Here's how to pack smart and travel safe in the covid-19 era

Since the outbreak of covid-19, the joy has gone out of travel. Fear and anxiety replaced it as plans were put on hold, the rules changed, and, with them, preferences. A report by Airbnb and YouGov on travel trends for 2021, released in February, revealed that Indian travellers are now looking for more meaningful, regenerative and sustainable travel experiences. Of the 1,000 respondents who took part in this virtual survey, 59% said health and safety topped their list.

Safety should indeed be paramount but that does not mean you cannot travel smartly and comfortably. Topping the list should be a good face mask and a proper alcohol-based hand sanitiser, among other things. But there are also gadgets and gear that can enhance your travel experience. Worried about how clean the surface of your phone is? Don’t worry, there’s a phone sanitiser that not only works as a disinfecting tool but doubles up as a universal charger.

Also read: Meeting family tops list of travel plans for the year

Prefer not to risk going to the movies at a new location? A portable mini projector and durable Bluetooth speaker will work just fine. Lounge takes a look at some gadgets and accessories you can take along on your next trip.

The XGIMI Halo has in-built Harman Kardon speakers. (Press handout)

XGIMI HALO MINI PROJECTOR: The Halo, with in-built Harman Kardon speakers, can turn any white wall into a screen. Its resolution of 1920x1080 pixels means you can see content in full HD with great audio. Available on Xgimi.com and Amazon.in; ₹90,500

This transparent head gear ensures high breathability. (Courtesy: Desmania Design)

AARMR MEDEX99: This transparent head gear comes with six filtered outlets, based on nano-technology, to not only protect you from pathogens but also ensure high breathability. Available on Aarmr.in; ₹1,499

The Valley backpack by Barner has a detachable laptop case and smaller compartments for accessories. (Courtesy: Barner)

VALLEY BACKPACK BY BARNER: This versatile backpack has a modular cube system to keep essentials in compartments. It also has a detachable laptop case and smaller compartments for accessories. Available on Kickstarter; prices vary

The Revolve+ II can accompany you anywhere and comes with up to 17 hours of play time. (Press handout)

BOSE SOUNDLINK REVOLVE+ II BLUETOOTH SPEAKER: Durable, water-resistant and with up to 17 hours of play time, the Revolve+ II can accompany you anywhere. It also has a built-in microphone to take calls and access your device’s default voice assistant. Available on Amazon.in; ₹23,994

PhoneSoap Pro, which uses UV light, can disinfect not just your smartphone but other items too.

PHONESOAP PRO: The PhoneSoap Pro, which uses UV light, can disinfect not just your smartphone but also items like keys, face masks and credit cards. It also doubles up as a universal charger. Available on Amazon.in; ₹8,999

MyPurmist 2 works like a plug-and-play device. (Courtesy: Nirvana Being)

MYPURMIST 2: This handheld steam inhaler comes with a HEPA air purifier. MyPurmist 2 works like a plug-and-play device, making it easy to use even when you are at home or in transit. Available on Nirvanabeing.com; ₹9,999

This sturdy, stainless steel scale has a weight capacity of 50kg.

GOTRIPPIN DIGITAL WEIGHING SCALE: This sturdy scale has a weight capacity of 50kg, with an auto-shut off system, a low-battery indicator and easy-to-read LCD display. You can even change the weighing units between pound, gram, ounce, kilogram. Available on Amazon.in; ₹1,200

Also read: Lessons from a year without travel