8 must-have travel essentials for a safe journey

From high-tech UV cleansers to face shields, these are the best necessities to keep in your travel bag

JUNE 19, 2020 4:07 PM EDTJUN 19, 2020, 4:07 PM EDT

As cities and borders begin to re-open to the public, many are contemplating the possibility of air travel again. Though flying for pleasure won’t be the same as before, you can still take the necessary precautions to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Currently, some airlines are blocking middle seats to allow social distancing, and the decrease in air travel fees entice frequent flyers to escape. Though some airlines have stringent regulations and all require a face mask, additional personal safety is a must while traveling during a global pandemic. From high-tech UV sanitizers to vegan snacks, you need to prepare with travel basics before going on board the plane. Here are the must-have travel essentials for a stress-free and safe journey.

Embrace hand hygiene

Keep your hands germ-free and protected with this revolutionary brand of hand sanitizer. Touchland power mists, $12 feature a sleek design functional packaging with non-sticky, moisturizing, luxurious-feeling formulas that come in eight amazing scents. The product has dermatologist-tested formula ingredients like hydrating aloe vera and a blend of essential oils to leave hands hydrated. Each mist contains over 500 spritzes to eliminate 99.9% of harmful germs.

Breathe easy

Don’t worry about wasting disposable masks and breathing with difficulty. Night offers 100% silk masks, $55 with seven disposable filters to block out dust, bacteria, allergens and more. The mask is made with mulberry silk and a non-toxic filtration system to support healthy skin. It also features adjustable earloops and a nose clip to fit all face shapes and sizes.

Cover your eyes

Celebrate your pride and cover your eyes with Slip’s Love is Love sleep mask, $50. This mask is limited-edition and features a colorful slogan with refined mulberry silk. You can fall asleep on the plane while still expressing positivity.

Relax your neck

Whether you travel a long distance or a short flight, the OSTRICHPILLOW Go premium travel neck pillow, $60 support the neck for long car trips or long stretches working in the office. This pillow features supportive memory foam and ergonomic design to help you relax while you’re reading, traveling or just watching a movie at home.

Protect with a shield

Illesteva’s face shield, $50 is the first PPE equipment created by the brand. Aside from protecting you from the global pandemic, a portion of the sales will be donated to the healthcare heroes of New York Presbyterian.

Sanitize your tech

This UV-CLEAN Phone Sanitizer, $79.99 disinfects your phone and eliminate 99.9% of bacteria with no chemical or mercury. The ultra-compact design is travel-friendly and fits any smartphone and with up to 70 uses per charge. Remember that cell phones can carry ten times more bacteria than toilet seats.

Restore your energy

As airlines change regulations, many are withholding alcoholic beverages and snacks to their customers to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Always keep a healthy snack in your bag like Laiki’s rice crackers, $30. While you wait for your final destination, satisfy your cravings with a whole-grain superfood and gluten-free food until you land.

Cover the sweat

Though many workers are disinfecting restaurant tables, seats and other spots, sometimes we need extra protection. The Lutava towel, $39 offers protection with its fresh technology that blocks bacteria and viruses by 99%. Use it at the airport or when you seat inside a cab or public transportation.