reopening.

2. Check in with your doctor

During the COVID-19 pandemic, immunization rates have decreased , particularly in children, as many kids skip routine check-ups. No matter your age, you should be up to date on vaccines when you travel since there’s always the risk of contracting new diseases beyond COVID-19. It's also a good idea to have each family member speak with their doctor about individual risk and essential safety precautions to take, based on the family trip you have in mind, early in the travel planning stage. They are the best bet for advising on whether it is safe for you, specifically, to travel right now.

Inquire about and research local medical care, too, in the event that you get sick while away, adds Aditi Nerurkar , M.D., an integrative medicine physician at Harvard Medical School. Also, be sure to pack enough medications to last for your trip—and pack extra, should you get stuck anywhere longer than planned.

3. Know everyone’s risk status

The CDC notes that those with an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (including older adults like grandparents and those with underlying health conditions) should limit their travel. In addition to speaking to your doctor about your risk status, consider the condition of those you may visit on your travels as well, including elderly family members, notes Mona Amin , D.O, a board-certified pediatrician in Hollywood, Florida. A trip to visit family may feel like a conservative travel plan right now, but that's not the case for higher-risk family members outside your bubble.

4. Avoid coronavirus hotspots

Choose your destination wisely. Before destinations throughout the world started reopening in May, The World Health Organization (WHO) suggested that rates of COVID-positive tests be less than 5 percent before visitors are welcomed—a rate experts agree creates a safer environment. States like Maine, Vermont, Alaska, and Illinois remain under that threshold; Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina currently have higher rates. You can compare all states’ positivity rates here and look at the CDC’s COVID data tracker, which tracks cases by state, here .

Destination aside, plan to be flexible. “As you travel in a pandemic, it’s important to understand that at any point, restrictions and guidelines may change,” explains Amin. A destination might put a stay-at-home order in place or a state may mandate a quarantine , for example, and you'll need to be prepared to roll with those changes.

5. Consider location and crowds when booking accommodations

Many hotels around the world are offering deeply discounted rates to encourage summer travel, others have created new lobby rules , and—when you take the proper precautions—many experts tend to agree that it’s okay to visit hotel staples like a pool . But large, high-rise hotels with many shared spaces and elevators can be riskier than private accommodations, says Shoshana Ungerleider , M.D., an internal medicine physician based in San Francisco.

Laura Kiniry

Blane Bachelor

Stacey Lastoe

Companies like Airbnb have launched booking buffers between guest stays and have released new cleaning guidelines for hosts (though experts still often urge travelers to bring their own wipes to clean high-touch surfaces such as door handles). Plus, the accommodations are simply more private than a busy hotel.

Wherever you stay— a cabin getaway , a home in a less well-known beach area , a hotel in a National Park —experts suggest remote locales over more populated ones and fewer crowds over bigger ones. If you can, pay for your stay in advance and opt for contactless check-in.

While some travelers have taken to packing their own pillowcases and sheets, ultimately, you should only book accommodations where you trust all the necessary measures have been taken in advance of your arrival. (It doesn't hurt to email before booking and ask for a list of the safety measures that have been put in place.)

6. Consider your mode of transportation

It’s impossible to know if one type of travel is holistically safer than others—but airports, bus and train stations, and rest stops are all places you could pick up the virus, from both other people and surfaces. That’s why experts generally suggest short-distance road trips, where you have more control over surroundings and you’re not breathing the same air as strangers.

If you are flying, a TSA-compliant pandemic essentials bag (with an extra set of clothes to change into when you de-plane) can help minimize risk, experts say.

Know your airline’s in-flight policies (like required masks, for example), read cancellation and booking policies, and—to reduce risk—choose airlines that are leaving middle seats open ( such as Delta ), suggests Amin. Consider travel insurance, too, in the event that someone gets sick. Download boarding passes to your phone and check bags to reduce touch points in the airport and the cabin, she adds.

7. Pack a pandemic essentials bag

Stock up on your pandemic essentials well in advance, knowing that shortages and long-lead times for delivery are possible. Staples should include hand sanitizer , face masks , disinfecting wipes, health insurance cards, a thermometer, latex gloves (for one-time use in public spaces), and hand soap, says Ungerleider. If you’re driving, bring enough snacks and drinks with you to prevent unnecessary stops.

And remember: Hand sanitizer can be flammable, says Nerurkar. “Take the hand sanitizer out with you when you’re getting out of the car, especially when there’s hot summer sun.”

8. Plan outdoor activities

This summer, planning—and booking ahead—is everything. When plotting out your itinerary, opt for outdoor activities, and know that things like landmarks, destination restaurants, and other attractions might be closed or unsafe right now. (Experts generally recommend skipping indoor activities, like museums, for the time being.) Hours may also be limited, and reservations may be required for crowd control. But there are plenty of ways to keep family members entertained in the outdoors: camp, hike, bike, spend time at a quiet beach, or visit a nearby National Park . “Overall, for travel this summer, trips that emphasize time outdoors are the safest,” says Chia Wang, M.D ., an infectious disease specialist at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle.

9. Prepare children for staying safe

Travel is a means to teach children about the world and the people around them. But this summer, conversations with strangers aren’t so simple. “Prior to traveling, speak to your child about the importance of physical distancing, hand washing, and wearing a mask,” suggests Amin. To prepare your kids for the different protocols that this summer’s vacation might bring, play a game beforehand and act out how your journey will stand out from past ones.

Children respond to guidance, and explaining the whys and leading by example matters, she says. Mid-trip, don’t panic over an accidental hug your child gives a new friend, either. “Gently remind them later how to protect themselves and others from germs,” suggest. Amin. Children will still be children, even in a pandemic, but taking advantage of learning opportunities will benefit the entire family.

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Your Checklist for International Travel During COVID-19

Do you need to travel overseas soon? Here’s what you’ll need to know before (and during) your time abroad.

July 30, 2020 — 4 min read

International travel has never been simple. From sorting out your visa and passport to securing lodging, learning a few key phrases in the local language, and remembering to bring those pesky adapters, there’s a lot that you need to take care of in between booking your travel tickets and touching down on new soil.

In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, international travel has gone from a fun (if slightly stressful) endeavor to a completely different beast, one that requires even more caution and planning.

Know your destination’s requirements

It’s no longer as simple as choosing a destination and booking your tickets, particularly if you currently live in (or are traveling to) a country that has a high incidence of COVID-19 infections. Before booking your travel and lodging, make sure you know the answers to the following questions:

Are travelers from your country allowed in the country you’re planning on traveling to?

