By Kaitlyn McInnis
It's no secret that the travel experience isn't exactly the most hygienic, even with new pandemic-era precautions.
From airport security bins to airplane seatbacks to seat belts, there are bacteria and germs lurking in just about every corner throughout the entire travel experience.
According to a 2018 study by the UK's University of Nottingham, there are a lot of details that would affect even the strongest of stomachs.
The biggest culprit in spreading unwanted viruses is the plastic security tray you find at the beginning of your airport experience.
Other studies suggest that E. coli bacteria were detected in pockets in seat backs and head restraints.
That said, all is not lost when it comes to a more sanitary travel experience.
We spoke to a handful of self-confessed travel experts and germophobes to get their best advice and insights on how to best protect yourself from germs, viruses, bacteria, and more.
Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer
Buy the pack of four for
MX$ 809
This item should be on any traveler's packing list.
"Travel-sized hand sanitizer is a must," says Nick Mueller, chief operating officer of HawaiianIslands.com.
For hand sanitizer, Mueller suggests making sure to choose a brand like Germ-X or Purell over more odor-focused options because they're generally stronger and better at killing bacteria.
Antibacterial Wet Wipes for Hands
Buy the pack of ten for
MX$466 or
USD$17.19
"Doors, tables, chairs, and even light switches are breeding grounds for viruses," says Anton Radchenko, founder of AirAdvisor.
"Wipes are great for disinfection, and they're easy to carry and dispose of."
Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes are a great option for travel thanks to resealable pocket packaging.
The aloe-based formula is also a great option for those with sensitive or dry hands.
Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Buy the pack with 24 units for
MX$ 283 or
USD$14.78
"As a medical technologist, and especially since Covid, I assume there are germs everywhere," says Deb Hendricks, founder of Introvert With Itchy Feet.
"I always travel with a couple of microfiber cloths that I've moistened well with Lysol in a reusable bag.
Hendricks suggests taking the time to clean armrests, tray tables, hotel door handles, sink faucets, and especially your hotel remote.
He also note that the germs will take three minutes in contact time.
Yiderbo 50-Piece Black KN95 Face Mask
Buy the pack for
MX$420 or
USD$16.99
A face mask is an essential tool to ensure our safety against covid-19 and other airborne germs and viruses.
However, the type of mask matters.
N95 or KN94 masks do not have space for outside air to pass through the nose or mouth if worn correctly, so these types of masks are more suitable for closed areas such as airplanes.
EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow
Buy the pack for
MX$599 or
USD$29.95
"Bring a blanket in case you're on a long trip to help drastically decrease contact with other surfaces," suggests Michael Freeby, travel expert and blogger.
"I find traveling to this time very stressful and I prefer to hide under a blanket and fall asleep."
This plush option is great, thanks to its travel-friendly size and the option to use as a pillow or blanket.
Adidas Adilette Women's Comfort Slides
Buy the pack for
MX$697 or
USD$21.90
"A tip I always recommend when traveling is to keep in mind how dirty hotel room floors are," says Kimberley DeLauro, founder of Ready Aim Travel.
According to DeLauro, an easy way to avoid tracking those germs into your bed is to wear a pair of sandals when you're in your bedroom.
Most people have a pair packed for their trip anyway, so it's an easy decision to make.
"You'll also want to keep your clothes off the floor, so using the dresser or closet to hang your clothes will keep them much cleaner overall," adds DeLauro.
Amazon Essentials Unisex Blue Light Glasses
buy by
MX$ 346 or
USD$34.95
"If you want to increase your safety, blue light glasses are a great added layer of protection," says Radchenko.
Amazon Essentials Unisex Blue Light Glasses look just like regular glasses and won't attract attention when worn in public, but will still offer another armor-plated layer of protection against airborne viruses.
Larq disinfectant bottle
buy by
MX$947 or
USD$ 95
The Larq bottle not only helps reduce your carbon footprint while traveling (bye bye plastic bottles!), but also ensures that the water you are drinking is free of harmful viruses, bacteria and parasites.
The bottle uses UV technology to kill 99.99% of all nasties with the push of a button.
It also features a self-cleaning feature to help avoid that moldy water bottle smell.
cell phone sanitizer
buy by
MX$407 or
USD$ 40
We'd rather not think about it, but the average cell phone is one of the dirtiest items we come into contact with on a daily basis.
As such, the PhoneSoap 3 is an essential travel companion.
Not only does it safely disinfect your phone using UV technology, but it also comes with a wireless battery pack that can charge iPhone and Android devices.
Wynd Essential Smart Personal Air Purifier
buy by
MX$ 3,135 or
USD$ 128
Studies show that air purification systems and proper ventilation are some of the best ways to keep airborne viruses from swirling around and potentially making you sick.
Whether you're in the airport lounge or your hotel room, a personal air purifier like the Wynd Essential will help protect you from viruses and bacteria, thanks to its heavy-duty medical-grade filter.
Medd Max Protective Airplane Seat Covers
buy by
MX$ 360 or
$12.99 USD
Germophobes swear by protective seat covers on airplanes.
This reusable device fits easily over most coach seats and will create a protective barrier between you and the nasties lurking in your seat and between the seat cushions.
Fomin Antibacterial Paper Soap Sheets for hand washing
buy by
MX$300 or
$12.99 USD
Hand sanitizer is great, but antibacterial paper soap sheets are a great alternative for anyone who may suffer from dry hands.
These compact portable soap sheets can easily fit in your bag or take on and off as needed.
Each sheet provides enough foaming soap for a single wash and leaves no residue.
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