Topic: travel tips?

Leah, the general advice I've heard is deep breathing, stay hydrated and every so often, raise your arms over head and gently pump your fists about 20 times. Compression wear works best if muscles are moving, so it's easy to sit too still in an airplane seat for a long trip.

My daughter did the Birthright trip last December--just as the Gaza bombing started. She still had a great time in Israel. She gets migraines with flying, so I just told her to stay hydrated, and no problems.

Have a great trip.

Kira 

Remember that packing can also be a high risk activity.  I used to try to cram everything into one suitcase sitting on the floor. Now I try to pack in phases, put my suitcase on a bed or table and use two lightweight bags instead of one overstuffed one.  I travel with a small rolling bag and a small well-padded knapsack.  If I have to pack at the last minute, I wear my sleeve and glove while packing.  Good luck and travel safe.  

Bluedasher, it is a good idea to break them in, by wearing them for a couple of hours at a time at home before you fly. Too bad about the chafe--maybe after you wash them, they'll soften a bit. Some gauntlets do go further down--especially Jobst. Wearing compression is not fun--and it does take getting used to it. Glad you only need it once in a while.

 Leah--congratulations on a successful trip from Israel. I'm sure the rest of the travel will go well. My daughter really enjoyed Birthright, after the El Al security guys stopped interrogating her. I lived in Israel for 6 months when I was a lot younger--took a break from college, I did an Ulpan program near Caesaria, it was a beautiful spot, and I picked up Hebrew so quickly, and unfortunately, lost it when no one spoke it at home. Welcome! Hoping you're having a wonderful time.

Kira