Travel has been more frightening these days because of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19 ) going around. As of now (March 2020), all continents except Antarctica has been hit with the coronavirus. So, am I suggesting traveling to Antarctica? Well, if you have the means, sure! Why not? But if not, here are several tips to keep you safe while you travel to keep you away from the virus! These tips can be used while traveling by airplane, train, bus, or any other public transports!
1 Wear a N95 mask while in the airport. I have not done this yet, but for our upcoming trip, you may see me with a mask. There are so many people in the airport, its nearly impossible to avoid spreading germs with each other. Wearing a mask if also a constant reminder for you about the virus and also prevents you from touching your nose or mouth as often. A regular mask won’t do the trick; it has to be a N95 mask to prevent any droplets from getting in.
*I think the mask has an opposite effect too. If you have a mask on, other people are less likely to stay too close to you too! Think about it, if you see someone wearing a mask at the airport, are you likely to sit near that person? Probably not. So, this becomes a win-win situation for you!
2 That brings me to the next tip: Avoid touching your eyes, face, nose and mouth while traveling! Your hands are probably not very clean because if you think about it, you are constantly touching things. To keep the germs on your hands from entering your body, keep your hands AWAY from your face! When using a public bathroom, consider using gloves to open and close the stalls and turning the faucet. Do NOT use the hand drier because it captures germs and throws them back on to your hands. Instead use a clean napkin after washing your hands.
3 Wash your hands often. Again, germs can easily get into your body from your filthy hands. So wash your hands often during your trip and keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with you when water is not available. Always wash hands before eating and using the restroom. It is important to not only wash your hands, but to do it effectively! That means scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds and cleaning between each finger and nail.
4 Besides hand sanitizers, it’ll also be a great idea to keep some cleaning/disinfectant wipes on you. When you get to your seat/compartment/cabin, take a minute and wipe down all the places you are likely to touch (like the remote control, the tv screen, the arm rests, the window handle, the seat belt) and anything else you can think of.
Wipe away and kill all the coronavirus particles!!
5 Keep distance between other passengers and yourself. If you are standing in line or waiting to board, you don’t need to cramp up in the front to get on the plane. The plane won’t leave without you getting on. So, avoid staying in close proximity with anyone and leave some gap while walking. Also, walk on the right side to avoid bumping into anyone and give yourself plenty of wiggle room to go slowly.
*Also, avoid shaking hands with anyone. Wave, smile or fist bump instead!
Tip: * Don’t forget a pen while traveling on international flights to fill out custom papers; this way, you don’t have to borrow it from someone else or use the common desk pen! Avoid leaning on counters or using countertops to write or place things on. This applies not only to the bathroom sink counter, but also at fast food locations and common seating areas/charging stations.
6 Drink plenty of water (bottled water that is) and keep yourself hydrated. This is a good trip with the coronavirus or without. It’s important to stay well hydrated, especially if you are traveling on an airplane, which has less humidity levels. Another recommendation that relates to this one is to avoid keeping your drinks open, ex; poured out in cups. Ask your attendant for the whole bottle or purchase one beforehand.
7 Keep your immunity in check! Vitamin C is important to keep your immunity up to par, so drink up that OJ! Eat healthier overall prior to traveling and maybe packing some vitamins wont hurt either. There is a vitamin C drink mix that we use when we feel like we are getting sick.
Other food recommended to eat to build up your immunity:
– Green leafy vegetables (Spinach, Broccoli)
– Oranges, Other citrus fruits & Bananas
– Garlic, Ginger & Tumeric
– Almonds
– Eggs
8 Get enough rest. Make sure you sleep well before you begin traveling. Chances are, your body will be a bit more stressed and you will not get enough sleep during your vacation. Also, your body might need energy to get used to the new climate and to fight off the new germs in the air. Getting plenty of rest throughout your trip is also important to keep the balance in your body and to decrease your chances of catching something.
9 Drink in moderation or avoid drinking prior to traveling. You want your body to be in the best shape possible to fight any infections or germs that come your way. Increasing your alcohol intake weakens the immune system and allows your body to become an easier host for viruses. Decreasing your sugar intake also helps, because sugar feeds any type of sickness.
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0 Last but not least, not only is it our duty to keep ourselves from getting sick, but also to avoid spreading germs to other people. If you feel sick, stay HOME! You might not have a weak immune system and may be a healthy 20-30 year old. But you may come in contact with young children, immune compromised people, elderly or pregnant women; all groups of people who are more likely to get hit hard from this virus (or any other cold).
Things to keep in mind during the Coronavirus season:
– Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw it away and wash your hands.
– OR cough into your sleeve
– Use a mask to prevent spreading your germs.
– Consider your personal risk before traveling- Do you have weak immune system, are you pregnant, traveling with kids, coming back to work with young kids or the elderly, etc.
Our Immune Boosting Tonic Drink Recipe*
- Cut 1 lime in half & squeeze out the juice
- Add 1 teaspoon of tumeric to the lime juice
- Add powdered or fresh diced ginger
- Add half mixture of Emergen-C drink mix
- Add water to your liking and dilute
- Mix and drink up!
Add honey as preferred.
*Not FDA approved.
Check out the CDC website for more information on the Coronavirus and specific safety tips to your travel destination!
Check out our most recent (and relaxed) trip to Cancun here, right before the virus started spreading!
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