“I can tell the difference if I skip any of these tips,” said Lakeisha Peay, massage therapist.
“My body lets me know – trust me.”

Five Holiday Travel Tips

Hydration nation. Carry a reusable water bottle with you for customizable and convenient water on the go. Stash a bottle in your car door or bring an empty one to the airport and fill it up.

Electro-lyte the night. If you don’t want to be frequenting the bathroom, keep hydrated during periods of high travel using fluid electrolytes such as coconut water. It’s a valuable swap for inflammation-causing sodas, too!

Plan for pacing. Organize parks or attractions along a car drive. “Look at a map before you go and pick some interesting spots. … You may not want to stop to go to the bathroom, but that actually ensures you are stopping and stretching, too,” said Dr. Andrew McMarlin. Getting out and about also ensures your body gets consistent movement during the day. For fliers, you can walk up and down the aisle once in a while during a long flight.

When stars (and spines) align. “Make sure to take care of your back. If you are not lucky enough to have one of the newer cars that has lumbar support, your low-to-mid back needs stretching and added support,” said Dr. McMarlin.

When in doubt, stretch it out. Do stretches that include shoulder rotations and bends to touch your toes. Consider planning a trip to see a massage therapist when you return from travel.
Learn about the travel tips the experts are using to hit the road, but spare their bodies.