Luggage

• Travel light—the less you pack, the less you will have to carry.
• When purchasing a new suitcase, look for one that is lightweight and has wheels and a pull-up handle so it can be rolled.
• Even rolling luggage generally has to be lifted at some point. Two smaller, lighter suitcases will probably be easier to manage than one large heavy one.
  
• Lift luggage in stages. If you are putting it into an overhead airline bin, lift the suitcase to the seat first; then lift it from the seat to the bin. If you are loading a car trunk, lift the case first to a chair or stool, then into the trunk.
• Always use proper lifting technique when picking up luggage.
  Click here to learn more about the correct way to lift an object.

Back & Neck Support

• Seats in cars, trains, buses, and planes often lack proper back support. You can use a lumbar support pillow to supply the missing support and make your seat more comfortable.
• An inflatable neck pillow can help support your neck.

Car Travel

• Make sure the seat is adjusted properly. Sit close enough to the steering wheel so that your elbows are comfortably bent and so your lower back can retain its natural curve with your feet on the pedals.
• Take frequent breaks. Don’t just pull over and stop driving; get out of the car and move around.
• Use the cruise control so you can move your legs a bit to decrease the strain on your legs and lower back.
• Share the driving with a companion if possible.

Air Travel

• Get up and move around every half hour.
• Balance cost versus comfort when choosing an airline. A charter flight may be cheaper, but you may have more leg room and a more comfortable seat on a regularly scheduled flight.
• Keep carry-on luggage to a minimum and store it in the overhead bin to give yourself more leg room.

General Tips

• Wear comfortable clothes that don’t restrict your movements and shoes that provide good support.
• If you are travelling on vacation, leave your laptop at home. Relax and use the time to de-stress. If you are traveling on business and need your computer, look for rolling luggage that has a clip that lets you attach a laptop. However, once you check your luggage, you will have to carry the computer; switching sides every few minutes can make a big difference.