How long would you be allowed in the country?

If you are allowed to enter the country, will you need to be tested before traveling or tested upon entry?

Will you need to quarantine upon arrival? For how long?

Do you need a visa? What kind? Has that changed since the pandemic?

Do you need to pay a deposit to enter the country?

Know your risk level

Everyone’s risk level is different. Before traveling, experts recommend that you discuss the trip with your doctor. Your doctor will help you to determine your risk level and provide you with some recommendations on how to best keep yourself protected during your travels. Your doctor may also want to check that you’re up-to-date on immunizations, or give you a test before you go (this may be required, depending on where you’re going).

If you’ll be traveling with anyone else, meeting up with people upon arrival, or returning home to a house full of people, it’s important that you consider their risk level as well.

Pack the (new) essentials

We all have our own “essentials” that we need to pack when we travel, no matter where we’re going. But given current circumstances, there are a few additional things that you’re going to want to put on that list.

First, make sure you have copies of all of the necessary documents:

Medications and prescriptions

In addition, in order to keep yourself safe, you’ll want to bring a few extra things:

Mask or other face covering

Hand sanitizer

Disinfecting wipes

Disposable gloves

Medicine (such as a general antibiotic)

Food and drinks (if you’re driving)

Have an emergency plan

Let’s say the worst happens: you start feeling sick. Do you know what to do? Do you know where you’d go? Figure this out now , before you’re at your destination and before the worst-case scenario is already happening.

Research which medical facilities are in your destination, which one would be the best to go to, how their billing and payments work, and how long they would keep you. That way, if you do get sick or injured during your trip, you’ll be able to quickly seek help, with minimal panic.

Consider travel insurance

Don’t have travel insurance? It’s recommended that you look into it before your trip. In the event that someone gets sick on the trip or you need to cancel your trip due to an outbreak, travel insurance could offset many of the costs.

Do have travel insurance? Double-check your coverage before taking your trip. Many travel insurance companies don’t cover claims related to epidemics or pandemics. Never assume that you’re covered; always double-check!

Get your currency before touching down

During previous trips abroad, how did you get the local currency for your trip? Odds are you went to the bank, or maybe went to a currency exchange provider at the airport or elsewhere upon arrival. But in current circumstances, you might not want to wait in a long line to receive cash that’s already passed through many pairs of hands.

You can reduce your contact by utilizing online money transfer to get your currency sorted from the comfort of your own home—no contact required. You can check the exchange rates, get a quote , and transfer money to yourself all in one quick, simple process.

We hope that you stay safe and healthy on your travels. If you have any questions before your trip about money transfer or dealing with foreign currency, we’d be happy to assist you. Log in or sign up for an Xe account to access our full suite of money transfer and foreign exchange products and services.

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What is COVID-19?

Who can get covid-19, can i travel if i recently had covid-19, what can travelers do to prevent covid-19, more information.

CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance has been updated. The content of this page will be updated soon.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets and small particles produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus spreads easily in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings.

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms   – ranging from no or mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. Possible symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, new loss of taste and smell, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Anyone can get COVID-19. However, some people are more likely than others to get very sick if they get COVID-19. These include people who are older, are  immunocompromised , or have certain  disabilities , or have  underlying health conditions .  Vaccination, past infection, and timely access to testing and treatment can help protect you from getting very sick from COVID-19.

Yes, you can travel once you have ended isolation . Check CDC guidance for additional precautions, including testing and wearing a mask around others. If you recently had COVID-19 and are recommended to wear a mask, do not travel on public transportation such as airplanes, buses, and trains if you are unable to wear a mask whenever around others.

Get  up to date  with your COVID-19 vaccines before you travel and take steps to protect yourself and others . Consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor areas, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs. Take additional precautions if you were recently exposed to a person with COVID-19. Don’t travel while sick.

If you have a  weakened immune system  or  are at increased risk for severe disease talk to a healthcare professional before you decide to travel.  If you travel, take multiple prevention steps to provide additional layers of protection from COVID-19, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. These include improving ventilation and spending more time outdoors, avoiding sick people, getting tested for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms, staying home if you have or think you have COVID-19, and seeking treatment if you have COVID-19.

Consider getting travel insurance in case you need medical care abroad .

Consider getting a COVID-19 test if you:

• Develop COVID-19 symptoms before, during, or after travel.
• Will be traveling to visit someone who is at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
• Were in a situation with a greater risk of exposure during travel (e.g., in an indoor, crowded space like an airport terminal while not wearing a mask).

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare professional, and tell them about your recent travel.

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Flying During COVID-19? 20 Things to Bring If You Absolutely Have to Travel

By Talia Abbas

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With COVID-19 on the rise in many states across the country , annual getaways that typically dot our calendars during summer are essentially nonexistent. But if 2020 has taught us anything, it's that life is unpredictable. In the coming months, you may have no option but to travel—for work, for emergencies, for any reason—and you should know that flying during the coronavirus is an entirely different experience than anything you're used to.

While travel is certainly limited, planes and airports aren’t always the ghost towns you’d imagine them to be—at least not when I was traveling. A few weeks ago I had no choice but to cross the country by plane, and in my attempt to come up with some kind of game plan, I consulted both the airline and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for tips on what to bring in my carry-on. The CDC recommends bringing alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol), face coverings , any personal prescriptions, and food and water in case restaurants and stores are closed. In addition to these nonnegotiables, there were plenty of other items that made my trip more comfortable—and some I wish I had more of. 

It's not just me, many essential workers, international students, and city dwellers are packing up and heading home , or relocating for the only job available to them—and if you're thinking about taking to the skies anytime soon, staying safe is easily your number one priority. From finding a way to get to the airport to choosing your seat , each part of your trip will require some extra planning. After I experienced it myself, here's my checklist of things you need when flying during the coronavirus.

The essentials

No amount of research was going to bring me peace of mind, and the idea of wrapping myself in cling film definitely sounded tempting. But I'm happy to inform you that was not necessary. What is necessary? Face mask , wipes, and hand sanitizer . Ideally, you'd want to bring a handful of each item, but especially cotton face coverings because most airlines require you to keep yours on for the duration of the flight. After a few hours of nonstop wear on the plane, you'll be happy to have a fresh face mask to switch into as soon as you land. Another thing I brought, per the CDC's recommendations, was a mini first aid kit . (FYI: I also packed disposable gloves because public bathrooms gross me out, but the CDC says they are not necessary. )

On to my packing strategy, which is very much like a game of Tetris—and my usual of M.O. of organizing things in clear makeup pouches totally worked in my favor. When it came time to load the security bins, I didn't have to waste time rifling through my bag to pull out a laptop or liquids (i.e., unnecessarily touching and, in my anxious mind, contaminating them). In lieu of a handbag, I also opted for a roomy, foldable tote that I could throw in the laundry machine upon arrival (a pro tip from nurses and health care workers ). Win.

