Tips - Travel Clean
Have you ever considered how many people have handled the remote control in your hotel room? Or the safety belt and tray table on your seat? Or how about how many fingers have tapped on the ATM buttons? We have! Following are some basic hygiene tips to reduce the risk of your travel plans being foiled by Bali Belly, Delhi Dunny or Covid Cough.
Face masks
I have yet to meet anyone who ENJOYS wearing a face mask, especially on a lengthy flight. But when you find yourself seated next to a person who’s coughing, sneezing and clearly unwell, all care about comfort will likely be replaced by a desperate search in your purse for something to use as a barrier.
Wet wipes
Long-haul travel or travel on hot days can leave you feeling both sweaty and smelly. Carry a small pack of wet wipes with you to freshen up the face, hands and body to help you arrive looking and feeling great. They’re also very handy if you’re on the run and happen to spill food or a beverage on your clothes.
Alcohol sanitizer
Keep a small spray bottle of alcohol hand sanitizer in your purse to sterilize your hands before eating or after touching money. When you board a plane, immediately spray the tray table, seatbelt, and arm rest, as well as the in-flight entertainment unit if it’s touch-screen.
Travel pillow
If you're particular about your pillow's firmness, smell and cleanliness, then consider buying a baby or toddler pillow to take with you when travelling. They're compact and the perfect size/ weight for travel, and you can rest assured that only your head has lain on it. If you pop the pillow inside of a drawstring stuff-sack, you can make them compact while keeping them clean. This also enables you to hang them from your carryon bag.
Remotes
Did you know that the TV remote is often the dirtiest item in a hotel room? This is because it’s seldom cleaned properly (if at all) and it’s handled my numerous people in the midst of doing ‘interesting’ things. Air conditioning remote controllers aren’t much better! Thankfully, most hotel bathrooms offer two disposable shower caps; the IDEAL covers!
S-Bends & Suction Hooks
S-bend and suction hooks are an absolute MUST when packing! Rather than putting face washers and toiletries on benchtops, use them to create hanging places in the shower and on the bathroom mirror. You can also them to hang my hat, keys and bag, so they remain conveniently placed and off the floor.
