Leave your trackers at home because when you travel to Europe, you will be walking everywhere. Here are some tips I've learned the hard way to keeping your feet happy when you go abroad.
With the New Year here, many of you are making fitness resolutions and using activity trackers to keep track of your resolutions, which is great when you’re home. But when you’re traveling around Europe, I’ve realized just how much they can hinder my experience. You don’t need to worry about how many steps you’ve taken because you will be walking EVERYWHERE in Europe, no matter where you are. Tracking how many steps you’re taking just takes the fun out of the experience and adds an unnecessary thing to think about on your vacations abroad. It’s supposed to be a vacation. So leave the trackers at home and let it BE a vacation. After all, the best way to explore a city in Europe is by foot.
With that being said, leave the trackers at home and invest in bringing an excellent pair of walking shoes instead. I promise you’re feet with thank you. My first trip to Europe I brought a moderately priced pair of cross—trainer shoes from a popular manufacturer. I thought these would be good enough but I quickly realized the difference between a cross-trainer and good pair of walking shoes. While a lightweight cross-trainer may seem easier to pack, your feet will suffer after walking all day for several days at a time. Walking shoes are designed with all-day comfort in mind. Let’s face it, when your feet ache, your entire body aches.
True walking shoes are also designed with all types of terrain in mind. And while walking in Europe, you need to be prepared for all types of terrain and road surfaces: Hills, cobblestone, construction debris, etc.
I have tried a few different brands and Mephisto seem to work best for my needs. I have a pair of sneaker-type walking shoes and a very low-heeled black boot. It’s great because I can add variety to my outfit and make something dressier when I need too. It’s also great because Mephisto makes styles for both men and women.
Good cushioned socks are a great investment too and I’ve found that Thorlo is a good brand for me. Those thin, no-show socks aren’t designed for all-day walking – wear cushioned socks and your feet will also thank you.
Even when you are the most prepared, you may end up getting blisters on your feet. So I always make sure to carry a few small Band-aids and travel-size Neosporin whenever I travel.
Santa knows that I’m always up for a new travel adventure, so he brought me a new pair of walking shoes this year for Christmas! To break them in, I like to wear my new shoes around the house for a week or so, that way I am ready when the next adventure comes calling, and you will be too!
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