The 8 Best Travel Essentials for Safe Travel During COVID-19

With COVID-19 vaccinations on the rise and travel restrictions easing up all over the world, there's a good chance you're looking to plan a trip after spending the majority of the past year at home. While you probably can't wait to visit friends and family that you've been social distancing from — or explore a new destination that you've been dreaming about — you may still have some reservations about how to get there safely. 

Most airlines and other forms of public transportation are still taking safety precautions very seriously, but if you're looking for some items to pack that will help you feel better about traveling, you've come to the right place. We've put together a travel essentials list full of products that real travelers say help them feel safer while traveling during the pandemic. 

If you're catching a flight and worried about germs, you may want to invest in a set of disposable seat covers or a travel pillow that prevents your head from slumping against the window. Or, if you're going out of state or out of the country for the first time in a while, you may want to get a card holder  to keep your COVID-19 vaccine card protected, as you may have to show it at certain places to prove you're fully vaccinated. 

No matter what type of trip you have planned, there's something on this list that you'll want to have packed. Each item, detailed below, has a near-perfect rating and tons of reviews from shoppers explaining how it helps them stay safe. 

From reusable face masks to phone sanitizers to lightweight thermometers, these are the 11 essentials shoppers recommend for pandemic travel. Keep reading to learn more about them all, and shop one (or two) before your next vacation. 

N95 Mask Set

Face masks are still required for entry in most places, which is why you should have a few options packed in your travel bag. The masks are sold in packs of 10, and each set comes with a reusable storage bag, so you can keep your mask safe and clean when you aren’t wearing it. Even better, they come in a variety of colors, so you can match them with any outfit you have packed in your suitcase.

Cloth Face Mask

If you prefer reusable masks, check out the breathable cotton fabric blend, the triple-layer mask is both antibacterial and hypoallergenic, and it even has an inner pocket for a filter if you would like added protection. 

Pocket Hand Sanitizer

According to studies, 1 in 5 people don’t regularly wash their hands. Of those who do, 70% don’t use soap. Providing hand sanitizer in key areas. It can be difficult to wash your hands frequently while you’re out and about traveling, which is why so many people have started to carry hand sanitizer with them. 

Disinfecting Wipes

Disinfecting wipes are another travel essential that shoppers swear by, and these Clorox wipes are one of the most popular options on Amazon because they can kill the COVID-19 virus in 30 seconds, according to data from the brand. These packs are compact enough to fit in purses and carry-on bags without taking up too much space. The smaller packs are great to carry on planes to clean the seats and tray tables. These larger packs are great for sanitizing hotel rooms — bathrooms, toilet seats, handles, remote controls, etc. Great scent and sturdy packaging.”

Portable Mask Case

 Hundreds of Amazon shoppers say this Ananko mask case is perfect for times when you have to take off your mask in public, like when you’re eating and drinking. The lightweight yet durable case is dust- and moisture-proof to keep your mask protected when not in use. Many customers even use it to store extra masks in their bag, so they always have more options on hand just in case.

PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer

This innovative UV sanitizer from PhoneSoap kills 99.99 percent of germs and bacteria, per the brand. Designed to fit smartphones of all sizes, it can also be used to clean other essentials like your keys, credit cards, jewelry, and more. It even doubles as a universal charger, making it a great device for people on the go.

No-Touch Forehead Thermometer

Temperature checks are still being done before you can enter many businesses or board planes, so you may want to have one packed in your suitcase to check your temperature before you arrive (this way, there will be no surprises). It provides a reading in mere seconds and runs on two AAA batteries.

Ostrich Travel Pillow

 A cozy travel pillow is essential if you’re looking to       catch some zzz’s on a flight. Shoppers love this Ostrich   pillow not only because it is super comfortable and     supportive, but also because the high neckline keeps the   neck upright in a resting position — which prevents your   face from falling against germy surfaces. What’s more,     the memory foam pillow’s super soft sleeve is removable   and machine-washable, so you can easily clean it in   between trips. .”