If you are eager to travel this summer, but you are concerned about the impact coronavirus may have on your plans, you may need to look a little more local rather than global. While you might have dreams of trekking the Inca Trail, backpacking around Goa or doing a spot of temple hopping in China, the impact of Covid-19 will have put a halt to these grand plans. Instead, you can consider more national travel options. There may be some hidden gems in your vicinity that you have never explored. Now is the perfect time to do just that. Shun the international travel and go for a road trip style summer vacation this year. Take a look at the essentials you should have in your backpack when traveling.

Sunglasses

The heat is well and truly on. Annually, temperatures are increasing, and things are no different this year. Travelers are seeing their use of sunscreen increase and the need for sunglasses becoming paramount. If you don’t have a pair of shades in your backpack, head to Eyeglasses.com and get yourself some achingly cool cat eye shaped sunnies to give you the all important UV protection you need while looking on trend with a retro style. Alternatively, you might prefer the John Lennon-esque look or a more timeless classic tortoiseshell style. Opt for a look that helps exude your personality and flexes your fashion credential muscles.

Safety Measures

Travel is markedly different from last year. Now, our first thoughts go to social distancing and protecting ourselves and our loved ones from Covid-19. While you are traveling, you need to remain as vigilant as ever. Ensure that you have hand sanitizer, a face covering and water in your backpack at all times. If you have to enter a busy shopping mall or you want to take a foray to a beach but it’s looking crowded, a mask can give you some much-needed protection. Hand sanitizer is always useful if you touch surfaces, but this is no substitute for hygiene focused hand washing.

Smartphone

Even if you are yearning to get off the beaten track this summer, you need to remain in contact with your nearest and dearest should the worst occur. In these uncertain times, you never know when you might need medical attention, whether this is coronavirus related or not. This doesn’t mean that you should be spending your days scrolling through Facebook when you have incredible vistas to see. You can still keep your head out of your phone while on your vacation. However, if you need help for whatever reason, it’s useful to have your smartphone in your backpack to make an emergency call.

Travelling in the age of a pandemic is new for every wanderlust addict. While you may have to adapt your plans and change your itinerary, you don’t have to shun travel altogether. Stay local, enjoy a road trip or two, and save some money as we all embark on travel in a new era of tourism.