We know how critical it is to pack everything we need to have a successful trip. When we are packing for a trip, we tend to remember items such as our passport and phone. On the other hand, one part of our trip that we might forget to consider is our feet. If we do not pack properly for our feet, we will find ourselves in pain and find it difficult to enjoy our travels.
A comfortable pair of shoes could end up being the difference between a fun trip and a sore and uncomfortable one. Shoes support our entire body. When we travel, we walk a lot. We might embark on a hike, take a long walk through the city, or simply trek from the train station to the hotel. We need shoes that protect our feet and provide support for our back and the rest of our body.
One of the most common holiday mistakes is packing the wrong shoes, uncomfortable shoes, or simply only bringing one pair of shoes. This can result in blisters, calluses, corns, pain, and other issues. For example, we should never pack brand-new, unworn shoes. Since they haven’t been broken in, they could cause blisters, discomfort, and other unexpected foot issues. We want to make sure whatever shoes we bring are comfortable and work well for our feet and us.
Tips for Picking Shoes When Traveling
- We should pack several shoe options and never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. This will help prevent foot problems, and it gives us alternatives if a pair of shoes proves to be uncomfortable.
- We should try to stick to flat shoes for women or men that are comfortable, cushioned, and have proper arch support. It’s okay to pack a pair of dress shoes for special dinners or events. However, our feet will thank us if we spend most of our vacation in comfy shoes like athletic trainers.
- We should opt for shoes made of flexible, breathable materials like leather, suede, and cotton. They’re soft, comfortable and help prevent foot sweat, which leads to slippage inside our shoes that can create rubbing, burning and blisters.
Tips for Caring for Our Feet When Traveling
- We can avoid our feet swelling on long trips by flexing and pointing our feet and toes both before and during travel. It also helps for us to stand up and walk around for a few minutes at least once every hour during our journey.
- Staying hydrated also aids circulation and might help reduce swelling in our feet while we are traveling.
- While it might be difficult, we should try elevating our feet while on the plane. We can use any neighboring free seats or the foot bar on the seat in front of us. Propping up our feet will help alleviate any swelling and soreness that has already set in.
- Crossing our legs further slows circulation, so we should try keeping our legs straight as much as possible when on the plane.
Foot Health Tips for the Beach and Sightseeing
- Feet are often overlooked when applying sunscreen, but they’re just as susceptible to sunburn as any other part of the body. Therefore, to avoid painful burns and blisters, we should slather on sunscreen before hitting the beach or taking off to enjoy sightseeing. We should also remember to reapply it if we venture into the water (even if our sunscreen says it’s waterproof).
- Every activity calls for different footwear, so we should be sure to wear proper shoes for whatever activity we are engaging in. For example, lightweight, breathable athletic shoes are probably the most practical option for general sightseeing in urban areas, while sturdy hiking boots might be better for walks through rough terrain like rocky paths to waterfalls.
- It’s easy to get caught up in the moment of seeing an ancient cathedral or a mysterious, shop-laden street or snapping a photo and unexpectedly step off a curb or twist an ankle on a cobblestone street. There’s a lot to take in in a foreign land. However, if we want to avoid sprained ankles and other foot injuries, paying attention to the ground should also be on our list.
