Traveling is hectic on a good day with delays, accidents, late travelers, or mechanical issues. In this “temporary” new normal, those good days are compounded by social distancing (or not), constant sanitizing, and paranoia that Covid19 may catch a ride with you. Talk about stressful!
Here are five ways to reduce the stress of travel during COVID: Age of Omicron (Someone caught the Marvel reference there, right?)
Being immuno-compromised, it’s vitally important to use precautions for my precautions when going out for everyday reasons. Multiply those times 100 when traveling. What’s top of mind? 1) Protection 2) Protection and 3) Did I pack right? It seems a bit much, but humor me for a spell.
Packing a bag for Number 3 is easier when using the process of elimination. Lay out everything to take, take away what won’t bother me to leave, then pack what I can’t leave without. Packing this way makes for a lighter bag and more space for aqua vitae.
With packing done, think of Number 2 as the mandatory protection stuff – the masks and the face shields. I carry sanitizing wipes every day, so for me, it’s a staple. Also in #2, is an extra set of clothes in a carry-on bag. Yea, it adds to your load, but it’s worth it. Traveling in the military and with family taught me to always carry a backup unless you’re traveling nonstop. Before side-eyeing me, consider this:
What will happen if you’re flying and your main bag does not make it to your destination (say, from the airport to the cruise ship)? Will you have the extra cash needed to purchase new clothes and/or a new suitcase? According to Business Insider, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a month to locate your bag…even longer to reimburse you if it’s not located. A day of clothing (top, bottom, and undies) in a carry-on will give you time to figure things out and purchase as needed.
Number 1 is the most exhausting and most rewarding when traveling in the Age of Omicron and it all depends on your perspective. So, here goes. Be sure to carry plenty aromatherapy travel sanitizers. My family typically travels 7-10 people deep, so I make roughly fifteen 1/2oz hand sanitizer sprays – one for each person and about three extras on me. It’s portable, ridiculously effective…and calming.
Last but not least, travel with patience. The mode of transportation is irrelevant; all of it requires a degree of patience different from just waiting in line at the bank. Everyone is trying to get somewhere, so patience for folks you don’t know goes a long way. The hope is that it’s contagious and reciprocated.
As easy as these five tips seem here, they are often missed in real life. Some travel scenarios are pure mayhem, so taking stock of your situation, then applying #1 will hopefully bring a sense of ease and reduce stress. Safe travels to you!
Kim Cross
Kim Cross is the owner and Happy Skin Formulator at Zhi Bath & Body, a natural skincare shop based in Charlotte, NC. Zhi Bath and Body is a small, veteran-owned natural skincare business.
She has been in the beauty industry for the last 30 years; working both as a stylist and skincare formulator. Having dealt with severe psoriasis for over 20 years, she knows the hardship of finding products that are gentle, good for the skin, and smell amazing. 16 years of research and formulating has resulted in a goat milk skincare and soy candle line that is simply amazing. Helping you love you…naturally.
