How to Take Care of your Feet While Traveling

Are you planning a winter getaway this year? There’s nothing like taking a well-deserved vacation to get away from it all, even if it’s for a long weekend. If you are going to be spending an extended amount of time on the road, in the air or on a train, you may have to count this part of your trip as the most challenging part of the entire experience. Learning how to take care of your feet while traveling can help you feel more comfortable and you’ll be ready to enjoy yourself once you reach your destination.

Hazards of Sitting for Long Periods While Traveling

Sitting for long periods of time can cause muscles to become stiff and cause circulation to the lower extremities to become impaired. If you don’t make a point of getting up to stretch from time to time, it can lead to health problems like swelling of the feet and blood clots in the legs.

How to Take Care of your Feet While Traveling

Here are some suggestions to help you treat your feet well while you are traveling.

• Choose comfortable footwear.

While you are traveling, take off your shoes or loosen your shoelaces. If you are flying to your destination, wear elastic support stockings to keep your feet from swelling. Pack supportive shoes and socks if your plans include taking in the sights on foot or going hiking.

• Do foot exercises in your seat while traveling.

Try rotating your feet clockwise and counterclockwise. Flex your toes up and down, and wiggle them to keep the circulation going.

• Get up and stretch your legs occasionally.

If you are flying, try to get up and move around the cabin at least once an hour. You can get up and stretch if you are traveling by train. Take breaks to get out of the car and stretch periodically as well.

• Do not take new shoes on vacation.

This is not the right time to “break in” a new pair of shoes. You’ll want to stick with footwear that you know is comfortable while away from home.

• Take a foot First Aid kit with you on vacation.

Pack some foot lotion, a foot brush, pedicure materials, nail clippers, bandages, and antiseptic wipes or ointment into a small pack. You should be able to look after minor foot concerns on your own and give yourself a soothing massage after a day of walking around on vacation.