– Recommendations are independently selected by the editors of Reviewed. Purchases made through our links can earn us a commission.

The spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant, a highly transmissible strain of the coronavirus, has become another hurdle in the fight against the global pandemic. While the vaccine remains effective in preventing serious illness and hospitalization, mild symptoms caused by a “Breakthrough infection” can continue to occur in vaccinated people. What’s more vaccinated people the delta variant can still spread, which leads to even more Covid-19 cases.

The worldwide spread has led to a lot of uncertainty in travel. On the one hand, Switzerland and Qatar are starting to let in more travelers. Vaccinated Americans can resume their travel to Canada since yesterday. On the other hand, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now stop people from traveling to France, Israel, Thailand and other countries where COVID cases are increasing. All of this means that the future of international and domestic travel looks a bit bleak thanks to the Delta variant.

Looking for hard-to-find essentials? Sign up for our Resources from Reviewed Newsletter.

the CDC strongly recommends that right now people only travel when they need to, taking the right precautions. This includes masking, testing, and self-checking for symptoms of the coronavirus. If you have a trip on your schedule and want to take extra precautions, we’ve compiled a list of the most important things to have on hand during the trip to keep you safe and stop the spread.

1. Hand sanitizer

Travel size hand sanitizer has become an indispensable item in recent years. When buying sanitizer, make sure the formula contains at least 60% alcohol, as recommended by the CDC.

TSA currently allows a container for liquid hand sanitizer – up to 12 ounces per passenger – in hand luggage. Note that the agency warns that doing so can slow down your checkpoint screening process.

To ensure a guaranteed supply of hand sanitizer for your trip, we recommend that you bring this 12 ounce hand sanitizer with you as it may not be as readily available during your trip. Additionally, you want a travel-sized disinfectant that you can conveniently slip in your pocket or purse.

Get the 2-ounce Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel (12 Pack) on Amazon for $ 21.99

Get the 12-ounce Purell Naturals Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizer Bottle on Amazon for $ 15.99

2. A protective face mask

Masks are still federal obligation to carry on all public transport, including airplanes, so that you don’t want to forget your face mask for your trip. It also includes the latest guidelines from the CDC again recommends the use of masks for vaccinated people in high transmission areas, so you may want to bring a couple of face masks with you when you arrive at your destination.

Has rated many face masks tested and found the Athleta Non-Medical Face Masks to be the best overall choice with a comfortable yet protective design, with adjustable ear loops to relieve strain on the ear and a nosepiece for the best fit on your face. To the Masks for the children, our top picks are from Disney as they are comfortable to wear and have fun characters that can encourage your kids to actually wear the mask.

You may also want to invest in a couple of disposable masks to wear a double mask if you are unable to socially distance yourself.

Get the daily non-medical face masks (3-pack) at Athleta starting at $ 3.99

Get the Cloth Face Masks at Disney starting at $ 11.99

3. Disinfectant wipes

While we know that there is a risk of infection through contact with surfaces contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), is generally low, it can’t hurt to take disinfectant wipes with you on your trip. Use it to wipe seats, armrests and tray tables before you go on the flight.

There are enough of Disinfectant wipes registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), like those from Lysol or Clorox, which can be used to kill the SARS-CoV-2 along with other viruses like the flu. These are especially helpful there summer colds are coming back.

Get the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Value Pack (3-pack) on Amazon for $ 16.76

4. A face shield for added protection

Shira Doron, epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, says Reviewed that “many viruses infect by entering the mucous membranes,” which includes the eyes. “That’s why the combination of mask and eye protection is the best way to protect yourself [coronavirus]. “

For additional protection in airport terminals or during flights, you can wear a face mask with your mask. This shield with built-in glasses can be a more comfortable option than the typical face shield with an elastic headband. You can also apply Anti-fog spray on your shield to prevent steam from building up inside.

Get the Ceestyle Face Shield (pack of 6 glasses and 12 shields) from Amazon for $ 21.79

5. A face mask loop extender

If you have long flights, travel days, or wearing your masks indoors for hours, you should make sure that your face mask is completely comfortable to wear. Something that can relieve earache and give you the right fit on your mask is a loop extension, especially if you are using a disposable mask or a mask with no adjustable ear loops.

Dr. Gabriela Andujar Vazquez, Infectious Disease Doctor and Associate Hospital Epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center, recommends using an extension cord that attaches to the back of your head to keep your mask snug against your face.

Get the Mask Extender Strap Hook on Amazon (pack of 4) for $ 12.99

6. A smartphone disinfectant

It’s true – your cell phone is probably dirtier than a toilet seat. Above 10 times dirtier, to be exact. As a high-touch item, you may want to sanitize your phone after getting around it. To fight off bacteria like E.coli, phone sanitizers can be a quick and convenient way to keep your phone squeaky clean.

we tested three different phone disinfectants and found the popular PhoneSoap Smartphone Sanitizer that successfully kills most bacteria on a phone. However, we believe that a simple DIY disinfectant solution can kill bacteria too. So if you want to do without the fancy device, a 70% isopropyl and water solution will do it too.

Get the PhoneSoap 3 smartphone sanitizer and dual universal cell phone charger on Amazon for $ 69.44

Get the Swan 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (4 Pack) on Amazon for $ 19.99

7. A thermometer

A thermometer is a great way to monitor symptoms before, during, and after your trip as a fever can be a symptom of COVID-19 infection. Make sure to sanitize it with isopropyl alcohol between uses, especially if you share it with other family members. You can also always use a non-contact thermometer for a quick temperature reading.

Get the Goodbaby Adult Touchless Thermometer on Amazon for $ 16.99

Get the Femometer Oral Thermometer on Amazon for $ 6.99

The product experts at Rated have all of your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.

Prices were correct as of the time of this writing but are subject to change over time.