Looking for tips to avoid swollen feet while traveling?!

Every time I travel, my feet and ankles swell. I think the combination of stress, flying or traveling long hours with my feet hanging, too much sodium and not enough water are all culprits. Not to mention the fact that I’m overweight…but we won’t talk about that! {ahem.}

The last trip I took to LA earlier this year, I still had some feet/ankle swelling but nothing compared to my previous trips. I did quite a few things differently this time around too. I know so many struggle with that and it’s SO uncomfortable. How can you enjoy your time traveling, when you feel like your feet are gonna pop?!

9 Tips to Avoid Swollen Feet While Traveling…

 

 

1. Epsom Salt and Lavender Oil Soaks

Oh My Word. Yesss! This combination is fantastic. Dissolve a couple of cup fulls of epsom salt in some warm bath water along with 10-20 drops of Lavender Oil and soak. Or you can buy the Dr. Teal’s Sooth & Sleep Epsom Salt mixture that already has lavender oil in it. Soak your whole body in the tub or just soak your feet. Your feet and muscles will thank you and you will feel SO much better. Plus, you’ll sleep like a baby! Seriously…this knocks me out.

Just be forewarned, that if you try to take your bag of epsom salt through airport security, you might get checked. Ahem. I did. I think they thought I was trying to smuggle drugs across the border or something! Sheeesh! It’s only salt, people!

 

2. Water…Lots and Lots of Water

Yep. Drop the pop, tea, sports drinks and opt for plain old water. You can still have your morning coffee, but make sure to drink lots of water while you’re traveling and/or on vacation! Soda pop has lots of sodium in it which makes swelling worse. Also, it’s worth mentioning that caffeine tends to dehydrate, so try not to drink too much coffee or tea.

 

3. Pack a Diuretic

I brought some diuretics with me on this last trip and I am SO glad that I did. I could tell a big difference in the amount of swelling I had so this is definitely one of my top tips on how to avoid swollen feet while traveling!

 

4. Go for the salad when you can…

If you’re traveling and on vacation – of course you want to enjoy some delicious food! Just swap every once in awhile. For lunch, have a salad with your burger instead of the fries or onion rings. Much less sodium. Just really watch how much salty food you’re eating.

5. Move, Move, Move…

When driving or flying long distances, stop or get up every couple of hours and move around. If it’s a shorter flight, roll your ankles in circles while sitting in your seat every once in awhile just to keep circulation moving. Try to avoid crossing your legs. Here are some other tips for flying long distances.

6. Tennis Shoes…

Tennis shoes and socks contain the swelling in your feet. When you wear open shoes or sandals, your feet have more room to swell and expand. Wear your cute shoes at night for dinner, but for the daytime, opt for the tennies! This trick really works for me!

7. Prop feet when you sleep…

When you’re sleeping – use the extra hotel room pillows to prop your feet up at the end of the bed. Keeping them elevated (after your nice, warm epsom salt and lavender bath) is key.

8. Get a Massage…

Have your fella rub your feet at night OR opt for a massage at the spa! A massage just makes your feet feel better plus it helps relieve some of the swelling.

9. Compression socks… 

Compression socks are a life-saver. They’re just super duper DUPER tight socks that help keep the circulation moving so that swelling doesn’t occur, or at least limits the swelling.

 

Do you have any tips to avoid swollen feet while traveling?

We’d love to hear all about them!! Make sure to leave us a comment so we can all hear! Your tip may just make someone’s next trip MUCH more awesome because of it!