How to Prevent Travel Injuries
 

Traveling is an exciting adventure that allows you to explore new places and create lasting memories. This holiday season, whether you are embarking on a weekend getaway or a long vacation, it is important to prioritise your safety and well-being. Some common injuries you may get on a holiday include slip and fall injuries, bone fractures and ankle sprains.

Here are some tips you can follow while on holiday to lower your risk of getting injured:

• Wear proper clothing and foot wear for the activity you are taking part in, especially if it involves a lot of walking. Wear a pair of comfortable running shoes or hiking boots if you plan to walk a lot throughout the day for extra ankle support. Avoid wearing new shoes that have not been ‘broken in’ yet as blisters are no fun on a trip.
• Stretch before and after travel as long periods of sitting during travel may lead to muscle tightness and discomfort. Incorporate stretching exercises into your pre-flight routine to loosen your muscles and improve flexibility. It also helps to relieve tension and reduce your risk of injury.
• Properly consider what should and should not be brought with you on your trip when packing. Prioritize essential items and avoid overpacking as a heavy luggage may increase your risk of strains and sprains when lifting or carrying it over a long distance. Ensure that your luggage has ergonomic features with adjustable straps that’ll help distribute weight evenly when carrying, this will minimize the risk of back and shoulder injuries.
• Be mindful of your surroundings when navigating through unfamiliar terrain to avoid slips, trips and falls. Be sure to watch out for uneven floors, slippery surfaces and wires or obstacles that could trip you. Appropriate footwear with adequate traction will be able to help reduce your risk of falls on wet or slippery floors.