The Best Remedy for Travel Aches and Pains

Travel aches and pains are no picnic.

Whether you’ve earned a stiff back from sitting in a middle seat for 18 hours, or your feet throb from exploring a new city, travel-related pain can really put a damper on your trip.

I always travel with ibuprofen and love soaking my tired feet in a bathtub (though you never can depend on your hotel room having one of those!), but for some serious, long-lasting relief, I never leave home without a set of balls.

That got your attention, didn’t it?

Hear me out. When I first moved to New York, I took a yoga class that introduced me to the world of pinky balls (similar to racket balls or lacrosse balls). These rubber balls help with so many common aches and pains, it’s ridiculous.

It’s brilliant way to get a cheap massage (and doesn’t require you to con your travel buddy into rubbing your back for the 10th time). Also, great for when you’re traveling alone.

Here’s how to use them:

• Lay on the floor with one under your shoulder blade, rolling it around a bit to work out the kinks.
• Lay tummy down, placing one under your thigh to ease quad pain.
• While standing, place a ball under one foot and roll it around. It doesn’t always feel like a lot is happening (putting more weight on the foot = more pressure), but this is an instant one-person foot massage that helps stretch out the foot’s fascia– which not only helps achy feet, but loosens the hamstrings. This one might be my favorite!

You feel like you’ve had a $150 massage for less than five bucks.

What’s your favorite way to soothe travel aches and pains? Share in the comments!