Whether or not you live in California, you’re probably aware that there is an international travel ban for US citizens for an unknown amount of time, due to the Global Level 4 announcement from the state. International flights are being cancelled and a “shelter in place” rule has been issued for many. But what about those of you who still need to travel domestically for emergencies or work?

If you are someone who doesn’t have the ability to work from home, have to travel, and/or need to visit family out of the state, there hasn’t been much information for you.

This is why I’ve composed a list of tips for staying healthy if you must travel. These tips are based on the CDC guidelines.

Tips:

• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose.

• Wash your hands as frequently as possible for at least 20 seconds with soap and rinse with warm water. Take advantage of washing your hands before getting on the flight and when you get off the flight.

• If you can’t wash your hands then use hand sanitizer with an alcohol based sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol when you are unable to wash your hands and your hands aren’t visibly dirty. Cover all the surfaces of your hands and rub together until dry.

• Practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet away from people and avoid places where there will be close contract with more than 9 people. I understand that this can be difficult within an airport. Try things like sitting on the floor instead of next to someone in the waiting area. Use the protective measures mentioned in later steps for added safety (keep reading).

• Wear nitrile gloves to avoid coming in contact with contaminated surfaces.You can carry a few pairs in a sandwich bag instead of carrying the whole box with you.

• Sanitize all surfaces you come in contact with. For example (plane seats, terminal waiting area seats, communal work surfaces, laptops, tablets, cell phones, headphones, and suit case handles.

• Where a mask if you are sick to avoid the spread of germs . You may also feel better wearing a mask in settings where you can’t practice social distancing. This is fine, but please be mindful to only buy what you NEED. Save masks for nurses, and other first responders that need them.

• Carry a small 3oz or smaller can of air disinfectant spray to spray the air around you on the plane and to sanitize larger surfaces that you come in contact with during your travel. If it is not conducive to travel with an aerosol spray like Lysol, consider making your own using essential oils. I recommend Tea Tree Oil and Lavender. Place the oils in your bag along with a spray bottle. Once you’ve passed airport security, put a few drops of the oils in the spray bottle and then fill it with water from the bathroom. Now you have your own disinfectant spray.

• You may also ingest essential oils as a way of boosting your immune system when you’re in a space that you can’t practice social distancing.

• Use essential oils to relax and ease anxiety one you reach your hotel. Try a drop of Peppermint oil in your shower. You can also rub oils on your skin to ease tension and relax. Don’t forget, to spray you essential oil disinfectant around your hotel room as an added safety precaution.

• Keep your immune system high by eating fruits and vegetables. Lemons and honey are particularly good for boosting your immune system.

• Exercise whenever possible to help boost your immune system.

• Wear a hoodie on the plane. This is an extra layer of precaution that you can apply to be extra safe. Once you are off the plane and/or away for the heavily populated area, remove the hoodie and place it in a separate bag away from your clean clothes. Wash the hoodie and the rest of your travel clothing before wearing them again. It’s always best to travel with fresh, uncontaminated clothing if you have the ability to wash your clothes.

• Check this website before traveling for the most up to date travel information

If you are someone who has had to travel during the COVID-19 crisis, please comment below with additional information and tips. Let’s work together to keep each other safe!