Stay Healthy While Traveling – 25 Essential Items You Need

Making every effort to stay healthy while traveling has never been a bigger priority.

Travel isn’t all bliss.  Besides the obvious, there are all sorts of health hazards lurking in cramped airplane cabins and any number of public places.  Jetlag and stress can wear down the body’s immune system, making you even more vulnerable.

There are no guarantees, but there are some things you can do to protect your health when traveling.

First, make a packing list.  Take everything you normally use to keep your system strong.  This is not an area to “go light”.  Add travel products that can help keep you safe when traveling.

To help you, here is a list of 25 essential items designed to help you stay healthy while traveling.

Stay healthy while traveling by packing these travel products:

Stay healthy on the plane

Close quarters and high-touch surfaces in airports and airplanes provide ample opportunity for bugs to spread.  Although it’s likely to change, a past study found that seat back tray tables are eight times dirtier than the toilet flush button on a plane.  That gross fact alone is enough to convince me to stock up on travel products to protect my health.

Hand sanitizer

The most obvious item you need is hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.  Use it anytime you don’t have access to clean water and soap.  In particular, it’s a good idea to use it after you pass through airport security, before you eat and after using the bathroom on the plane.

Unscented sanitizer is preferable in confined spaces.  Check the restrictions on liquids to make sure your sanitizer container will be allowed.  Generally, a travel size works best, with extras in your suitcase so that you can easily carry on the go during your trip.

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Disinfecting wipes

Another product to help you stay healthy while traveling is a package of high alcohol content wipes.  Use these to clean the surfaces at your seat on planes or trains, especially the tray table, the seatbelt buckle, the air vent and any control buttons you will touch. Packages of wipes are convenient for travel, or you can store what you need for the flight in a Ziploc bag.

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Ziploc bags

Ziploc bags have always been handy for packing everything from charge cords to jewellery.  You’ll also want to use them to discard your used wipes.  No more stuffing your garbage into the seat back pocket, until the flight attendant collects it.  In fact, don’t put your hands in there at all.

As well, you can put hotel or airplane remote controls inside the bag, seal it up and use them that way.

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Face masks

Face masks will be required by airport authorities, airlines and, possibly, other public venues.

I prefer the cloth face masks and use these ones from Speakeasy Travel. They have an option where you can buy one, and they’ll also make one for the medical community.  Note that cloth masks may not always be convenient for travel given that doctors recommend they be washed after every use.  If this is an issue, pack a supply of disposable face masks in your suitcase, in addition the the one you’ll need on the flight.

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Airplane seat & tray covers

For an extra measure of protection, consider seat and tray table covers.  Seat Sitters offers these covers designed to fit over seats on planes or trains.  The soft fabric covers are machine washable and recyclable.  The package also includes a tray table cover, a face mask, hand sanitizer and two hand wipes.

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Compression socks

When you’re not moving much on a long flight, it increases your risk of developing a life-threatening blood clot.  Compression socks put pressure on your legs to help your blood circulate better.  They also help reduce aches and swelling from prolonged sitting. 

These long time travel health essentials aren’t just for Grandma – – these issues can happen to anyone.  That’s why companies have been trying to make compression socks more “fashionable”.  I like these ones made by Physix for their comfort and colour.

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Sleep mask

Good quality sleep is essential to maintaining a strong immune system.  It helps to enjoy your trip too. 

A sleep mask to block out light can be helpful on the flight or when you’re coping with jetlag.  These silk sleep masks are gentle on the delicate skin around the eyes.  They don’t absorb much moisture out of your skin and don’t leave creases on your face. No one wants that!

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Pillow

It’s expected that airlines may stop offering pillows and blankets, at least on domestic flights.  In any case, you’ll be doing your immune system a favour by supplying your own.

The most popular travel neck pillow on Amazon is this one by MLVOC.  It has breathable memory foam with a washable cover.  I also like the fact that it can be compressed to half its size into a bag that comes with it.

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Blanket

If you typically use a blanket on overnight flights, it’s probably a good idea to start packing your own.  This cozy microfleece blanket is lightweight, compact and machine washable.

