Why you need more than snacks and crayons before you set sail these school holidays

Organised a Covid Travel Kit…?

A covid travel kit is a must-have suitcase item if you’re planning to travel these school holidays.

Ok, ok. We can virtually hear the eye-rolls and breaths of exasperation.

Covid has been with us for what seems like forever.

Many of us have become blasé about it. We’ve got Covid fatigue.

Many of us have had it and proclaimed it not to be a big deal.

But there is the other side of the coin.

People suffering from the long-term effects of Covid will tell you that Covid is no joke.

People who end up in hospital, intensive care, or on ventilators will tell you to be smart when you’re travelling.

People who have lost loved ones to the pandemic will tell you not to take chances.

Gosh, that took a bleak turn.

But really, the world is opening up. We’ve regained our freedom. It’s time to celebrate, enjoy life and get back to normal.

However, the last thing you want is to end up in a hospital overseas or put into quarantine because you test positive.

So, what should you put in your covid travel kit?

We’ve done the research and would suggest the following items at a minimum.

Will they make you bulletproof?

Unfortunately not.  

But with these items at the ready, you’ve got a much better chance of happily learning the Hula in Hawaii than you would otherwise.

ITEM #1: Covid test kits (otherwise known as RAT tests)

You might want to turn a blind eye if you’re about to jet off and your throat gets sore or if any other covid symptoms crop up.

But you’re a good international citizen who doesn’t want to infect the frail, elderly, or those at high risk of devastating consequences if they develop the dreaded coronavirus.

You certainly don’t want to see the world locked down again due to people getting too relaxed and Covid rampaging out of control again.

And the truth is, if you get caught out by security when you arrive at your destination’s airport, all those hard-earned travel dollars will go down the toilet while you and your family are put into quarantine.

Better to test the whole family, and if someone tests positive, rebook the holiday.

We know that RAT tests aren’t always reliable, so it’s best to test several times to be confident that you’re Covid-free.

Item #2: Hand Sanitiser

Pretty obvious, right?

Covid has changed our behaviour forever.

Before we eat and after we use the bathroom, and every time we enter or leave a public place, we reach for the sanitiser.

Does that make us germaphobes?

Nope.

It makes us sensible people who are minimising our risk of being sick.

It makes us people who follow reliable medical advice. And those in authority have said that using sanitiser and sound hand washing practices using water will reduce your risk of getting sick.

So, pack bottles of sanitiser to put in your hotel room. And smaller, portable sanitiser bottles for when you’re out and about enjoying all the tourist attractions.

Item #3: Face Masks

Love them or hate them, they make some sense.

This virus is harder to spread if airborne particles aren’t allowed to circulate.

Masks not only help to stop the spread of infection, they also help to ensure that you don’t get sick.

Some people have legitimate reasons for not wearing them. And that’s ok. There’s absolutely no need to abuse anyone who isn’t wearing one.

You do you. And if facemasks make you feel less at risk, then go ahead and use them.

Hell, go one step further and use gloves for protection if you want to. It’s certainly not going to increase your risk of infection.

Item #4: Antibacterial sprays and wipes

About to chow down on some perfect pasta in Rome?

Before you do, it’s a good idea to spray or wipe down the surface before you put that tantalising hand-made ravioli in your mouth.

You might want to spray and wipe your hotel bedside tables as well.

In fact, it’s a good idea to look at any high-touch areas as Petrie dishes. Things like doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, and sinks are all fair game for a bit of spray and wipe action.

Most restaurants, hotels, and public places follow strict hygiene procedures, but it only takes one to slip up, and you can be accidentally infected.

You’re not being paranoid. You’re being cautious.

You’re playing your part in reducing the chance of transmission.

Item #5: Tissues (not hankies)

If you cough or sneeze, cover it up.

We’ve taught our kids to cough and sneeze into their elbows, but the other alternative is to sneeze into a tissue.

Why not hankies?

Because you can’t (or are unlikely to) throw hankies out.

Tissues are throwaway items that you can dispose of safely as soon as you’ve finished catching that cough or sneeze.

Holding onto them might mean you’re carrying more in your luggage than your undies. You could unknowingly be toting a hotbed of bacteria around.

Item #6: Straws

Most fast-food places, cafes, and restaurants will provide you with a disposable, wrapped straw.

Because they haven’t been handled directly by humans, they’re safer to drink from than cups or glasses carried or touched by hospitality staff.

Wherever you can distance yourself from contact with unknown people, or high-risk surfaces, you’re reducing your chance of catching and spreading Covid 19.

Not all restaurants will have them. They might be cutting costs (remember how hard they were hit when we weren’t allowed to dine out). So be safe, throw some straws in your bag, and enjoy your favourite Gin Cocktail without a care in the world.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reinforced the need for safe food practices. If people look at you strangely when you whip out your own straw, WHO cares (see what we did there?).

One Last Tip

Before you hit the road to your favourite holiday spot, give the team at Brighter Choices a call.

No, we don’t sell covid safe travel kits, but we can make sure your house is sparkling clean and hygienic when you get home—the perfect end to the perfect getaway.