11 Fall Travel Must-Haves

The new season has many longing for an adventure, and the vaccine has led many Americans to return to traveling; however, it is still wise to play it safe by being cautious. If you plan to travel this autumn, set yourself up for a healthy, successful trip with a few essentials you’ll want to tuck away in your carry-on bag. Assemble a kit with these 11 fall travel must-haves and keep them on hand throughout your journey. Add a special seasonal touch for yourself or a travel companion by choosing a theme that makes you smile. The color orange, fall leaves and pumpkin scented anything lifts my mood this time of year!

Fall Travel Must-Haves:

Face Masks

Masks are required on airplanes and other public transportation. They may also be necessary in some of the destinations and businesses you’ll be visiting, so be ready with an ample supply. Disposable masks are a more convenient choice since keeping cloth masks clean while traveling may be difficult.

Hand Sanitizer

Carry it and use it frequently, especially after putting your hands on credit card keypads, fixtures, buttons or other places that others have handled. Currently, TSA regulations allow each passenger to carry up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizer on flights (the limit for all other liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on bags remains at 3.4 ounces).

Sanitizing Wipes

A travel-size pack of disinfectant wipes in your bag will eliminate germs and provide a little peace of mind. Use them to wipe down your seat and armrests on the plane, your rental car steering wheel, and high-touch surfaces in your hotel room, from door handles to the TV remote. My personal favorites are from Williams-Sonoma in the Meyer Lemon scent.

Portable Phone Charger

Being ready with your own phone charger will help you maintain distance from other travelers crowded around airport charging stations. There are many small, affordable models available. A phone case with a built-in backup charge may save the day. Remember your charging cord!

Reusable Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle is one of those travel must-haves that makes sense for every season. Part of traveling healthy is staying hydrated. With lower humidity levels inside the plane cabin, flying can be dehydrating, leading to mild discomfort, dry skin and fatigue. In addition, lower humidity dries out your airway, making it more difficult for your system to keep viruses or bacteria from entering. Bring a water bottle and fill it up once you’re past the security checkpoint. Most airports have bottle-filling stations in addition to water fountains, making it easy to fill up. Coffee and alcohol are dehydrating, which doesn’t do you any favors during air travel, so make water your liquid of choice.

Healthy Snacks

Eating nutritious food when you’re traveling can be a challenge, but staying healthy from the inside out is vitally important. Be ready by bringing a supply of healthful snacks so that you’re not reaching for the nearest junk food in a moment of desperation. Protein bars, small bags of nuts or dried fruit and pouches of nut butters all travel well. Opt for fruits, salads, or veggie-packed meals in the airport instead of the cheese-laden nacho plate or dubious deep-fried items. If you’re staying in a hotel and want to avoid empty calories at the breakfast buffet, consider bringing your own supplies, such as nutritious meal replacement powders and a shaker cup, microwavable oatmeal cups and fresh fruit.

Supplements and Vitamins

A good multivitamin, with your physician’s approval, can go a long way towards making sure you’re getting optimum nutrition. In addition, having some individual serving size immune support drink mixes in your bag can be a convenient way to get an extra boost of vital immunity-supporting nutrients while you travel.

Neck Pillow, Ear Plugs and Eye Mask

Getting sufficient sleep is a huge part of overall health. Research shows that those who don’t get enough quality sleep are more susceptible to becoming ill when exposed to a virus. These little items don’t take up much space but can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Use them to catch up on rest during your flight or to get deeper sleep in an unfamiliar setting.

An Extra Layer

Bringing a sweater or light travel blanket can mean the difference between being comfortable and relaxed or miserable and stressed on your flight. Pack a fleece jacket or other layer you can use if the cabin is a little chilly for your liking. It can also be rolled up and used as a pillow.

Phone Wipes

Phones are notorious for being covered in germs. Keep yours clean and sanitized by gently wiping the exterior surfaces with manufacturer-approved wipes. Check recommendations for your specific phone, but Apple recommends using 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipes, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipes or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to clean exterior surfaces of iPhones. Avoid bleach, hydrogen peroxide or abrasive materials that may damage your phone.

At-Home COVID-19 Test

This year’s list of travel must-haves includes an at-home COVID-19 test. If you become ill while traveling despite your careful planning and preparation, this will allow you to determine next steps and precautions. They’re widely available at grocery stores and drug stores, so keep one with you just in case. Peace of mind is an important part of any travel excursion.

For more information, check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like 2021 Travel Etiquette: Venturing Out For the First Time. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.