Planning a spring break getaway? Consider bringing these basic safety essentials
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March and April are prime months for spring break getaways to close out the long winter and welcome in the new season. That said, like with any trip, you’ll have to contend with the risk of returning home sicker than when you left. Don’t let this discourage you from having fun though; let it be motivation to be more cautious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a list of tips to help you stay safe for spring break. Here’s a list of products to keep you healthy throughout your trip.
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1. Hand sanitizer
One way you can get sick is by touching surfaces coated with germs and then bringing your germ-ridden hand to your eyes, nose or mouth. To combat this, we recommend washing your hands often. The CDC recommends thoroughly washing your hands with soap and warm water. However, when this isn't possible, using hand sanitizer that's comprised of at least 60% alcohol is a viable alternative. These travel-sized bottles from Purell are perfect for packing in a bag and are 63% alcohol by volume.
2. Disinfectant wipes
Another way to combat the spread of germs responsible for illness is by making sure certain surfaces are rid of germs. Using disinfectant wipes is a convenient way to make sure the surfaces you touch will be clean. Just wipe high-traffic surfaces (such as doorknobs and light switches) with disinfectant wipes before touching them. If you don't want to touch a surface at all until it's disinfected, you can opt for a disinfectant spray instead.
3. K95 and N95 masks
When it comes to keeping yourself from airborne diseases, KN95 and N95 masks remain your best bet. Their effectiveness is in their name—the "95" refers to the fact that they are designed to filter up to 95% of the particles responsible for airborne illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza. Many storefronts sell masks, so much so that spotting fake ones can be difficult. Fortunately, these sellers offer legitimate ones.
4. Sunscreen
The CDC recommends taking precautions to protect yourself from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays during your trip, as prolonged exposure can put you at risk of sunburn, sun damage, premature aging and skin cancer. One of the ways you can block UV rays is by applying a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher every two hours. Some opt for mineral sunscreens over chemical ones due to health and environmental concerns. We've tested several mineral sunscreens and found the best to be Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50 Sunscreen. With an SPF of 50, it blocks 98% of UV rays. Beyond that, it has a subtle, pleasant smell and doesn't leave a white cast, unlike many other sunscreens.
5. A water bottle
Making sure you're adequately hydrated is a vital component in staying healthy. Hydration can regulate body temperature, deliver nutrients to cells and fight off infection, among other benefits. While you can buy disposable water bottles at your destination, we recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, which will help save the Earth and your wallet. Our favorite water bottle is the Brita BB11 Premium Filtering Water Bottle. It's easy to open one-handed, it filters odors and its insulation keeps water cool for up to 24 hours. Just make sure your water bottle is empty when you’re going through TSA.
6. A Lifestraw
If you’re even a bit interested in travel, you’ve likely heard horror stories about drinking local water. To give yourself peace of mind (and peace of stomach) during your spring break trip, we recommend using LifeStraw to filter your water. It’s a straw-shaped filter that protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, dirt and sand, meaning you’ll be able to sip with confidence wherever you go in the world.
7. Bug repellant
We don't mean to alarm you, but those insects you may-or-may-not already be afraid of can carry nasty diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika virus and Lyme disease. Fortunately for you, there's a way to keep them at bay. A quality insect-repellant will give you much-needed peace of mind during your next trip. Repellants using DEET are widely popular and effective. OFF is just one brand that makes use of this chemical compound to ward off bugs. If you're looking for something more natural, as some people have concerns over the safety of DEET in regards to the environment, eucalyptus oil makes for a good, Environmental Protection Agency-approved (EPA) insect repellant.
8. A first aid kit
A first-aid kit is a veritable magician's hat when it comes to safety, fitting everything you may need in a conveniently small space. The antiseptic and bandages that are standard in first aid kits are lifesavers when it comes to fighting nasty infections. Plus, you can add your own antibiotics and medications to the kit as necessary. The best first aid kit on the market is the Protect Life 100-Piece First Aid Kit, which is lightweight and contains all the first aid materials you could need. However, you may want to pack your own bandages in, as the ones provided are just "okay."
9. A thermometer
While it's well and good to try and prevent sickness, you shouldn't grow complacent, thinking that your precautions mean you're immune to it. It's as the saying goes: the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. So, if you start feeling under the weather, it's best to see where you stand by checking your temperature. Many sicknesses can cause a fever, which is defined by the CDC as having a temperature of 100.4 °F or higher. The best thermometer you can buy is the Femometer thermometer. It gives accurate results quickly, has a silent mode and conveniently warns of high temperatures.
10. Tissues
If the worst should come to pass and you do find yourself sick during your trip, you'll need to be diligent to curb the sickness spreading. You'll want to make use of masks and disinfectants to contain your germs, while also expelling your infected fluids into a tissue instead of the surrounding air. The best ones you can buy are Puffs Ultra Soft. As the name implies, this tissue is extremely soft. Fortunately, Puffs don’t trade softness for durability, as these tissues are strong and lasting even with their luxurious feel.
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Spring break 2023: Safety essentials to bring