Everlane The 100% Human Tie-Dye Face Masks (5-Pack)

Megababe Squeaky Clean Hand Sanitizer

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes (240 count)

Welly Quick Fix Kit

State of Escape Tote

Neiman Marcus

Madewell Large Crystalline Half-Moon Pouch

The reusables

Airport restaurants may be closed, and if you're flying during the coronavirus, there's a good chance the carrier you booked is taking steps to ensure physical distancing —whether by blocking out middle seats, deplaning row by row, or scrapping food and beverages. 

I'm used to traveling with my own food and snacks, so all the usual suspects, like a lunch bowl , utensils, and water bottle , came with me. I doubled down on reusable bags and other easy-to-wash, multipurpose items , like food wraps and a dishcloth. I've found wrapping fruits in Bee's Wrap Paper helps avoid bruising the produce, which I could then repurpose for leftovers. A small dishcloth also came in handy to cover the table I was eating on while waiting in the airport terminal. (And yes, that too went straight into the laundry machine.)

Porter Seal Tight Bowl (24oz)

W&P Design

W&P Stainless-Steel Utensils

Bee's Wrap Eco-Friendly Reusable Food Wraps (3-Pack)

Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloths

Thrive Market

Hydroflask 12 oz Kids Water Bottle

Baggu Reusable Bags (Set of 3)

Snack cravings almost always hit at the worst time, and I was determined to (a) steer clear of all airport convenience stores and (b) avoid any food that might be handed out on the plane. Since I knew I had a 12-hour journey ahead of me (thanks to a layover), I made sure to pack light but high-energy options, like dates and chocolate-covered almonds. I stashed the goodies in zip-lock sliders and brought extra food scrap bags for compostable waste (like date pits or banana peels), which I then disposed of properly after the flight. The clear bags made it easy for me to spot my treats at the bottom of my tote—another win for minimal touching.

SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Almonds

Joolies Organic Medjool Dates

Ziploc Slider Storage Quart Bags

Repurpose Food Scrap Bags

Things I wish I had more of

There wasn't exactly anything missing from my arsenal, except some items I wish I had more of. The high alcohol content in hand sanitizer hits my skin hard—something compounded by the dry airplane air—and I realized too little too late that I had only had a few squeezes left of my trusty hand cream . I went through my pack of tissues faster than my snacks and had to ration what was left. 

Weleda Skin Food Cream

Kleenex Go Packs Facial Tissues

One nice-to-have would've been compression socks. It's not something I'd “normally” bring on a plane, but I wasn't comfortable relying on my usual trick of walking up and down the aisle to stretch my legs. Finally, the one thing to keep in mind is what you want after the plane, and for me, that was cleansing wipes—a lot more of them. I wanted them in the taxi when I got picked up and, later, at gas stations before touching the pump. 

Knee-High Compression Socks

EO Hand Cleansing Wipes

The experience

It’s natural to spiral when you don’t know what to expect, but looking back now, the experience wasn't nearly as horrifying as my anxiety made it out to be. The cab company I booked had wiped down the seats (whew), and when I got to New York City's LaGuardia terminal, it was organized and social-distancing friendly—with bright yellow floor markers to encourage distancing and TSA employees and flight attendants all wearing face masks.

That said, nothing about flying during coronavirus is “easy,” and being extra careful about everything you touch is exhausting as hell. One good thing that came out of it? Travelers weren't jostling for overhead bin space or rushing to deplane, which  almost  made up for the fact that I was sitting for hours with a face mask on. Things are evolving every day, but my mantra for approaching travel during the coronavirus is in line with every move I make these days: Stay safe, stay smart, and don't forget your face mask!

By Danielle Sinay

By Elle Turner

As news about the novel coronavirus pandemic rapidly evolves, Glamour is committed to bringing our readers the most accurate and up-to-date facts. As a result, information in this story and others like it may change, and we will update when necessary. For the most recent news about COVID-19, please visit the CDC , the WHO , and your state’s department of health.

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

Executive Order on Promoting COVID- ⁠ 19 Safety in Domestic and International   Travel

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows: 

Section 1.  Policy.  Science-based public health measures are critical to preventing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by travelers within the United States and those who enter the country from abroad.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Surgeon General, and the National Institutes of Health have concluded that mask-wearing, physical distancing, appropriate ventilation, and timely testing can mitigate the risk of travelers spreading COVID-19.  Accordingly, to save lives and allow all Americans, including the millions of people employed in the transportation industry, to travel and work safely, it is the policy of my Administration to implement these public health measures consistent with CDC guidelines on public modes of transportation and at ports of entry to the United States.   

Sec. 2.  Immediate Action to Require Mask-Wearing on Certain Domestic Modes of Transportation.

(a)  Mask Requirement.   The Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Secretary of Transportation (including through the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)), the Secretary of Homeland Security (including through the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard), and the heads of any other executive departments and agencies (agencies) that have relevant regulatory authority (heads of agencies) shall immediately take action, to the extent appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to require masks to be worn in compliance with CDC guidelines in or on: 

(i)    airports; 

(ii)   commercial aircraft; 

(iii)  trains; 

(iv)   public maritime vessels, including ferries; 

(v)    intercity bus services; and

(vi)   all forms of public transportation as defined in section 5302 of title 49, United States Code.

(b)  Consultation.   In implementing this section, the heads of agencies shall consult, as appropriate, with interested parties, including State, local, Tribal, and territorial officials; industry and union representatives from the transportation sector; and consumer representatives.

(c)  Exceptions.   The heads of agencies may make categorical or case-by-case exceptions to policies developed under this section, consistent with applicable law, to the extent that doing so is necessary or required by law.  If the heads of agencies do make exceptions, they shall require alternative and appropriate safeguards, and shall document all exceptions in writing.

(d)  Preemption.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, the heads of agencies shall ensure that any action taken to implement this section does not preempt State, local, Tribal, and territorial laws or rules imposing public health measures that are more protective of public health than those required by the heads of agencies. 

