A close up of a spray bottle

Do I Need Hand Sanitizer When Traveling

June 14, 2020

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Until recently, no one really understood the importance of using hand sanitizers. Unfortunately, it took us a worldwide pandemic as a rude awakening to learn that humans have been passing on germs from one person to another for decades. Of course, how are we to see such harmful yet invisible microorganisms with our naked eye? The solution to this problem is proper hand hygiene which includes frequently washing our hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer. Generally, it’s good to always carry a hand sanitizer in case soap and water aren’t available. So if you’re travelling, a hand sanitizer of two should always be at the top of your packing list! Keep reading to learn proper hand hygiene techniques and also hand sanitizers that could possibly save your life.

The importance of proper hand hygiene

It’s not an exaggeration that hand sanitizers can save lives. The recent COVID-19 pandemic showed us just how easily humans can pass on harmful germs from one person to another, with cases spreading like wildfire to the rest of the world and in no time.

Hand sanitizer and Pandemic

Importance of hand sanitizer when travelling

When you’re travelling, you will find yourself in new and unfamiliar places. Being on the go, there are some instances when a hand sanitizer would come in handy.

1. When you’re travelling, you will most likely be meeting new people, which means there will be a lot of handshakes. According to the American Journal of Infection Control, a handshake transfers almost twice as much bacteria when compared to a high five. And you never know, some of these bacteria might cause harm. Of course, it’s easier if everyone opts to high five instead of shaking hands. But in most cultures, the handshake remains a common practice. Therefore, to prevent the likelihood of passing on germs or other nasty stuff without offending people around you, carry a hand sanitizer! To prevent germs of spreading, sanitize your hands immediately after shaking someone else’s.

2. Travelling to different countries, you never know what your toilet situations might be especially when you’re on the go. Imagine you find yourself in a situation where there’s a toilet with nowhere to wash your hands and the nearest water supply miles away? This is where more than ever, you need a hand sanitizer to quickly disinfect your hands from harmful germs. Not only will you have a peace of mind that your hands are free of germs, but you will also feel better. Nevertheless, you should still wash your hands with soap and water at the nearest available chance as hand sanitizers do not get rid of other nasty things like dirt and grime.

These are just some examples of situations where you might need a hand sanitizer while travelling. Of course, there’s more than these two instances where you might need to sanitize your hands on the go. Therefore, it is important just to carry one around with you so that you are prepared for all types of dirty situations.

Best hand sanitizers for travelling

Ultimately, you would want an effective hand sanitizer that is also easy to carry around. Therefore, you should find something with 60% alcohol and above, as recommended by the WHO and CDC. Anything less than this recommended alcohol concentration might not be effective in cleaning your hands completely of germs, which means you still have the chance of causing harm to yourself or anyone around you.

A close up of a hand using sanitiser

gelFaAST 2GO

This hand sanitizer is perfect for travelling just by the way it is uniquely designed with a clip so you can simply clip it onto your bag. It won’t even take up any space! Moreover, it also contains 70% Ethyl alcohol, which is more than the recommended concentration for effectiveness. This hand sanitizer is made in accordance with FDA, TGA, and Health Canada guidelines.

Herbal Glo

This hand sanitizer is also good for on the go use as it comes in a convenient spray bottle. While it is made up of herbal ingredients, it contains a powerful 80% alcohol and even has Vitamin E. If you do not enjoy the pungent smell of usual hand sanitizers, then you will enjoy its Herbal Glo’s fresh lemongrass scent.

No matter where you are travelling to, whether it’s a rural or developed country, carrying a hand sanitizer is essential. In fact, it could possibly save your life. If you haven’t been practising proper hand hygiene, you should start now! Keeping your hands can possibly prevent yourself and others around you from getting ill from harmful germs.

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