Your Summer Holiday Survival Guide - Preventing Aches and Pains Away From Home

Beach day

Summer holidays should be about relaxation and rejuvenation, not returning home with new aches and pains. Yet many of us find ourselves feeling worse after a break than before we left. Understanding why this happens and how to prevent it can transform your holiday experience.

Why Holidays Hurt: The Hidden Culprits

Your body thrives on routine and consistency. When you suddenly change everything - your sleeping surface, activity levels, posture habits, and movement patterns - your musculoskeletal system struggles to adapt.

The Bed Situation Hotel mattresses are designed for durability, not spinal support. They're often too soft or too firm compared to what your body is accustomed to. This sudden change in support can lead to morning stiffness, back pain, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Activity Overload Holiday enthusiasm often leads to doing too much, too soon. That ambitious hike, beach volleyball game, or swimming session can overwhelm muscles that haven't been prepared for these specific movement patterns.

The Sunbed Trap Hours spent in awkward positions on pool loungers create muscle imbalances. Your neck cranes forward to read, your lower back arches unnaturally, and your shoulders round forward - a recipe for pain.

Travel Stress on Your Body Long flights or car journeys compress your spine, tighten your hip flexors, and create tension in your neck and shoulders. Add heavy luggage lifting, and you're setting yourself up for discomfort.

Your Holiday Body Action Plan

Pre-Holiday Preparation:

• Strengthen your core with simple exercises 2-3 weeks before travel

• Practice the activities you plan to do on holiday

• Pack smart: use wheeled luggage and lift with your legs

  
  

During Your Holiday:

• Bring a small pillow for neck support during travel and sleep

• Set a phone reminder for hourly movement breaks during long journeys

• Start new activities gradually - don't go from zero to hero on day one

• Alternate between active and restful days

• Stay hydrated - dehydration increases muscle tension

• Do 5-10 minutes of gentle stretching each morning and evening

  
  

Smart Sunbathing:

• Change positions every 30 minutes

• Use a rolled towel to support your lower back when sitting

• Avoid prolonged reading in awkward positions

  
  

Post-Holiday Recovery:

• Ease back into your normal routine gradually

• Book a check-up if pain persists beyond 48 hours

• Use heat therapy for muscle stiffness

  
  

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. A little preparation can ensure your holiday memories are about the experiences you had, not the pain you brought home.

Struggling with aches and pains before you go or flown those niggles home reach out to our team on 07733201225 or book online.