(e)  Coordination.  The Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response and Counselor to the President (COVID-19 Response Coordinator) shall coordinate the implementation of this section.  The heads of agencies shall update the COVID-19 Response Coordinator on their progress in implementing this section, including any categorical exceptions established under subsection (c) of this section, within 7 days of the date of this order and regularly thereafter.  The heads of agencies are encouraged to bring to the attention of the COVID-19 Response Coordinator any questions regarding the scope or implementation of this section.

Sec. 3.  Action to Implement Additional Public Health Measures for Domestic Travel. 

(a)  Recommendations.   The Secretary of Transportation (including through the Administrator of the FAA) and the Secretary of Homeland Security (including through the Administrator of the TSA and the Commandant of the Coast Guard), in consultation with the Director of CDC, shall promptly provide to the COVID-19 Response Coordinator recommendations concerning how their respective agencies may impose additional public health measures for domestic travel.

(b)  Consultation.   In implementing this section, the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall engage with interested parties, including State, local, Tribal, and territorial officials; industry and union representatives from the transportation sector; and consumer representatives.  

Sec. 4.  Support for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Authorities.  The COVID-19 Response Coordinator, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation and the heads of any other relevant agencies, shall promptly identify and inform agencies of options to incentivize, support, and encourage widespread mask-wearing and physical distancing on public modes of transportation, consistent with CDC guidelines and applicable law.

Sec. 5.  International Travel. 

(a)  Policy.   It is the policy of my Administration that, to the extent feasible, travelers seeking to enter the United States from a foreign country shall be: 

(i)   required to produce proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test prior to entry; and 

(ii)  required to comply with other applicable CDC guidelines concerning international travel, including recommended periods of self-quarantine or self-isolation after entry into the United States.

(b)  Air Travel.  

(i)    The Secretary of HHS, including through the Director of CDC, and in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation (including through the Administrator of the FAA) and the Secretary of Homeland Security (including through the Administrator of the TSA), shall, within 14 days of the date of this order, assess the CDC order of January 12, 2021, regarding the requirement of a negative COVID-19 test result for airline passengers traveling into the United States, in light of subsection (a) of this section.  Based on such assessment, the Secretary of HHS and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take any further appropriate regulatory action, to the extent feasible and consistent with CDC guidelines and applicable law.  Such assessment and regulatory action shall include consideration of: 

(A)  the timing and types of COVID-19 tests that should satisfy the negative test requirement, including consideration of additional testing immediately prior to departure; (B)  the proof of test results that travelers should be required to provide; (C)  the feasibility of implementing alternative and sufficiently protective public health measures, such as testing, self-quarantine, and self-isolation on arrival, for travelers entering the United States from countries where COVID-19 tests are inaccessible, particularly where such inaccessibility of tests would affect the ability of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to return to the United States; and (D)  measures to prevent fraud.

(ii)   The Secretary of HHS, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation (including through the Administrator of the FAA) and the Secretary of Homeland Security (including through the Administrator of the TSA), shall promptly provide to the President, through the COVID-19 Response Coordinator, a plan for how the Secretary and other Federal Government actors could implement the policy stated in subsection (a) of this section with respect to CDC-recommended periods of self-quarantine or self-isolation after a flight to the United States from a foreign country, as he deems appropriate and consistent with applicable law.  The plan shall identify agencies’ tools and mechanisms to assist travelers in complying with such policy.

(iii)  The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of HHS (including through the Director of CDC), the Secretary of Transportation (including through the Administrator of the FAA), and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall seek to consult with foreign governments, the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Air Transport Association, and any other relevant stakeholders to establish guidelines for public health measures associated with safe international travel, including on aircraft and at ports of entry.  Any such guidelines should address quarantine, testing, COVID-19 vaccination, follow-up testing and symptom-monitoring, air filtration requirements, environmental decontamination standards, and contact tracing.  

(c)  Land Travel.  The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of HHS, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of CDC, shall immediately commence diplomatic outreach to the governments of Canada and Mexico regarding public health protocols for land ports of entry.  Based on this diplomatic engagement, within 14 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of HHS (including through the Director of CDC), the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the President a plan to implement appropriate public health measures at land ports of entry.  The plan should implement CDC guidelines, consistent with applicable law, and take into account the operational considerations relevant to the different populations who enter the United States by land.

(d)  Sea Travel.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Commandant of the Coast Guard and in consultation with the Secretary of HHS and the Director of CDC, shall, within 14 days of the date of this order, submit to the President a plan to implement appropriate public health measures at sea ports.  The plan should implement CDC guidelines, consistent with applicable law, and take into account operational considerations.  

(e)  International Certificates of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.  Consistent with applicable law, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of HHS, and the Secretary of Homeland Security (including through the Administrator of the TSA), in coordination with any relevant international organizations, shall assess the feasibility of linking COVID-19 vaccination to International Certificates of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) and producing electronic versions of ICVPs.  

(f)  Coordination.  The COVID-19 Response Coordinator, in consultation with the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, shall coordinate the implementation of this section.  The Secretary of State, the Secretary of HHS, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall update the COVID-19 Response Coordinator on their progress in implementing this section within 7 days of the date of this order and regularly thereafter.  The heads of all agencies are encouraged to bring to the attention of the COVID-19 Response Coordinator any questions regarding the scope or implementation of this section.

Sec. 6.  General Provisions.   (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

THE WHITE HOUSE, January 21, 2021.

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9 travel hygiene products to bring on your next trip

What you need to have a cleaner, more relaxing vacation

Updated April 13, 2021

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

For better or worse, the coronavirus has ensured that traveling will never feel the same. While vaccinations are allowing more people to hit the road again, the less-hygienic parts of travel—from packed trains and planes to campground and road-stop bathrooms—will no doubt have us reaching for sanitizing backup from our carry-on more than we ever did before.

Itching to travel but nervous about the germs in those highly trafficked spaces? Travel-friendly hygiene accessories can help banish bacteria and viruses from your trip. Vacation planning now calls for these germ-killing essentials that can give you peace of mind wherever you go, from outdoor adventures to hotel-room stays. Here are the smartest travel-hygiene products to consider for a cleaner, more relaxing vacation.

1. To wash your hands anywhere: Hand-soap sheets

Hand soap sheets can make sure you're always able to wash your hands even when there's no soap dispenser to be found.

Luckily, hand-soap sheets like FOMIN easily fit into any bag to ensure you never have to skip a thorough hand scrubbing at a rest stop or understocked bathroom again. They come in a variety of scents or an unscented version, and are made from plant extracts that are safe for all skin types. Each pack stashes 100 sheets into a tiny, biodegradable sleeve, making them a low-waste solution to those tiny plastic bottles of hand sanitizer.

