The Joy of Big Trips

Big trips can be so much fun because they usually involve new and exciting experiences, the opportunity to explore different cultures, scenic landscapes and the chance to create lasting memories with friends and family. They also provide a break from routine and a chance to recharge. Whether traveling to Europe, experiencing a Caribbean cruise, or exploring mega cities, a big trip can make any trip an adventure. Additionally, the anticipation and planning of a big trip can also add to the excitement.

The Hassle of Big Trips

Big trips can be difficult for a number of reasons, including:

1. Cost: Depending on the destination, big trips can be expensive, which can be a financial burden.
2. Logistics: Planning a big trip, coordinating travel arrangements and ensuring everything runs smoothly can be time-consuming and challenging.
3. Culture shock: Experiencing different cultures and ways of life can be overwhelming and challenging, particularly for first-time travelers.
4. Some levels of homesickness, especially if the trip is longer than two weeks
5. Physical barriers: Traveling can be physically demanding, especially with long flights or extended periods of sightseeing.
6. Language barriers: Communication difficulties can arise when traveling to a foreign country where the language is not well-known.

However, despite these challenges, many people still find that the benefits of taking big trips outweigh the difficulties.

Why Walking is Essential on Trips

The number of steps a person takes per day while walking on a trip can vary greatly depending on factors such as the person's stride length, walking speed, the duration of the trip, and the distance covered. As a general estimate, an adult walking at a moderate pace for about 30 minutes can take around 3,000 to 4,000 steps. However, this is just a rough estimate and the actual number of steps can be more or less depending on the individual's walking style and the conditions of the trip.

On trips, that distance can double, or even triple. Whether it is getting from public transportation to a destination, or simply walking through airports, long distance is a fact on most trips, especially overseas.

If you are going out of the country, be prepared that most other countries are less “car dependent”. Meaning people either walk more or ride public transit, which also requires more walking.

6 Walking Support Tips for Your Next Trip

We lay out several helpful suggestions for having a more productive trip, with less aches and pains afterwards. It all starts with preparation, and the right equipment. In addition, there are several elements that should be avoided, to reduce pain at the end of the day. In fact, if you follow these tips, you may increase your stamina and strength and feel invigorated towards the end of the trip. 

 

 

Use Ankle Support Shoes

Shoes that provide support for the ankles typically have several features, such as:

1. High ankle cuff: This provides additional stability to the ankle and helps prevent ankle rolling.
2. Stiff sole: A stiff sole helps to prevent excessive movement of the foot, providing additional support to the ankle.
3. Arch support: Shoes with good arch support can help distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce stress on the ankles.
4. Cushioning: Shoes with good cushioning can help absorb shock and reduce the impact on the ankles.
5. Firm heel counter: A firm heel counter provides additional support and stability to the ankle, reducing the risk of injury.

Some examples of shoes that are designed to provide support for the ankles are hiking boots, trail running shoes, stability running shoes, and motion control shoes. These shoes are designed specifically to help prevent injury and provide support for people with weakened or painful ankles.

Good brands and models for strong walking support include Sketchers (especially Glide-Step models), Timberland Euro Hikers, and many top brands of hiking boots.

Use Anti-DVT (Airplane) Socks

Using airplane socks are no longer for just long flights. Hikers, travelers, and daily trekkers all now use these helpful socks to increase blood flow in their legs. 

Airplane socks are socks that are specifically designed for use during air travel. They are typically made of materials that are comfortable and breathable, and they often feature additional cushioning and support in the sole, heel, and ankle area to provide additional comfort during long flights.

The purpose of airplane socks is to help prevent swelling and discomfort in the feet and legs during extended periods of sitting, such as during a long flight. The additional cushioning and support helps to improve circulation and prevent blood from pooling in the lower legs, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other health issues that can be associated with long periods of immobility.

Overall, airplane socks are a convenient and practical accessory for air travelers, especially for those who are prone to discomfort during long flights.

Use Walking Poles

Walking poles that are also called trekking poles, are more useful than just for hiking and mountain treks. Travelers now use these poles for everyday walking. Walking poles allow you to reduce weight and impact off of your legs and knees. In one day’s time, the amount of weight taken off of your legs during your stride can be reduced by thousands of pounds of cumulative impact. Walking poles have many benefits, including added stability, reduced likelihood of falls, safety, and security when walking at night and in questionable areas, and finally, reduced leg impact.

There are also walking poles for travel that are designed for portability and small collapsed size.

 

Consider a Knee Brace

Knee braces are helpful for many walkers, especially if you are recovering, have knee problems, or experience pain in your legs.

A knee brace is used to support and protect the knee joint, and can be beneficial for individuals who have knee pain or instability, or who are recovering from an injury. Some common reasons for using a knee brace include:

1. Osteoarthritis: A knee brace can provide additional support to the knee joint and help relieve pain and discomfort associated with osteoarthritis.
2. Knee injury: If you have recently suffered a knee injury, such as a sprain, strain, or tear, a knee brace can help provide support and stability to the knee while you recover.
3. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS): This condition causes pain in the front of the knee, and a knee brace can help alleviate this pain by redistributing pressure on the knee.
4. Meniscus injury: The meniscus is a cushion of cartilage in the knee, and a knee brace can help stabilize the knee and reduce pain if you have suffered a meniscus injury.
5. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury: If you have suffered an ACL injury, a knee brace can help provide stability to the knee and reduce the risk of further injury.

 

Take Plenty of Sitting Breaks

Taking short breaks from walking can provide the recharge and refreshment you need to continue on long walks. This is especially true while trekking big cities. Between hopping on and off of public transit, steps, and long distances through city blocks to get to sightseeing destinations, a simple sitting break can mean a lot.

We recommend a minimum 10-minute break, for an hour of walking. This could be a park bench, sitting wall, retaining wall, or a restaurant. 

Use Backpacks with Hip Belt

Yes, a backpack with a hip belt can help alleviate strain on the back and improve comfort while carrying a heavy load. The hip belt helps distribute the weight of the backpack more evenly across the hips and legs, reducing the amount of pressure on the back and shoulders.

When the weight of a backpack is carried primarily on the hips, it allows the back and spine to maintain a more natural alignment, reducing the risk of back pain and discomfort. The hip belt also helps to transfer some of the weight of the backpack from the shoulders to the hips, reducing the load on the shoulders and reducing the risk of shoulder pain or strain.

It is important to choose a backpack with a hip belt that fits properly and is adjusted correctly, as an ill-fitting hip belt can actually increase discomfort and strain on the back. If you are carrying a heavy load, it is also recommended to choose a backpack with a well-padded hip belt and adjustable straps to ensure that the backpack is balanced and comfortable.

Enhance your Travel with the Right Walking Support

The difference between an aggravating day, and an invigorating day can be a strong and pain-free legs and back. A typical day on a trip can be full of exertion and lengthy. Yet better sleep, and energy comes from the right preparation and equipment. Following these tips and suggestions can help you to thoroughly enjoy and benefit from the long walking that takes place during travel.

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About the author:

 Mike Cutler writes on active senior lifestyles and is a healthy lifestyle Blogger as well as product tester for Earth Trek Gear. He lives with his family in Reno NV and enjoys going to the Sierra Nevada mountains for hiking and family activities.

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