Travel is slowly opening up for Malaysians. The government have given few privileges like traveling within the country for people vaccinated against Covid-19.
However, traveling isn’t the same as before. Even if you are vaccinated, you still need to take precautions when traveling. Everyone must still wear a mask, maintain social distances and follow standard operating procedures.
It’s harder to catch COVID-19 from surfaces, so staying away from people is a necessity. Packing a travel safety kit with items like hand sanitizer, spare masks, storage bags and disinfectant wipes are important weather you plan on taking a flight or driving to your destination.
Below are essential things to pack when going for a holiday
Disinfecting Wipes or Sprays
After a day of exploring and sightseeing, it’s a good idea to wipe down any valuables like phones, cameras, keys and wallet – any personal items you might have touched throughout the day without clean hands.
They’re also a handy way to decontaminate surfaces like light switches, door handles and seat-handles on airplanes.
A Contactless Credit Card
Contactless credit cards have been considered a safer way to prevent infection. No more swiping through the same machine that everyone else has touched or having to hand your card to another person. Credit-cards are increasingly being designed with “tap-to-pay,” which means your card is equipped with a technology called near-field communication. Just hold your card (or mobile wallet-enabled device, like a phone or smartwatch) close to the card reader to complete your transaction.
Cold & Flu Medications
A great thing to pack even in pre-Covid times, cold and flu medication for pain and fever is essential. Whether you need it for a headache, toothache or the onset of flu, it is always a good thing to have this on-hand. Add some medication for tummy upsets and sunburn into your travel bag too. It is good to go prepared if you or a family member begins to feel ill. Add some immune-boosting vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, D or zinc to your travel case as well. If you get sick, the medication will help your immunity and shorten the duration and severity of any colds or flu.
Thermometer
Fever is a common symptom of coronavirus and other illnesses, so it’s a good idea to pack a thermometer on your post-lockdown trip to keep an eye on your temperature. If you’re feeling warm, you’ll quickly be able to tell if you’re just overheated from activities or if you’re running a fever.
Keep A Printed Copy of The Digital Vaccination Certificates
In many cases, for now, showing the digital certificate documenting your COVID-19 vaccination record is essential for traveling. Just in case your MySejahtera application cannot be viewed, please bring along a printed copy of your vaccination record.
Reusable Cutlery, Straws & Flasks
You may prefer to use your own cutlery or straws for eating and drinking instead of the plastic ones in cafes and restaurants. Although most food-outlets have pretty stringent hygiene measures in place, some use communal cutlery which you might not be comfortable with. Reusable products are of course always a positive tick when it comes to more sustainable travel choices.
Face Covering & Masks
Carry a few extra N-95 masks just in case. Along with masks, carry a few pairs of gloves if you’re travelling alone or with a family. In addition to these, you could also pack face shields depending on the level of protection you desire.
Disposable Gloves
When it isn’t convenient to wipe down things (like door handles or faucets), it’s prudent to wear disposable gloves. Pack a sufficient quantity, make sure your hands are clean before putting the gloves on, and be careful about taking them off and disposing of them. Avoid touching your face with the gloves.
Zip-Lock Bags For Face Mask
Throw a few extra zip-lock bags into your suitcase to help keep tabs on ‘used’ face masks. These come in handy if you’re bringing reusable masks; you’ll have somewhere to keep them before you clean them, rather than throwing them in your suitcase with your personal items.
Hand Sanitiser
Frequent handwashing is another pillar of COVID-19 prevention. Having bottles of hand sanitizer or a supply of wipes is important for those instances when soap and water aren’t available.