2. To keep wayward germs from your smile: A toothbrush sanitizer

It goes without saying that anything going in your mouth daily should be protected from grimy environments like hotel countertops and the inside of your carry-on bag, but simply stashing a wet toothbrush inside a case can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Instead, invest in a UV-sterilizing toothbrush cover like Wagner Switzerland’s deep toothbrush sanitizer, which uses an enclosed UV light to eliminate germs. The rechargeable sterilizer packs 28 six-minute sterilization cycles into one charge, and is compatible with all brush heads.

The recommended sterilization frequency is once every three days. Wagner’s sanitizer uses UV-C rays that are proven to neutralize mold and pathogens. Because UV light, just like the UV rays from the sun, can be harmful to skin and eye cells, they’re best administered in an enclosed space where you can’t accidentally expose yourself to the harsh light.

3. For vacations far from indoor plumbing: A portable bidet

The Tushy Travel portable bidet can help you stay clean when there's no toilet paper to be found.

Home bidet manufacturer Tushy has created a portable bidet for socially distant situations where you might want to go toilet-paper-free and avoid germy wiping altogether. The collapsible bottle has a hinged nozzle for a concentrated stream, and holds up to 11 ounces of water. When empty it weighs just five ounces, and is attached to a handy carabiner that allows it to hook onto even the most over-packed camping bags.

4. To be extra safe on a busy flight: Plane-seat covers

Flying commercial is one of the most crowded parts of travel, and the upholstered seats can play host to germs from those who sat in them before you. Packing plane-seat covers can give you some peace of mind by putting a barrier between you and anything the passenger before you might have left behind, and they’re one-time-use and recyclable.

5. For unfamiliar atmospheres: A portable air purifier

A personal air purifier can go with you wherever you travel.

Knowing that viruses like Covid-19 can be airborne, how often do you find yourself questioning the contents of the air around you? In unfamiliar spaces like hotel rooms, it can be an anxiety-inducing concern. Enter the HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) purifier, which can weed out air impurities like pollen, dust, smoke, and mold for a cleaner-smelling and -feeling space. Small, portable versions of powerful air filters like the Wynd Essential Smart Personal Air Purifier are a worthwhile investment for at home and on the road if you’re concerned about air impurities or suffer from respiratory problems like asthma. They’re especially helpful in big cities, where air pollution could impact your trip.

6. For easy access to sanitizer: Sanitizer holders for every bag

While hand washing is more ideal than hand sanitizer, when you can’t get to a bathroom for the 20-second wash, hand-sanitizer holders attached to your travel bags (with sanitizer inside) are still a good backup. There are stylish options for every carry-on, backpack, and purse to help de-germ your hands every step of the journey, from TSA checkpoints to buckling in on the plane.

7. To wipe down any surface, anywhere: Unscented alcohol wipes

Unscented alcohol wipes can help ensure that the area around you has been sanitized.

Beyond detoxing your hands with alcohol-based sanitizer, you should also have some alcohol-based wipes on hand for high-traffic areas like your plane seat. Unscented ones won’t disturb passengers around you, and can assure you that your arm rests, tray table, and seatbelt buckle have all been cleaned between uses.

8. To avoid a grimy nozzle: A self-cleaning water bottle

Another travel scenario I cringe to think about post-Covid is the loose water-bottle nozzle, which can expose you to germs picked up on public transit, at the gym, and on the plane. Making the switch to a self-cleaning water bottle with an enclosed drinking spout like Larq ensures your mouthpiece stays clean, and an internal UV-C light ensures your water is neutralized of 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Larq’s double-walled design can also keep your drink cold for up to 12 hours, and ensures you’re not wastefully using plastic water bottles that will end up in a landfill.

9. To keep your phone from bringing back any surprises: A UV sanitizer for post-trip cleanses

A PhoneSoap sanitizer can help ensure your cellphone won't be the home of anything you'd rather not touch.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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More From Forbes

Pandemic first aid: what to bring when you travel.

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Before you travel, think about the medications and supplies you should have on hand during a ... [+] pandemic.

Traveling always entails advance planning and preparation but the stakes of deciding where to go, how to get there, where to stay—and whether to go at all—are far more complicated during a pandemic. 

Once plans are set, however, savvy travelers recognize the importance of packing a well-stocked first aid kit with medications and supplies that can forestall visits to emergency rooms or hospitals. It can also minimize unnecessary trips to pharmacies at your destination where inventories of popular items may be in short supply or retail hours may be curtailed. 

The basics of a travel first aid kit typically include such items as bandages and gauze pads, antibacterial and hydrocortisone creams, antihistamines, a thermometer, pain and fever reducers, etc. If you don’t already have one or think the one you have is incomplete, review the lists of suggested inclusions from sources like Medline , Johns Hopkins , Mayo Clinic and the American Red Cross . Depending on your own unique health needs or conditions and your destination, you may opt to include other items.  

Essentials for pandemic prevention  

In addition to the basics above, here are some pandemic-related items you’ll want to include:   

Packing a Traveler's First Aid Kit

The Best Travel Insurance For Your Disney World Dream Vacation

These travel insurance secrets will save you money on your next trip, 1- face coverings  .

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called on all Americans to wear cloth face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19; many States and localities require them in public settings. In addition to controlling the spread of infection, a growing body of evidence suggests that masks also help protect the individuals wearing them.

2- Disinfectant wipes/spray  

Because the covid-19 virus can linger on high-touch surfaces (e.g., at airports, hotel guest rooms, public restrooms , gas stations, etc.), bring a sufficient supply of sanitizing wipes, or a spray bottle of alcohol solution containing at least 70% alcohol, or another Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved disinfectant. (If you are planning to fly, make sure whatever disinfectants you bring are compliant with TSA rules for liquids .) 

3- Hand sanitizer  

Frequent handwashing is another pillar of COVID-19 prevention. Having bottles of hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) or a supply of wipes is important for those instances when soap and water aren’t available. Because hand sanitizers have been subjected to a series of recalls, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a regularly updated do-not-use list of hand sanitizers contaminated with potentially toxic types of alcohol. 

4- Disposable gloves  

When it isn’t convenient to wipe down things (like door handles or faucets), it’s prudent to wear disposable gloves. Pack a sufficient quantity, make sure your hands are clean before putting the gloves on, and be careful about taking them off and disposing of them. Avoid touching your face with the gloves. 

Other first aid considerations for travelers  

Forbes.com spoke to William B. Greenough, M.D ., infectious disease expert and professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Robert A. Wolfson, M.D ., an internist at Caremount Medical in Mount Kisco, N.Y. to answer some questions frequently asked by travelers.  

