Top 10 Things to Pack for a Safe & Sanitized Summer Vacation

June 8, 2021

We know that vacation rentals are the preferred choice of accommodation for a safe and sanitized summer vacation, we also know that traveling by car is the safest form of transportation, hence the year of the road trip! Travel has changed dramatically since the onset of the COVID pandemic from where we go and how we get there to the activities and attractions we choose on vacation.

The CDC is still urging travelers to stay at home to minimize the spread of the coronavirus, but revenge travel is on the rise and Americans are choosing to hit the road (and the skies) with a heightened sense of safety, social distancing, and sanitization. While COVID cases are on the decline and vaccinations on the rise, travelers must take precautions, remain vigilant, practice good hygiene and sanitation and take heed of local travel restrictions.

If you do choose to travel, there are endless Coronavirus travel accessories and gadgets emerging to give you peace of mind on your travels this summer. Here are the top 10 things to add to your travel safety kit for a safe and sanitized summer vacation.

Medical Supplies & Thermometer

Pack a family first aid kit with your prescriptions, preferred medicine, and basic essentials that may not be available at your vacation destination. If you’re in the high-risk category, travel with your digital oximeter and oxygen. The only oxygen equipment allowed on a plane is the portable oxygen concentrator (POC). Temperature checks are still routine at many attractions, shopping centers, and restaurants so pack a thermometer to stay one step ahead.

Face Mask

Mask mandates are being lifted across the country, but federal law still requires all airline passengers to wear a face mask in airports and onboard the flight. We’ve seen the horror stories of travelers kicked off flights, so if you’re traveling by air check with your airline for mask requirements for children and stay up to date with mask mandates in your destination. The CDC advises wearing a cloth mask unless fully vaccinated. Choose lightweight, washable masks with protective layers and filters and ensure extra comfort for the kids for extended use. While disposables are discouraged in efforts to encourage sustainable travel, keep a few spare as we all know how easy it is to forget (or lose) a mask.

Hand Sanitizer

The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water, but this is not always possible on the road. While soap and water is best, a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a close second. If you’re traveling by air, bottles of up to 12 ounces are allowed through airport security, all other liquids and gels are still limited to 3.4 ounces/100ml.

Soap Sheets, Tissues & Travel Towel

Soap sheets offer the convenience of soap in a compact, travel-friendly packaging, just add water. Have you had to cough or sneeze in public since the pandemic? Don’t forget the tissues! They are also great to use as a barrier on doorknobs and in public spaces. Travel towels take up little space and are perfect for public restrooms when you’re on the road and visiting attractions.

Disinfecting Wipes

Disinfecting wipes are not a replacement for hand washing but are perfect for when you’re on the go – public restrooms, shopping carts, doors & taps, arm rests & tray tables on flights, and all high-touch services during your travels. Pop some handy to-go packs in your purse or backpack and you’re covered wherever you roam.

Storage & Travel Bags

These are perfect to stay organized for travel essentials, spare masks, and snack packs for the road! Perfect too for your travel safety kit, pack one for the vacation rental, one for the car, and one for your beach bag or hiking pack! Mini-snack bags are also great to store your masks when eating out at restaurants, setting it on the table defeats the object right?

Portable Charger

Technology has advanced at a rapid rate and most of what we need for our vacation is right at our fingertips on our cell phones. Booking your vacation and car rentals, airline check-ins, planning your gas stops, self-check-in and smart home automation at your vacation rental, reservations and touchless menus for restaurants, tickets for attractions and activities, contactless payments, the iconic road-trip playlist … and so much more. Staying connected is vital for travel during the pandemic so pack an ultra-slim, high-speed power bank to keep all the travel tools one touch away.

Phone Sanitizer

Unfortunately, research shows that your phone is dirtier than you think (10x dirtier than a toilet seat?)and crawling with bacteria! Disinfecting wipes are sufficient for cleaning your phone but if you’re germophobic (or a complete gadget geek) an innovative UV phone sanitizer kills 99.99% of germs and bacteria in only six minutes. Bonus, you can use it for keys and credit cards too.

Portable Air Purifiers, Humidifiers, and Sterilizers

Portable humidifiers and medical-grade air purifiers are ideal for flights and to place in your vacation rental. There are plenty more travel gadgets available for safe travel, from lightweight sterilizing wands to disinfect public spaces and self-cleaning water bottles that purify your water at the push of a button, to bio scarfs with built-in filtration to ward off allergens and bacteria.

COVID-19 Vaccination Pouch

Last, but not least, your vaccine card is your passport to travel with fewer restrictions so keep it safe. If you’ve had your COVID vaccine prior to travel, keep your vaccination record card handy at all times in a waterproof vaccination card protector for quick display during your travels.

Travelers are choosing outdoor-focused trips, staying for longer, and spending more. Traveling during COVID requires a little extra thought and you need to be creative and flexible in your planning