Travel season is upon us, so make sure you check your bags for The Crow’s Nest essentials.
Courtesy of Gavin Hadro | The Crow’s Nest
By Adriana Reeves
While the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly not ended, people are finally feeling safe enough to travel. With the holidays quickly approaching, many are traveling for the first time in nearly two years.
In a few days, I will be taking my first trip on an airplane since late 2019 and I have been riddled with anxiety for how to pack and keep myself healthy. I’ve always been an avid traveler but, like many people, the pandemic halted my explorations.
Throughout my experiences, there are specific items that I always include in my bag that I feel are absolutely necessary to have a smooth trip.
Here are a few things that I feel are essential for traveling in our “new normal” world.
- Disinfectant wipes
Airline seats are disgusting. Period. Even though airlines have ramped up cleaning procedures, wiping down a dirty seat is an easy step that will give you peace of mind and help keep you healthy for your trip.
- Masks
COVID-19 is still out there, and it is critical to make health your priority. Whether you are vaccinated or not, most airlines are still requiring masks for the duration of your flight. As you travel, keep yourself and others safe by wearing a mask while in public.
- An extra bag for dirty clothes
Traveling means exploring exciting new places, but that also means coming home with some smelly clothes. Bring a spare bag to hold the dirty clothes so that your clean clothes can stay fresh. This is especially important if you are travelling for a special event and don’t want to dirty your dress clothes. You’ll thank me for this later, I promise.
- Weather-smart clothing
Before packing your bags, one of the most critical things you can do is check the weather. This will help you avoid overpacking and having to pay extra for your luggage. Not to mention, it will save you loads of unnecessary laundry upon your return.
- Chapstick
This one may sound simple, but most people totally forget it. That small tube of Chapstick can save your lips from a world of pain, regardless of if you are traveling to a sunny environment or a cold tundra.
- Noise-canceling headphones
Whether you travel by plane or car, noise-canceling headphones are an absolute necessity. Without them, your quick travel plans can turn into a miserable experience. These headphones may be a bit of an investment, but if you’ve ever wanted to tune out the world and relax or get work done, they’re worth every penny.
- Travel pillow and blanket
Having these two items will ensure that you get ample rest while heading to your destination or returning home. Since their yours, it helps keep everything sanitary. It also just makes life a little bit easier, and comfier while traveling.
- Portable charger
Imagine running through an airport with your plane ticket on your phone and then suddenly your phone dies. Avoid that agonizing situation and buy a portable charger. The charger will probably be your best investment as it can be used on hiking trips, during rough weather, concerts, at the grocery store… The list is endless.