Is it useful to bring a thermometer on my trip?  

Yes, a thermometer should always be part of a first-aid kit, pandemic or not. Not all cases of COVID-19 present with fever but a significant change in body temperature may suggest the need for medical attention.  

If I suspect I have been infected with COVID-19, are Tylenol or Advil useful to help reduce fever or pain?  

Try not to use these fever reducers/pain medications if you think you may have COVID-19, says Dr. Greenough. While not terribly hazardous, studies have shown that people recover from viruses more rapidly without using them, he says.

Since diarrhea can be a symptom of COVID-19, should I pack an anti-diarrheal medication?  

Both doctors agree that it’s a good idea to bring some anti-diarrheal medication. Dr. Greenough prefers Pepto-Bismol, either in liquid or chewable form. He also suggests traveling with 16-30, rice-based oral hydration powder sachets for hydration and electrolyte replacement. Dr. Wolfson prefers Imodium. “Pepto-Bismol contains an aspirin-like compound that can irritate the stomach and the bismuth turns the stool a dark blackish color,” he says. “I’ve had a number of patients who were concerned they were bleeding from the bowel only to find out that they were taking Pepto-Bismol.” The best medication for you may depend on possible interactions with other prescribed drugs you’re taking so it’s prudent to speak to your physician.  

Should I take any vitamins on my trip to help my immune system?

A recent review in Lancet suggests that vitamin D supplementation shows some promise as a preventive or therapeutic agent for COVID-19 with “nothing much to lose...and potentially much to gain.” Dr. Wolfson recommends that his patients take multivitamins as well as extra vitamin D (at least 2000 units daily), which may help protect them from COVID-19. 

People I know are purchasing pulse oximeters. Would it be useful to take one with me?  

A pulse oximeter is a small, easy-to-pack device, usually clipped on to a finger) that measures blood oxygenation levels. Dr. Greenough believes these devices aren’t necessary. “You’ll know from symptoms like shortness of breath that you need to get to the closest emergency room if your oxygen level falls below 90%,” he says. However, Dr. Wolfson reports seeing a significant number of cases where individuals had low oxygen readings—sometimes very significantly low, he says—and the patients don’t recognize it themselves. “It actually was a useful way for me to track COVID-19 patients that I kept at home during March and April,” he adds. “I would have them self-monitor and report worsening oxygen levels that would tell me whether they needed to be hospitalized or were improving.” 

Should I bring any other drugs for “treatment” of COVID-19 on my trip?

Unfortunately, no. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), at present, “There are no FDA-approved therapeutics or drugs to treat, cure or prevent COVID-19.”  

Additional reminders  

“If travelers have any conditions that place them at high risk for effects of COVID-19, they should discuss this with their physician before they travel,” says Dr. Wolfson. He also reminds travelers take along a list of their prescribed medications in the event they need to be hospitalized, along with their personal physician’s contact information. 

“Getting tested for the virus—or self-quarantining for 14 days—before you start a trip is the gold standard,” comments Dr. Greenough. “You don’t want to travel anywhere if you are positive,” says. He reminds travelers that many infected individuals have no symptoms at all, accounting for 40 percent of the spread of the virus. Getting tested or self-quarantining reduces the risk you’ll wind up sick when you are away from home or unknowingly place others at risk.

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Your first post-lockdown trip? Don’t forget these COVID-19 travel essentials

If you’re about to set out for your first trip after months of self-quarantine, here’s a checklist of the COVID-19 travel essentials that will help you stay safe and sharp.

Vacation has been on top of the ‘need ASAP’ lists for most during the past six months. With travelling between states, and even few international travel pockets, and hotels re-opening, it’s possible to realise that wish once again. However, it’s nowhere close to how it used to be, a simple ‘book-pack-take off’. As we continue to live with a pandemic, the way we travel has changed to a great degree. Be it no meals in flights, no-contact interactions at hotels, disinfection at each step, and not to forget the personal paranoia within and in everyone we come across.

Yet, that doesn’t subdue the human spirit and the want to travel. With many embarking on holidays now, it’s noted that if one pays heed to all precautions, it can be safe to travel. And so, if you too are ready for your first trip after quarantining, the only thing to remember is to do it safely. New rules mean a new way to travel, and that applies to your travel accessories too.

5 COVID-19 travel essentials we’re packing —

Mask chains.

Not just the cool new accessory,  mask chains  are as much about function as they are about form. With one (or more) of these, you don’t have to worry about letting your mask hang off one ear, pull it down to the chin, hold it in your hand, or keep it elsewhere each time you need to take it off. It avoids not only the hassle but also the possibility of catching germs when you do any of those things. With a mask chain, you can strap it off the ears and let it hang in front of you, where it doesn’t touch anything and is right in front of for to notice in case it does come in contact with another surface. Add to that channelling the pandemic chic look, if there was one, and you’re golden.

Don’t worry about carrying a big box of gloves and changing pairs multiple times every day after you touch objects. How about you do away with the touching with your hands part? That’s what the brass key is for. From pressing elevator buttons, opening door handles, acting as a key chain, a bottle opener, this little key does it all. It’s light and compact, fitting into your wallet or pocket, and helps avoid many touchpoints through the day–especially handy when travelling and the surfaces are not of your home. While it was  Peel  that made it famous, as they don’t ship to India, you have other options of the same tool to pick from.

Sanitiser holder

In times when we sanitise our hands each time after coming in contact with anything or person, one would rather not rummage through a bag to find that bottle, touching many things in the process. It’s way better to have it available seamlessly at all times. Enter the sanitiser holder. You can clip it on to yourself, your handbag, or your luggage, and have it readily available each time you reach out for a thorough cleaning.

Travel-friendly water bottle

In times when there’s no water served during flights, and one doesn’t want to buy water from just about any stop during a road trip, your water bottle comes in handy. This compact bottle folds into itself when empty, taking up negligible weight and space in your luggage. The Vapour bottle’s tough seal means you won’t have any spills or leakages, thereby also avoiding anything coming in contact with the opening. Hygiene being the top priority during these times, your water bottle is a must when travelling.

Yes, everything is going contactless, and when was the last time you used a pen, anyway? But wait, there are two reasons to carry a Fisher Space Pen when travelling during the coronavirus. One, you may have to fill declaration forms regarding your COVID-19 status, immigration forms, or any such which unlike hotel check-ins most likely won’t be contactless, and you wouldn’t want to use pens held by strangers before you. And two, the space pen is waterproof and works just fine even if you douse it in soap and water or sanitiser. So, this tiny tool can be handy when it comes to limiting contamination.

