The 2020 Travel Essentials We All Need Right Now

1. Monos CleanPod UVC Sterilizer —

   Sure, you can wash your hands, but your phone or passport? Not as simple. This is where the CleanPod UVC Sterilizer ($122) comes into play: A handheld device that emits a high–energy beam of ultraviolet C (UVC) light and effectively sanitizes surfaces, without the use of water or chemicals.

2. Soak Laundry Soap Fig —

   This travel–sized, eco–friendly detergent ($10, Well.ca) makes washing up while on the go easier than ever. It’s hypoallergenic, uses plant–derived ingredients and is available in a variety of scents. Need to wash your reusable masks with no washer or dryer in sight? Simply soak them in a sink with some of the low–suds detergent, rinse and hang to dry.

3. Skwiik Hand–Sanity Waterless Cleanser —

   Calgary–based Skwiik, a female refugee–owned business, makes a waterless cleanser ($12) with 99 percent isopropyl alcohol, as well as natural ingredients like aloe, tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil – meaning that it’s strong enough to clean your hands and other surfaces, but is gentle on your skin.

4. Larq Self–Cleaning Water Bottle —

   This 500–ml water bottle’s ($125, Indigo) double–insulated exterior keeps your water cold for 24 hours (or hot for 12). Not sure where your water is coming from? The bottle is equipped with a UVC LED light and neutralizes up to 99.9999 percent of harmful, odour–causing germs that can be found in water.

5. L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream —

   With 20 percent organic shea butter, this bestselling hand cream ($12) moisturizes after you’ve been washing your hands a little too much. Although it says “hand cream,” use this product wherever you get dry – your skin will thank you.

6. Parkland Snack Bags —

   Pack your own snacks – and ditch single–use plastics – with these patterned bags ($20, Well.ca). When you’re finished with them, simply throw them in the dishwasher and they’ll be ready for a refill.

7. Touché Tool™ Contactless Keychain Tool —

   Avoid high–touch surfaces with this all–in–one keychain attachment ($15, Amazon). Made to be an eco–friendly alternative to disposable gloves, the Canadian–designed tool can be used to open doors, press elevator buttons and use touchscreens, ATM machines and other shared surfaces without coming into contact with them with your hands.

8. TYLT Pebble Wireless Charger and 4000mAh Power Bank —

   How many times has your phone died right when you need it most? This portable charger ($35, The Source) is a stylish and sleek solution to that problem, providing up to two whole charges via a traditional USB port for any kind of phone.
    
    

How do you mask?

With mandatory mask policies in place in airports, restaurants and other indoor spaces, you’ll be prepared with one of these masks, no matter your style.

• For the statement maker —

  Stand out from the crowd with face masks featuring designs from Society6’s community of independent artists ($14, Society6). They’re also machine–washable, pleated to fit your face and feature an inner pocket for disposable filters.

• For the minimalist —

  Caraa’s got you covered with its pack of 5 Universal masks ($25), available in one colour or different colours within the same shade range. They’re breathable, machine–washable and feature adjustable ear loops as well as an embedded nose wire. Add another layer of protection with the P99 mask filters ($25).

• For the athlete —

  Designed to be worn all day, Under Armour’s Sportsmask ($30) is water resistant, made with high performance materials and even has an antimicrobial treatment on the inside layer to help keep it fresh. All this in addition to being breathable, cooling and providing a snug fit even while running.