“Are we there yet?” It’s a question frustratingly familiar to parents of small children setting out on family vacations. We didn’t hear that much in 2020. Actually, quarantines, lockdowns, and border closings have us all asking the opposite: “Can we go now?” With the COVID-19 vaccines in distribution, people around the world are finally dusting off their carry-ons and making travel plans for next year. But staying safe is still a priority. Travel insurance is probably the best accessory you can buy for safe travels in 2021 and beyond. But here’s a rundown of some of the other things you’ll want to pack for travel safety. (Please note: VisitorsCoverage is not affiliated with these products).
Traveling Safely
UV sanitizers
Our phones can be a breeding ground for germs. As we type and swipe and show off our favorite photos, we’re often unaware of all the germs we’re collecting along the way. When we travel, our chances for attracting germs only increases. One of the best gifts you can give the avid traveler for 2021 is a UV Phone Sanitizer. UV phone sanitizers use light to destroy bacteria, and limit the chance of infection. Your traveler can even use it to sanitize small items like keys or credit cards. Using the same UV technology as phone sanitizers, a toothbrush sanitizer will give the travelers in your life extra protection against germs and keep their smiles selfie-ready.
Reusable face masks with removable filter
While the Covid vaccines are being distributed, it’s likely that wearing face masks in public will be part of our new normal for a while. As travelers begin once again to venture out into the world, it’s important that they have the best face masks. Reusable face masks with removable filters may not be the coolest gift idea on our list but it will help keep them safe as they travel the globe.
Water purifier bottle
If hiking the Pacific Crest Trail or exploring Australia’s otherworldly Three Capes Track is on your travel to do list for 2021, you’re going to want to stay hydrated. Before you set out on your adventure a good water bottle is essential. You don’t just want any bottle when you’re braving rough terrain and mazey jungles. Imagine you’ve been walking for miles and the heat and the hike have taken a physical toll. You’re sweating, sunburned, and parched. But when you reach for your water bottle, there’s not even a single drop to quench your thirst. There’s a stream rushing alongside you but the water isn’t safe for you to drink. Luckily, your water bottle doubles as a water purifier. Any water that goes into it is run through a filtering system first. Harmful bacteria is removed and the water is safe to drink. Good thing you spent a few extra dollars to get a water purifier bottle.
First-Aid kits
Accidents can happen anywhere, whether you’re taking your kids to school or sightseeing in Kenya. So, having a first aid kit on hand is a good idea no matter how far away from home you are. It’s especially important, though, when you’re in new and unfamiliar places. Make sure you pack a first aid kit in your carry-on before you head off to the airport. There are plenty of pre-packed first aid kits out there on the market but how do you know which one to choose? Whether you buy a kit or make one yourself, here are some first aid essentials for safer travels.
- Bandages of various sizes
- Adhesive tape
- Cotton swabs
- Antiseptic wipes
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Whistle
- Flashlight
- Hand sanitizer
- Aspirin
- Ace bandage
- Bonus: An emergency blanket would be great to have on hand just in case
Now, of course, we hope you never have to use any of these things while enjoying your getaways but if we learned anything from 2020, it’s that it’s much better to be safe than sorry.
Secure travels
World travel adapter
Even though so many of our gadgets have wireless capabilities, when we travel, there’s a good chance we’ll need to plug in our computers and phones. Unfortunately electrical outlets and requirements vary from country to country. While your phone charger might plug into your kitchen outlet, it might not fit into the outlet at your hotel in Dusseldorf. What you need is a world travel adapter. Imagine you’re in Kyoto admiring the ancient monasteries and ogling the cherry blossoms when suddenly you lose your way. You pull your phone from your backpack and are faced with a blank, black screen. If you don’t have a world travel adapter for your adapters and chargers, you might face a similar scenario.
Smart luggage
These days, everything out there is ‘smart’. There are smart scales, smart razors, smart washer/dryers and even smart pillows. The word is so common it can sometimes seem like a branding tool rather than an actual technological update. But one of the newest members to the ‘smart’ family is luggage. And it’s a marketing gimmick. So what makes the luggage so smart? :
Well, with smart luggage, you can:
- Track the bag’s location
- Control the bag’s locks
- Charge your mobile devices
- Weigh your travel bag just by lifting it
Antitheft travel backpacks
If smart luggage is a bit out of your budget, you could get a lot of the same security from anti-theft backpacks. While smart luggage relies on technology to keep travelers safe, anti-theft gear relies on design. These backpacks have zippered compartments, hidden pockets, and lockable pouches. When the backpack is strapped to your back, people coming up behind you can’t easily unzip it.
One thing that should be on the top of every traveler’s packing list in 2021 is travel insurance. Trip insurance and travel medical insurance can protect you physically and financially if you sustain an injury during your travels, or your travel plans change for any covered reason. Visit VisitorsCoverage.com to research, compare and purchase trip and travel medical insurance. In 2021, the most essential travel accessory is peace of mind.