Megha Uppal

An innate love for travel and food has translated into many a trips since childhood for Megha; it also fed her curiosity to know about local cultures. When not writing, she is on the lookout for three things: A great dark chocolate dessert, a beautiful pool where she can practice her backstroke, and art that she can save up for.

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• Essentials For Travel During COVID Times: What All Details Should You Know

22 Oct 2021

Countries around the world are looking to ease Covid-19 restrictions and this has led to major  changes in international flight operations. While the countries try to resume internal operations smoothly, they are also gearing up to welcome international travelers. Additionally , the Indian Aviation Authority, Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to resume international flights following a travel bubble. 

With a changed travel scenario post Covid-19, you might be wondering what are the essentials for travel during COVID times and how travel is going to be different? So, here are some insights from the  changed travel world.

Changes Ensuring Safety Of The Travelers 

Apart from the major changes that we catch on news updates, there are numerous careful measures taken by the authorities to ensure safety and security of the travelers along with emphasizing on a convenient travel experience.  Here are some major changes:

1. More Focus On Cleanliness Than Ever 

Image Credits: PxPhere

Strong emphasis has been given on hygiene of air travel at the moment including continuous sanitization of common areas. Some airlines are adding flight attendants to clean the washrooms every 90 minutes. Contact points are being removed at every stage of the journey. As a result, the airplanes are now cleaner than ever.

2. Changed Meal Service

Image Credits: Pixabay

In-flight service operations will change as some airlines have switched the in-flight meals significantly. Instead, now the airlines will serve sealed and pre-packaged meals along with cold snack boxes. This  helps in two ways – the food travels through various temperatures making the survival of the virus impossible and zero chance of food directly coming in contact with the virus.

3. Paperwork And Formalities

There will be a lot of paperwork, travel approvals and other medical tests to operate in a safe environment. You will also be required to provide negative Covid test certificates within 48 hours from a medical establishment or hospital.

4. Stay Continues On Luxury Travels

Image Credits: Pikist

Most airlines will retire the 4 engine, less fuel efficient planes including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 to cut costs. It also means that premium cabins won’t be available in all airlines. But this largely depends on the airline you are traveling with as some also offer premium services in relatively smaller planes too. 

Essential Tips To Keep In Mind While Traveling

Keeping the conditions of the novel Coronavirus in mind, the airlines and the civil aviation authorities have listed a few essentials for travel during Covid times. Here are some of them:

1. Avoid Human Contact

Image Credits: Pxfuel

Focus is mostly given to technology and using automation including machine boarding passes. For food and retail outlets, avoid touching common areas and pay using contactless options.

2. Pack Essentials First

As much as carrying clothes and other items are important, the new normal dictates that you must definitely carry hand sanitizers, tissues, face masks, and disinfectant wipes that help you maintain certain hygiene standards. 

3. Be Careful Of What You Touch

Image Credits: Needpix

Increase the level of caution to a whole new level as you need to be very careful about where to touch and what to touch. Some common areas include escalators, check-in machines and ATMs.

• Gadgets To Use : You must try and stick to your smartphone, tablet and laptop for communication as it is important to stay in touch with your relatives.
• Carry A Portable Charger : Since the majority of the travel is going to be dependent much on technology, it is important to keep the juices of the gadgets running smoothly.

Who Can Travel During COVID Times

Currently, India has set up an air bubble with France, Germany, and the United States of America. It comes as a big relief for many as international flights had been grounded in India since late March. Here are the main things you need to know before traveling to either of these countries.

1. Open To Indian Nationals

Flights would be only open to Indian nationals or people who have an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status. Only select foreigners would be allowed on these flights as of now.

2. Travel To France

The government has agreed to operate 28 flights of Air France within the Delhi-Mumbai-Bangalore circuit to Paris between July 18 and August 1. 

3. American Travel

United Airlines will be operating 18 flights between India and the US from July 17 to 31. This includes daily flights between New Delhi and Newark and thrice-weekly services between Delhi and San Francisco. Delta Airlines is also expected to operate 18 flights from July 17 to July 31.

4. Lufthansa Might Operate

The government is still in talks with Lufthansa Airlines to operate a few flights as the paperwork is being finalized over travel conditions and requirements.

5. One-Way Ticket

All tickets booked within this period to Germany, USA and France are being sold on a one-way basis and this is not commercial air travel.

Further Read : Updates On Countries That Impressed With Their Handling Of The COVID’19 Outbreak

While these airlines would be operating currently, more details and guidelines will be issued in the coming weeks. The government is also trying to open bilateral bubbles between countries and details of which would be provided later. As travel resumes around the world, more clarity and effective communication regarding international travel would also be clear.

CNN Times Of India Outlook India India Times samchui.com

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What counts as essential travel during the Covid-19 lockdown?

The law and the government guidance around social distancing changed from 1 June, meaning this piece is now out of date.  You can read our new article on the latest guidance here .

We’ve been asked by readers what counts as essential travel during the Covid-19 lockdown.  New government guidance on lockdown measures was released on 11 May, and this article has been updated to reflect those changes. 

The new guidance only applies to England, and to members of the public who are fit and healthy. It comes into force on 13 May.

People identified as being high risk —the clinically vulnerable, or the clinically extremely vulnerable who have been advised to shield— should continue to follow existing guidance and remain at home where possible.

You should still ensure you stay at home as much as possible, and keep two metres apart from anyone outside of your household. Police have the power to fine or arrest people who break the new laws around social distancing. From 13 May, the fines are now higher , with a fixed penalty notice of £100 for anyone who breaks the law. 

It is important to remember that if you or other members of your household have symptoms of the new coronavirus, you should not leave your house unless absolutely necessary, or to exercise until your period of self-isolation is over. 

If you’re not sure whether your reason for travel is essential then you can check the government’s guidance which can be found here and their FAQs which can be found here .

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When you can travel

The law lists various reasons why you might need to leave the house (detailed below), but these aren’t meant to be exhaustive. 

As well as this, the government has set out new guidance on when you’re allowed to leave the house if you do not have symptoms.

It is now advised that people wear face masks or coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible, such as on public transport or in shops. Government advice suggests avoiding being face-to-face with people outside of your household, and says you can lower the risk of infection if you stay side-to-side. 

You can go shopping for basic necessities, such as food and medicine, as infrequently as possible. You can also go to garden centres . Although you should not use public transport unless you have to and the government advises you to try and avoid peak times, there are no rules against driving to the shops. 

