For the first time since the start of the pandemic we will be going to Europe. Aside from visiting family in Canada, this will be our first international trip since March 2020, and we are thrilled! Of course, there’s a little bit of stress due to the possibility of staying stuck abroad. Unlike many countries, the US still requires a negative antigen test to enter for all travelers, residents, and visitors alike, whether vaccinated or not. This isn’t the case in many places around the world, especially for fully vaccinated and boosted travelers. But to come back to the US it is. So, in this post I highlight some of the extra things we need to bring along on top of what we usually pack.
N-95 or KN-95 Masks
In many parts of the world mask mandates are still in place for traveling by plane, train, bus, and ride share. But even if we didn’t have to wear one on the plane, we would do so for boarding and deplaning because there isn’t any good ventilation during those times. We would also wear a mask at the airports and in crowded environments because they work and protect us from Covid-19 and other viruses. No one likes to be sick on vacation, but most importantly being able to come back home when planned is a key factor!
Self-tests for Covid-19
We pack extra Covid-19 antigen rapid tests to check our status in case we don’t feel well. You never know if these will be readily available at your destination like they are here in the US. We also plan to do a self-test before our official departure test (the e-med based tests are much more expensive). We even got some of these self-tests for free and some insurances also cover the cost. Being able to take a test and get quick results brings us peace of mind.
Telehealth Covid tests
Approved for pre-departure testing requirements for air travelers entering the US, these telehealth Covid tests are easy to use and reliable. They work like the self-tests but you take them under the supervision of an e-med professional through an app on your phone, tablet or computer. We find it much more convenient than having to find a testing site abroad or paying a premium for a test at the airport. However, telehealth tests may not be accepted for travel to all countries. Check the requirements for your destination first and read the fine print. These tests also have an expiry date, so don’t buy them too far in advance (we’ve received some that were expiring in 3 months’ time from when we got them).
Covid-19 vaccination card
Well, this is as essential as your passport nowadays because some countries are still only open to fully vaccinated travelers. While unvaccinated travelers can also travel to more and more countries with a negative PCR or antigen test, it’s a lot easier to simply show proof of vaccination for Covid-19. And in some places you might also need to show proof of vaccination to visit attractions or go to restaurants among other things. Thankfully, the restrictions seem to be easing in many places.
Covid test result
A must if required to present a negative Covid test for entry because without it you will not be going. Again, check the requirements carefully to avoid being denied entry.
Hand sanitizer
Make sure to pack plenty of hand sanitizer for your trip. I’m sure by now I don’t have to tell you why it’s useful but having your own is convenient. Antibacterial gel is readily available in many places, but this is not guaranteed. While in Montreal we saw it in every elevator and at the entrance to every establishment. More often than not if you find a bottle in Florida there’s a good chance that it’s empty! Nothing like pressing the pump that everyone has touched only to find that you’re worse off now that you were before!
Regardless, bringing your own lets you bring a preferred brand and have it conveniently available when you need it. At the onset of the pandemic, I remember not being able to buy any in Vietnam. Someone even tried to steal our little bottle we had hanging off our knapsack! Do keep in mind that if you are traveling somewhere remote it might not even be easily available for purchase.
Antibacterial wipes
Antibacterial wipes are easy to pack and great for wiping surfaces. We use them to wipe down our airplane seating area, wipe down the rental car and even clean the hotel room surfaces. They’re also convenient to wipe down and disinfect your table at a restaurant. Make sure to get the antibacterial ones.
For more travel tips in times of Covid check out our post: How to Minimize the Risks of Travel During the Pandemic
A few more things to consider
If all hell breaks loose and you test positive abroad, make sure to have sufficient funds to extend you stay, buy food, and find a new plane ticket or pay any change fees as needed. Be sure to have travel medical insurance that covers Covid and pandemics (as you can imagine, some don’t! Read the fine print!). Also bring what you need to work remotely (laptop, phone, documents) or to pass the time (tablet with TV-shows and movies, books, etc.). Pack extra clothes, laundry detergent, extra medications, toiletries, and whatever you may need just in case.
Conclusion
We look forward to our upcoming trip to France’s Loire Valley. Since the start of the pandemic we have had a few successful trips within the US and even to Canada. We use masks where appropriate and wash our hands frequently. We follow the rules and try to be a safe, staying out of crowded venues. Hopefully our trip to France will go as planned.
Check out our Packing Tips