It is important to maintain hygiene while travelling in Ontario. A small hygiene can make a big difference in keeping you healthy and stops getting you sick. You know how Monica from F.R.I.E.N.D.S was? We all turn to her when we think about the chances of getting affected by the virus.
Like her, I also have my own personal hygiene products with me during my travels. And so should you. You don’t want to be using someone else’s products like brushes, soaps, and roll-ons as they can cause infections and many other diseases or have bad breath while speaking. Hence, I will talk about some basic hygiene products you should have if you’re living with someone else or love to travel like me.
1. Toothbrush and Toothpaste
The first and the most important is a toothbrush. This can be packed first in your bag if you’re going out for a night stay at your friend’s house. And, of course, you don’t wanna use someone else’s toothbrush. I mean, how disgusting it can be, right? Brushing teeth at least twice daily is necessary to maintain oral hygiene to control cavities and prevent bad breaths. Colgate toothpaste is suitable for patients who need to relieve discomfort and improve breathing, like me, and if you have sensitive teeth and need to whiten them, you can use Sensodyne.
The Canada Hustle team talked to Guido Graf, Founder of PrivateUpgrades, about essential hygiene tips for travel in Ontario. Here is what he said:
“When I travel in Ontario, maintaining personal hygiene is a top priority for a healthy and enjoyable journey. I always make sure to carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and wash my hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
This simple practice is crucial for keeping germs at bay. I also pay special attention to cleanliness in my accommodations. I use disinfecting wipes on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and remote controls as soon as I check into my hotel room.
When traveling, I make it a habit to wipe down surfaces in airplanes and rental cars to minimize my exposure to germs.
For personal care, I pack strategically to ensure I have everything I need to stay fresh. My travel pack always includes a quick-dry towel, moisture-wicking clothing, and a well-stocked travel hygiene kit.
This kit contains essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and face wipes, which are invaluable for long travel days. I also bring along disposable mini-toothbrushes or mouth-cleaning mints to keep my breath fresh throughout my journey.
These steps have consistently enhanced my travel experiences in Ontario, ensuring that I stay healthy and comfortable throughout my travels.”
2. Mouthwash
I always like to keep my mouth fresh when I travel. Assume you’re on a bus or a train, and you have to ask someone for the direction. As soon as you begin to speak, the person pinches their nose. How uncomfortable it could be! To ensure that you can talk to others without hesitation, buy Listerine mouthwash, which can also cure bad breaths and make your teeth better and the enamel on the teeth more substantial and better.
3. Soaps and Body Wash
I always keep one soap and one body wash with me when I go for long-distance travel. The soap is for after I get home and wash my hands and after petting the animals. The body wash is for bathing since, during most of my adventures, I wear loose clothing, and little germs can make contact with my body. Soaps have antibacterial properties. So, make sure to add some antibacterial body soap to your personal hygiene list and give yourself a good scrub to remove germs from the body.
4. Deodorant
The body produces an unpleasant odour after a long day, so buying a deodorant that will keep you fresh throughout the day is important. In the summer, the heat can go up to 40ºC with humidity. Therefore, I always carry a roll of deodorant for the summer. It helps me to reduce my armpit’s odour and helps me gain confidence while going out with my friends. Nivea and Dove’s deodorants are both known to keep the body fresh and odourless for almost 24 hours, keep the skin dry, and prevent the skin from sweating.
We interviewed Sara Chana Silverstein, Master Herbalist, Classical Homeopath, and Lactation Consultant, on maintaining personal hygiene while traveling in Ontario. Here is an excerpt from the interview:
“Ah, Ontario—the land of stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and, if you’re not careful, a bout of travel-induced grubbiness!
Traveling while staying fresh can indeed be a bit of a balancing act, particularly with current health concerns peppering our every decision.
Here’s my take: whether you’re canoeing across Algonquin or navigating the urban sprawl of Toronto, keeping a few natural, versatile products close by is key.
I’m a big fan of multi-use items that don’t add much weight but pack a mighty punch. Think witch hazel or tea tree oil—fabulous for everything from a facial cleanser to a hand sanitizer.
Just be sure to bring small bottles of carrier oils like coconut or almond oil with you! Witch hazel wipes are fantastic for a quick refresh, while a small bottle of tea tree oil can be a lifesaver for its antiseptic properties.
And of course, let’s not forget about hydration—internally and externally. Drinking plenty of water is a given, but a good herbal hydration mist can be a midday miracle for your skin, especially after long flights or road trips.
It’s like giving your face a drink of water! Add a few drops of witch hazel to a spray bottle with clean water and you’re good to go.
For a journey through Ontario’s ever-changing climates, layering is your friend. Opt for clothing made of natural fibers like cotton or bamboo that breathe well and adjust to body temperatures.
