How To Stay Safer and Healthier While Traveling This Holiday Season

Clorox is collaborating with some of the most iconic travel brands to provide disinfecting products and best practices for cleaning and disinfecting so consumers can feel more confident when they leave home this holiday season.

Tony Adkins, PA-C — AKA the “Dancing Doctor” shares timely health and hygiene tips for you and your loved ones.

Whether traveling by car, plane or train, make sure to pack Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes₃ On the Go to disinfect hard, nonporous surfaces such as tray tables, arm rests and steering wheels.

Many of the surfaces we touch throughout the travel journey can be hot spots for germs, including car handles, handrails and airport security trays. Frequently wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Make sure your nose and mouth are covered at all times, especially on public transportation, including planes, buses, trains and ride shares. If you’re traveling with children and they’re resistant, pose questions like "What can we do to make the mask more comfortable?" or "Do you want to wash it with a soap you like?"

According to a recent survey from Clorox, 33% of Americans are concerned about getting sick or spreading illnesses while traveling.1 If you, your travel companion, or those at your destination are experiencing cold-like symptoms, modify your plans and stay home to prevent potential spread.

Before traveling, we tend to stay up late packing and prepping. A good night’s sleep can help keep your immune system in tip-top shape when exposed to pesky travel germs.

If you’re hoping to head out for the holidays, Expert Travel Correspondent Dayvee Sutton has a few gems of wisdom just for you.

Of the Americans who say they are uncomfortable with public transportation, such as airplanes, ride shares, or car rentals, over half (53%) say it’s because cleaning and disinfecting protocols are unclear, according to a recent survey from Clorox.² Book with travel companies that are committed to delivering industry-leading cleanliness and safety. You can also visit Clorox.com/public-spaces to learn about the travel companies that are partnering with Clorox.

Between stress, dehydration and lack of sleep, traveling can certainly take a toll on our bodies. Make sure you’re adding self-care essentials to your carry-on packing list, such as an eye mask, ear plugs, reusable water bottle and any vitamins or medications you may need throughout your journey.

If possible, aim to travel on off-peak days or times. Not only is it more affordable, but you’ll also avoid crowds and long lines at security. In my experience, traveling earlier in the day tends to result in more on-time flights and if your flight is canceled, it gives you enough wiggle room to take a flight later in the day.

Book with travel companies that have flexible cancellation policies to avoid change fees or losing your airline miles. That way you can quickly and easily adjust your plans if you’re not feeling well or a major illness is spiking at your destination.

Turn your phone into your favorite travel tool. Sign up to receive flight status updates, download travel partner apps and save any numbers you may possibly need from friends, family members, hotels, airlines, rental car agencies and credit card companies.

• Avoid placing bags on high-touch surfaces like countertops or kitchen tables.
• Clean and disinfect any hard-sided luggage or bags.
• If you feel unwell in the few days upon returning, stay home and contact your doctor.

• As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans missed traveling the most (51%), more so than dining indoors (50%), going to movie theaters (47%) and hugging family/friends (47%).¹
• Over half of Americans would give up their cell phone for a week (55%), forgo drinking coffee for a month (52%) and give up sweets for a year (55%) to be able to travel this holiday season.¹
• 76% of all Americans say it’s important to them to travel safely this season and 41% of Americans report their top concern is catching COVID-19 or another illness.¹
• 69% To stay safe this holiday travel season, most Americans plan to maintain good hand hygiene by washing their hands.¹
• 89% of Americans say having access to disinfecting wipes before entering travel accommodations would make them feel more confident traveling.¹ 
• 87% of Americans say knowing businesses have partnered with a leading cleaning and disinfection brand on public health safety protocols and seeing signs outlining cleaning and disinfection protocols and/or indicating cleaning and disinfection has taken place would make them feel more confident traveling.¹