Police guidance  on the law in England says it is likely to be reasonable to leave the house to buy several days’ worth of food, including luxury items and alcohol, or to buy a small amount of necessary items or collect surplus basic food items from a friend.

Going outdoors

You can meet with one person from outside your household at a time, as long as you stay two metres apart. 

You can now exercise outdoors as often as you wish, as long as you follow social distancing guidelines and remain two metres away from people outside of your household. This includes using outdoor sports courts and facilities, like tennis or basketball courts or golf courses. 

You can also spend more time outdoors. Sitting in the fresh air, picnicking and sunbathing are all now permitted. 

There are no more restrictions on travelling to outdoor open spaces. You can travel to any open space irrespective of distance, but should not travel with someone from outside of your household unless you can social distance, for example by cycling. The government also recommends checking that the outside space, for example if it is a National Park, is open and prepared for visitors before you travel. You can still not visit a second home. 

Caring for others 

You can also leave the house to care for elderly or vulnerable people, such as dropping shopping or medication at their door, as long as you have no coronavirus symptoms, no underlying health conditions, are under 70 and are not pregnant. More advice on caring for others can be found here . You should not share a car with anyone you do not live with.

Medical need

You can also leave your house for any medical need , including donating blood or attending medical appointments. There are no rules against driving for these reasons. 

Work and family

You are permitted to travel to work i f you cannot work from home, for example if you work in construction, transport or for the NHS, but the government has urged these workers to avoid public transport if they can. 

Critical workers can still take their children to school or childcare providers, and children under the age of 18 can be moved between households if their parents do not live together. 

Other reasons 

The law says that leaving the house to avoid injury, illness or escape the risk of harm is allowed. Police guidance says it is also reasonable to move to a friend’s house for several days to allow a “cooling-off” following arguments at home.

If travelling is “absolutely necessary”, you are allowed to travel to access public services such as social services, the justice system, support for victims or support from the Department for Work and Pensions. These services should be provided and accessed remotely whenever possible. 

The government has advised homebuyers and renters to delay moving house , but you are permitted to do this if it is unavoidable.  Although leaving your home to stay at another home is generally not allowed, students leaving university halls to live permanently at their family home is permitted. 

You can also take your pet to the vet if it needs urgent treatment. 

Although the government has stopped social events such as weddings, baptisms and religious ceremonies, funerals can still be attended by immediate family or members of the deceased person’s household . If none of these are able to go to the funeral, friends can attend . Faith leaders have been asked to restrict the number of people attending funerals to ensure two metres can be kept between them, and no one showing symptoms of Covid-19 should attend.

Work in people’s homes, such as repairs and maintenance , can still be carried out as long as the tradesperson has no symptoms. If a household is isolating or includes a vulnerable person who is being shielded , work should only be carried out if there is a direct risk to the safety of a household, such as emergency plumbing or repairs. No work should be carried out by a tradesperson with coronavirus symptoms, no matter how mild. 

Police guidance says it is reasonable for someone to leave their house to buy equipment to make repairs, but not to redecorate. 

International and domestic freight transport , including by air, ship, road and rail, is classified as essential activity. Advice against non-essential travel does not apply to it.

When you can’t travel

The government has detailed in its guidance some of the specific cases where you are not allowed to travel. 

Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or similar places, either for isolation or holidays. You should remain in your primary residence.

In general, you should not visit family or friends in their homes, unless one of the permissible reasons above applies, such as if you are caring for them or need to move children between their parents’ homes.

You should not use public transport unless you have to. If you do have to use it, you should try and avoid peak times. 

You still cannot exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool. Outdoor gyms and playgrounds cannot be used, and you cannot visit private or ticketed attractions. 

International travel

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all non-essential travel worldwide indefinitely .  

Government guidance says that whether international travel is essential or not “is a personal decision and circumstances differ from person to person. It is for individuals themselves to make an informed decision based on the risks and FCO advice.”

The government is also planning to ask most people entering the UK to self-isolate for 14 days, but this has not been introduced yet and more details are due to be released shortly. 

Further updates

In light of recent questions raised in the media and public debate about what counts as essential travel following the controversy over Dominic Cummings , we asked the government for more information about when it is permitted to travel to a location other than your primary residence, and to seek childcare.

We sent the following questions to the Department of Health and Social Care and to the Cabinet Office.

• Does the guidance allow all members of a household to travel to a location, other than their primary residence, if one member of the household is showing symptoms of Covid-19, and they feel that (in the event more members of the household may become sick in the future) care for a person in the household may be easier to provide in that location?
• If the guidance does allow this, do you have any additional guidance on what types of care would qualify? For example, care for an adult with disabilities, care for a clinically extremely vulnerable individual, ordinary childcare, etc?
• Is there any additional guidance on how far people can reasonably travel for these purposes and what modes of transport they can take?
• More broadly, does the guidance allow for members of a symptomatic household that is isolating to travel to a second location, if they feel that they would be better able to self-isolate at that second location?
• And does the guidance allow for members of a household in which nobody is currently showing symptoms to travel to a second location if they feel that they would be better able to:
• a) self-isolate, should it become necessary in the future, at that location?
• b) provide care, should it become necessary in the future, at that location?
• What steps should adults in a household with children take if they have a reasonable concern that all adults in the household may soon become unable to care for their children, due to symptoms of Covid-19? 
• Can members of other households provide childcare, if the child(ren)’s parents or guardians have symptoms and feel they are unable to provide care?
• Broadly, can members of other households provide childcare if required, even if the household with children is not showing any symptoms - for example if the adults in the household need to leave the house, to go to the supermarket or make a short trip for medical reasons?

The Cabinet Office pointed us towards the government’s stay at home guidance for household withs a possible Covid-19 infection and said: 

“This [guidance] sets out that that: “If you are living with children “Keep following this advice to the best of your ability, however, we are aware that not all these measures will be possible.”

The Department of Health and Social Care said:

“All of our guidance related to travel and childcare during Covid-19 can be found on gov.uk . If you want a statement about Dominic Cummings, you would need to speak to the political team at No10.”

Update 24 April 2020

This story has been updated to reflect changes in law and government and police guidance.

Update 11 May 2020

This story has been updated to reflect changes in government guidance.

Update 27 May 2020

We updated this article to include our questions and the responses from the government on travel and childcare.

Update 1 June 2020

Updated to acknowledge changes in the law and government guidance from 1 June.

Update 5 June 2020

This article has been archived.

• By Pippa Allen-Kinross
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