How I survived wearing a mask and protecting myself while traveling

Honestly, I dreaded it and wearing it on hours-long flight was a big consideration why it took me long to decide if I should go for my long overdue work break.

What did I learn that can hopefully help you when you’re packed and ready to go? These tips are never substitutes to any medical advice so observe prudence on what to follow. Help yourself.

Don’t expect everyone to behave like you wearing a mask and observing social distance all the time.

At the airport on my first travel leg, I was horrified to see people behaving like everything was back to normal and the pandemic is a thing of distant past. Parents were allowing children to run around and play, yes, with masks on their chin and not on their noses and mouths. Friends and acquaintances were also chattering in disregard of people around them. For my own sanity, I went to the safest part which was almost futile when people started coming until there was no room. If you’ve been to the Juba airport you know what I mean. I stood up to avoid the crowd especially my busy-on-the-phone seatmate. Just lower your expectations at areas with less control and discipline then you’d be more vigilant how to keep yourself with the slimmest choices you’ve got.

Plan how to avoid going to the airport toilets or bring your antiseptic wipes if you cannot help it.

My friend Monique reminded me to avoid the airport and other public toilets with due respect to authorities keeping them clean and sanitized. Sensible advice. The unseen enemy is always wiser in showing up despite extensive efforts to keep it away. I limited myself from drinking water and even brought an adult diaper just in case it can become handy. Better to be over-prepared than sorry, right? The Nairobi airport was spic and span with enough signs reminding everyone to observe the measures. Thankfully, I made it to the toilet in the safety of my hotel in Rwanda where I was headed, seven hours later. Strength, drawn mentally, is awesome. That was a mean feat!

Preparing yourself mentally about your breathing restrictions while in a mask for hours absolutely helps.

This I did and practiced before I left. I stopped myself from all the worries and fears after I decided to go. I have ashtma and the trick of learning deep breathing while wearing helped me relax and feel the calm I know is necessary. But I also checked for countless times that my extra inhalers are within my reach if I need them. In a way this also brought many other pluses as I navigated through people and airport processes. That sense of calm acceptance for the new experience, putting terror in the dustbin, was marvelous!

Never allow the pandemic to steal your spirit of adventure and positivity.

I still see through kindness and care behind the mask of immigration officers, the flight crew, airport pick-up drivers, hotel workers, even the health workers doing the Covid-19 test. Never lose that opportunity and learn the art of wearing the mask to protect these people serving us and doing their work so we can do ours. Positive thoughts bring positive reactions! This pandemic will send us into debilitating paranoia only when we allow it. Of course it is easier than done but take the right cautious steps and you’ll be fine.

Last but not least, practice makes perfect!

I am not claiming I have perfected it. This is my first trip and I know there’s still so much to learn as I go along. If you have awesome tips surviving travel during this coronavirus pandemic time, share with us.