I hope these tips help you paint a vivid picture of hassle-free hygiene on the go. Let’s keep our adventures as clean and joyful as the pristine Canadian wilderness!”
5. Moisturizer
It is necessary to have a moisturizer to prevent dry skin. Moisturizers shield the body oil from fleeting the body and reduce the chances of getting issues related to the skin, including skin rashes, acne, etc. My personal favourite is Cetaphil moisturizers. They are made to deal with different skin concerns and are recommended for sensitive skin. I have been using this moisturizer for more than a year now, during winters in Canada and I genuinely like it as I have very sensitive skin, and not all products suit me. For skin dryness and irritation, I use Cera Ve moisturizers. Neutrogena moisturizers are available depending on skin requirements, such as dry skin, oily skin, and sensitive skin.
6. Sunscreen
If you’re looking to explore the cities of Canada, then you will need a sunscreen stick or lotion. It helps protect our skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. I always keep a small sunscreen tube in my bag when I travel because I have very sensitive skin, and regardless of the SPF, the protection usually wears off after a few hours. So it is necessary to take it to prevent skin burn or hyperpigmentation.
7. Menstrual Products
Menstrual products/ Period products are necessary for all women and girls including high school students and college students. Keeping a stock of comfortable feminine hygiene products is necessary so that they don’t face any discomfort while travelling. Tampax tampons come with an applicator and anti-slip grip, allowing easy insertion. Tampax can absorb heavy menstrual fluids and can be functional for 12 hours. For someone who prefers menstrual pads over tampons, Poise and Always Pads are some of the best out there and are readily available on the market.
8. Shampoo and Conditioner
Lastly, I love to keep my own shampoo and conditioner. Not every hair is the same, and not every shampoo suits my hair, nor do I like to use someone else’s shampoo. Hair regularly reduces dandruff and dirt that can produce acne if it touches the skin. It promotes healthy hair growth, moisturizes the scalp and hair, and removes the odour produced by sweat. Shampoo cleans the dirt, sweat, and oil for the scalp and hair, while conditioner revives moisture, giving smooth, shiny, and non-frizzy hair.
Dove shampoo and conditioners are formulated to prevent hair fall and are one of the best products for thin and fragile hair types. Both the products work great on dandruff and are of reasonable price.
Bricks Coggin, CEO of ABCs Puppy Zs, shared his hygiene tips for travel in Ontario. Here is what he had to say:
“I frequently travel across Ontario for both business and pleasure. Through these experiences, I’ve honed a set of practices that ensure my trips are not only enjoyable but also hygienic, particularly important in today’s health-conscious environment.
Effective Hygiene Practices for Traveling in Ontario
When traveling in Ontario, maintaining personal hygiene starts with preparation. I always pack a travel hygiene kit that includes hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, face masks, and a small bottle of liquid soap which is essential whether you’re staying in a hotel or camping in the wilderness.
Daily Routines
- Frequent Hand Washing: This is crucial. I make it a point to wash my hands thoroughly before and after meals, after using the restroom, and after touching surfaces in public areas. If soap and water are not readily available, I use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Disinfecting Surfaces: In hotels or public transportation, I use disinfecting wipes on surfaces such as doorknobs, remote controls, and light switches. This practice is beneficial in minimizing the risk of contact with pathogens.
- Mask-Wearing: In crowded settings or indoor spaces with poor ventilation, wearing a mask provides an additional layer of protection against airborne particles.
Products I Recommend
- Portable UV Sanitizer: These handy devices are great for sterilizing small objects like cell phones and keys and can be used on the go.
- Personal Water Filter: Especially for outdoor adventurers, a personal water filter ensures access to clean water, critical for staying hydrated and healthy without the risk of waterborne diseases.
Specific Strategies
- Choose Accommodations Wisely: Opt for stays that emphasize cleanliness and have clear hygiene standards. Many places now advertise their health and safety protocols, which can provide reassurance.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local health advisories and public health guidelines. Ontario has resources like Ontario.ca, which provides current information that can be crucial for safe travel within the province.
Personal Story: On a recent trip to the Muskoka region, I used my portable UV sanitizer regularly to clean my devices after visiting public places like markets and parks. This small habit gave me peace of mind, allowing me to enjoy the scenic beauty without health worries.”
Why You Should Have Your Personal Hygiene Products?
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper hygiene. However, it is more important to maintain your own hygiene products to stay healthy. Like me, if you’re a student in Ontario or if you’re working away from your homeland, then maintaining personal hygiene is often quite difficult. However, it is important to maintain personal hygiene. And if you are you are travelling, you must have your hygiene kit ready with you.
So, make sure to always have these products with you and do not use someone else’s as they may cause infection and other diseases.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on May 13, 2024 by Saket
