As travel restrictions are lifting in cities and countries around the world, even those who feel comfortable traveling have had to make smart adjustments to their travel routines in order to mitigate risks and limit exposure to COVID-19. Part of this new mindset includes remembering to pack essential health and safety items, such as masks, thermometers, alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer.
While Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends staying home as the best way to protect against contracting and spreading COVID-19, the items below can serve as excellent gifts that foster a safer journey.
Protective Wear
Wearing a mask is one of the main things that CDC recommends to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Plus, face coverings are mandatory or strongly recommended in most destinations.
Sites such as Etsy — an online marketplace for independent creators — make it easy to find masks with a wide range of materials, patterns and themes. Advisors might be able to match gifts with their own business’ branding or find a mask that matches their clients’ specific tastes.
Cotton is one of the more comfortable materials for masks, but they can get hot. Therefore, cotton masks are probably better suited for clients traveling to cooler destinations or embarking on shorter activities such as a museum visit or dining out.
From Etsy shop lamarieegiftsNY, cotton masks are available in different colors and sizes, and they can be personalized.
Clients missing escapades around the world might love travel-themed masks sold by Etsy shop Suepurdueshop, which are available in a nautical or postcard pattern. Plus, there’s an option for a nose wire to be sewn inside the mask for a tighter fit.
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The trendiest of clients may appreciate silk masks. Dyed by hand with unique patterns, Etsy shop ChrissyWaiChing’s masks have options of several colors and sizes. They’re an ideal choice for clients prioritizing style when being pampered at a spa or lounging at a boutique hotel.
The brand Jaanuu makes antimicrobial masks designed to be breathable with moisture-wicking technology — perfect for adventure travelers, campers and beachgoers. Choose from either cotton or mesh materials and adult or kid sizes. What’s more, Jaanuu donates masks to organizations including LA Family Housing and the Union Rescue Mission.
Note
Note: Review CDC guidelines for tips on how to properly care for cloth face coverings, which can be then shared with clients.
Health
A fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit is one of the main symptoms of COVID-19. No-touch thermometers are most likely what clients will encounter if they get checked before a flight or prior to entering other establishments while traveling. This one from iProven may be a good one for clients to pack: It offers fast and reliable readings and is good for households with kids.
Now more than ever, it’s important to keep immune systems strong. These immunity boosting capsules from The Nue Co can be a great gift for clients ahead of a long trip. They consist of 100% Vitamin C and include Turkey Tail Mushroom, a remedy used in traditional Chinese medicine to help support and strengthen the immune system.
Sanitizing and Cleaning
Green Goo makes plant-based sanitizers that come in a TSA-approved size and are compliant with both the World Health Organization and the Food and Drug Administration. Plus, a portion of hand sanitizer sales go to one local and one national or international charity each month throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
To accompany client’s pocket-sized sanitizers, treat them with these adorably themed hand sanitizer holders. There’s a Micky Mouse-themed pattern for Disney fanatics, pineapples for tropical paradise lovers and an American Flag-themed version for clients road-tripping around the U.S. this summer. They are only $3 each and can be a great gift for a family with plans to travel in the next few weeks.
Help clients clean their reusable masks with these Tide travel-sized laundry detergent packs. They’re convenient to pack and can be used in a hotel room sink to wash a few items at a time.
Accessories
For clients who may not have a neck pillow, this travel-themed pillow from Macy’s has a London, Paris and New York-themed pattern. It can provide comfort on the plane and help clients avoid putting their entire head back on the seat and to hopefully help them feel more comfortable when sleeping on the plane.
A cellphone is perhaps one of the most-touched devices clients will use when traveling, and this screen cleaner from Green Oak can help clean off fingerprints and, most importantly, bacteria. It’s nontoxic, odorless and 100% biodegradable, and can be used on phones, tablets, laptops and televisions.