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Ear plugs or Noise Cancelling Headphones

Additional items that can help you get a good sleep on the flight is a pack of ear plugs or noise cancelling head phones to block out annoying noise.

If your ears tend to close up during take-off and landing, you might want to try EarPlanes,  which are ear plugs that help regulate the pressure.

These Cowin Bluetooth headphones are the best selling and best value noise cancelling headphones on Amazon. If budget is not a concern, I’d go for the top-of-the line Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM3.

Get it on Amazon now

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Healthy snacks

It’s expected that airlines will be serving less food on board to minimize contact with passengers, and the food they do serve will be prepackaged. To maintain good nutrition, you may want to pack some healthy snacks like granola or protein bars, nuts or dried fruit.

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Reusable self-cleaning water bottle

Stay healthy at the hotel:

Many of the travel products listed above will help keep you healthy in your accommodations too.  As well, consider the following travel items:

Shower sandals

Shower sandals will help prevent issues with athlete’s food and toenail fungus.  After doing countless pedicures, one esthetician tells me that she would never go barefoot in a shower while traveling, even at a high end hotel.

I like these shower sandals because they don’t slip and they dry quickly.

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Toothbrush sanitizer

If you’re traveling from place to place, chances are you’re packing up your toothbrush when it is still wet. Which is kind of gross when you think about it.

This electronic toothbrush UV sanitizer runs on batteries, and uses UV light sterilization to destroy the germs on your toothbrush (or electric toothbrush head). It fits easily in your purse or toiletry bag. (Batteries not included).

Get it on Amazon now

Other travel health essentials to pack:

First aid kit

You should always pack a first-aid kit containing everything you need to treat minor injuries, like this one from Surviveware.

As well, make sure you add antibiotic ointment, remedies for fever, pain, motion sickness, allergies, stomach aches, colds and flu. Electrolyte solutions or rehydration tablets are also a good idea, along with a digital thermometer.

Keep in mind that, to be prepared for any sudden travel restrictions, you should also pack an extra 14-day supply (or more) of prescription medication.

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Cell phone sanitizer

When we’re on the move, we tend to touch a lot of things and then touch our phones without washing our hands.  Some people even use their phones in the washroom!

You can clean your phone with antibacterial wipes, or you can use the PhoneSoap to thoroughly sanitize the phone.  The device uses UV_C bulbs to kill all bacteria and germs on your phone, while charging your phone at the same time.  It fits any type of smart phone.

Stay healthy outside during your trip:

Products to keep your feet healthy and happy

The joy of travel just isn’t the same when your feet hurt.  It’s vital to pack the right travel products to take care of your feet.

I usually wear these ECCO women’s soft 7 sneakers  when I know I’m going to be doing a lot of walking during the day.  I’ve found them to be very comfortable, have a good grip and keep my feet dry.  Allbirds and Skechers are also popular. For a sandal that will be kind to your feet on hot days, try this ECCO Damara 2-strap sandal.

The right socks can also make a big difference.  Look for moisture-wicking, anti-microbial socks that provide cushion for your feet.  My favourite are these Bombas socks.

You can help to prevent blisters and raw skin caused by friction with this BodyGlide Foot Anti-Blister Balm and this travel-sized powder to absorb moisture on hot days.  At night, apply foot cream to minimize callouses.  Your feet will thank you.

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Sunscreen

Prevent sun burn in warm climates with this reef safe sport sunscreen.  I like it because it’s biodegradable and has a fast-absorbing, non greasy formula.

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Insect repellent

Depending upon your destination, an insect repellent will help protect you from mosquitoes that spread malaria and other diseases.

For long-lasting protection, the Center for Disease Control says you should look for insect repellents that contain DEET, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or Picaridin (KBR 3023) as active ingredients.  I find the towelettes are convenient for packing.

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Microfibre towel

These ultra compact microfibre towels will always come in handy, whether you need them to dry your hands or if you get caught in a rainstorm.   The advantage is that you will always be able to use your own towel, and they dry super fast.

As Benjamin Franklin said, an ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure.  The saying holds true today and reminds us to plan ahead to stay healthy while traveling.

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