As a travel nurse, it’s essential to be comfortable when traveling so you arrive at your destination prepared to work and explore. Whether you plan to take a long road trip or sit in a plane seat, we created five tips to help you stay comfortable while you travel.
Dress comfy
Soft and breathable fabrics, such as cotton and rayon, are the key to comfort when traveling and encourage healthy circulation. It’s important to dress in multiple thin layers so that you can remove or add clothing when it gets too hot or cold, especially when you cannot control the temperature.
Compression socks are perfect for extended travel and confined spaces. If you are prone to swelling after a lengthy time, consider wearing compression socks to stimulate movement in your calves and reduce the pressure and swelling. If you want to know if these socks are right for you, visit Healthline’s website.
Snacks and Hydration
While traveling, it’s easy to become dehydrated and hungry. Carrying a reusable, durable water bottle is a simple and effective way to drink water throughout the travel journey. At rest stops or on the plane, you can easily refill without spending money on plastic bottles.
Also, we recommend bringing electrolytes packets in your carry-on bag. Powders are easily transportable and maintain the body’s pH levels and muscles while keeping you hydrated.
Eating healthy snacks such as nuts, bars, trail mix, popcorn, etc., that you can easily carry is great while traveling. Avoid salty and caffeinated snacks to prevent you from taking many bathroom trips and making you feel sick in such a confined space. If you feel groggy, try eating protein-enriched foods such as oranges, nuts, dark chocolate, or a hard-boiled egg!
Stretch Break
Did you know that you can get sore after sitting for too long? To decrease muscle soreness, you must move around regularly and stretch your muscles. If you find some time to walk around, even for a minute, it will help prevent muscle tightness. Moving your wrists back and forth, interlocking your fingers behind your back, and pulling your shoulder blades down are all great movements to decrease neck and shoulder pain.
- If you are prone to discomfort when sitting for long periods, bring a tennis ball in your carry-on.
- Wedge the ball between the back of your seat and the small of your back.
- Press back into the ball and massage yourself into muscles loosen up along the side of your spine.
First-Class Treatment with Carry-On
Bring a carry-on bag, preferably with many compartments, that will keep you comfortable while feeling like you are in first class.
- Snacks and electrolytes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Cooling eye mask to keep your skin looking hydrated!
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Memory foam pillow
- Moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Face wipes to help you freshen up
- Sunscreen
- Book
Rest
We saved the most important step for last. Rest if you can, whether you are on the plane or taking turns being the passenger in the car. Close your eyes and take a deep breath while letting all the tension come off your face and shoulders. If you can’t sleep, at least take some time to rest and let your mind wander. Your body will feel happy and less tired after hours of traveling.
We hope you consider these tips the next time you are traveling because the more relaxed and comfortable you are, the more refreshed your body and mind will feel when you arrive! Ready to find your new placement and get packing? Check out our job page to see what placements are available and get the process started today!
