Traveling This Holiday Season? How Physical Therapy Can Help You Stay Comfortable, Confident, and Pain-Free

The holiday season is a time many older adults look forward to—traveling to see family, spending time with grandchildren, or enjoying a special trip away. While travel can be exciting, it can also be physically demanding. Long car rides, busy airports, unfamiliar environments, and winter weather can place extra stress on the body, especially as we age. The good news is that with the right preparation and support, travel doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or intimidating.

As we get older, our bodies often respond differently to long periods of sitting, increased walking, or carrying luggage. Many people notice stiffness in their back, hips, or knees after a drive or flight, swelling in the legs, or fatigue from navigating airports and holiday gatherings. Balance can also be challenged by uneven sidewalks, stairs, or icy conditions. These changes are common, but they don’t mean you should avoid travel. They simply mean your body may benefit from a little extra care.

Physical therapy can play an important role in helping older adults prepare for the physical demands of travel. A physical therapist focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance, and confidence with movement. By addressing problem areas ahead of time, therapy can help reduce pain, improve endurance, and lower the risk of falls while you’re away from home. Even a short course of therapy can make everyday activities like walking longer distances, standing in lines, or getting in and out of cars feel easier.

Travel often involves more sitting than usual, which can lead to stiffness and discomfort. Physical therapy can help by improving joint mobility and teaching gentle movements that keep the body from tightening up during long trips. Therapists also provide guidance on posture and support strategies to make long car rides or flights more comfortable. These small adjustments can make a big difference in how you feel when you arrive at your destination.

Another common concern during holiday travel is handling luggage safely. Lifting heavy bags or reaching overhead can strain the shoulders, back, or hips. Physical therapy helps older adults learn safer ways to lift, carry, and manage luggage, and encourages strategies that reduce unnecessary strain. Knowing when to ask for help and how to move efficiently can prevent injuries that might otherwise derail a trip.

Winter travel presents additional challenges, especially when it comes to balance and fall risk. Snow, ice, and unfamiliar surfaces increase the chance of slipping, particularly for those who already feel unsteady. Physical therapy can improve balance, reaction time, and lower-body strength, helping you feel more confident navigating unfamiliar or slippery environments. That confidence often allows people to enjoy their travel experience rather than worrying about every step.

Many older adults quietly limit their holiday plans because of pain or fear of falling. Physical therapy addresses these concerns proactively. Instead of waiting until discomfort worsens or an injury occurs, therapy helps you prepare your body for the activities you want to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a long drive, a flight, or simply busy days filled with walking and standing, physical therapy can help you feel more capable and at ease.

Travel should be about connection, celebration, and making memories—not managing pain or discomfort. Planning ahead and caring for your body can make a meaningful difference in how you experience the holidays. If you’re traveling this season and want to feel stronger, steadier, and more comfortable, physical therapy can help support you every step of the way.