31 Things For Vacations That Involve Lots Of Walking

Jun 07, 2023

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Because no one should have to suffer through achy feet and painful blisters while on vacation.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "This stuff is amazing! I wore heels that always give me blisters for eight hours, and I didn't get a single one when using this balm. It really worked! I plan on getting it again and again. I always have it in my bag at work just in case. I did find it necessary to reapply if I took my shoes off and put them on again." —Donna

Get it from Amazon for $9.

Heads up: they recently changed the packaging of this product, but it's still the same great formula!

I've used it for about 12 years now and it's the only thing that I can trust to prevent that dreaded chafing after a sweaty day of walking around. It glides on perfectly, it's unscented, and it doesn't melt away when you start to sweat. If it's a particularly hot day out, it can start to fade after a few hours, so just make sure to bring it with you to reapply. In addition to preventing chafing between my thighs, I've also applied it on my arms where my sports bra rubs against them when I run and it works like a charm!

Promising review: "I just used it for five days in 90 degree plus weather at Bonnaroo music festival in the middle of Tennessee on a farm in June with 100,000 people walking several miles, dancing, and sweating every day. I am happy to report that this product is a lifesaver. My thighs didn't chafe once, and I have big ones! I had to reapply once during the day. I strongly recommend buying this if you have large thighs and need relief from chafing. I couldn't wear dresses or skirts in the heat if I was walking anywhere, and now I live in them because of this stuff! Buy it! It works!" —Carwizzle

Get it from Amazon for $10.39.

Promising review: "These things are amazing. Measure your thighs and buy them. Now. They are life changing and thigh saving. Cool enough to wear in the summer, though I would recommend only wearing them for like six hours the first few times. I went HAM and wore them for 12 hours in the middle of August, and I had a small welt on one thigh. No biggie, went away after a day or two. If your thighs even kiss each other, BUY THESE." —Kelsy

Get a pair from Amazon for $20.69+ (available in women's sizes S–3X and in 18 styles).

Promising review: "Durable and flexible! Picked them out for a trip to the UK. They worked great in the cities, restaurants, museums, etc, then did just as well hiking. Easy and comfortable transition between dress boots and hiking boots. I should have given them a couple more days to break in before we left, but they were good to go within a day of hard walking (9 miles on day one). Look almost the same now as when I got them — bit more worn now, but all the better really after two weeks of heavy use. Note that they are a bit more narrow in look than other Chelsea boots." —Jen M.

Get them from Amazon for $160 (available in women's sizes 5–11 and in nine colors).

Promising review: "These are really cute, but besides that, the first time I wore these was on a two-day trip to Disneyland. I was really nervous about wearing brand new shoes on such a big trip and brought back up and bandages just in case. I walked nearly 20 miles in these over the course of two days and did not have one single ache or pain related to my shoes. Not only that, it was the best my legs and feet had ever felt on a Disney trip (and we’ve done it A LOT). I am absolutely sold. Plus, my husband told me like five times randomly throughout the trip how good they looked. After two solid days of nonstop walking, they look brand new and I jumped on here right away to write a review. Love!" —immjspyt

Get them from Amazon for $47.98+ (available in women's sizes 5.5–11 and 40 styles).

I wore these on my recent honeymoon to Positano, which is known for its beautiful albeit rocky beach, and I was so happy I could comfortably walk along the beach and head into the water! I kept seeing so many people without water shoes in so much intense physical pain while trying to walk on those rocks, and even though I felt a bit goofy wearing the water shoes, I was blissfully enjoying my vacation without any pain, which is a travel win in my book. We put them out on our balcony after using them and by the next morning, they were completely dry!

Promising review: "Buy these, you will love them! I love to walk barefoot on the beach but isn't always the wisest decision. I read so many positive reviews and thought why not. I got my first pair and fell in love with them. I don't have to wear my sandals and leave them at the bottom of the steps. I can walk on the pavement to the beach and across the parking lot. I loved them so much that I bought a pair for my husband, sister, friend and an extra pair for me. My husband was very skeptical and he loved them too. I would absolutely recommend theses." —Lauren A. Eason

Get it from Amazon for $9.88+ (available in seven sizes and 44 colors).

Your Color Your Style is a California-based small biz that makes stylish yet functional crossbody holders for smartphones.

BuzzFeed writer Haley Zovickian has this and says, "I have one of these and it's one of my favorite purchases, period. I love always having my phone on me without having to carry it by hand (and because my clothes often don't have pockets included). It's a dream for traveling too because it allows me to never misplace my phone, since it's always on me, literally. An amazing travel and TBH life hack."

Promising reviews: "Love the colors I chose!!! Quality is great!! Taking it on vacation, cannot wait to use the lanyard with the case!!!" —Amy Koester

"Fun, bright and it will simplify your life and give you your arms back. Beautiful colors to choose from and received lots of compliments." —Rosey

Get it from Your Color Your Style on Etsy for $32.99+ (available in 14 sizes and 12 colors, and with customization).

Promising reviews: "For the price I was expecting disposable shoes, but I was pleasantly surprised instead. They’re light, comfortable, easy to quick wash with a rag, and air dry quickly. Great traveling shoes that made walking miles and miles very easy on the feet. I liked them so much I bought them in two other colors." —Marjory Loebe

Get them from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and 29 styles).

Promising review: "These things are great! I ordered them prior to a vacation since I knew I would be doing a lot of walking and I had some new shoes. Even though the shoes were comfortable, they still chaffed after a lot of walking. I added these things, and I was able to avoid blisters. Definitely recommend." —Christine Baker

Get a pack of five pairs from Amazon for $10.55.

My colleague Danielle Healy loves these! "Here's what she has to say about them: I cannot say enough wonderful things about these sandals. They required ZERO break-in time and were ready for long-term wear right out of the box. For a hiking sandal, I think they still look sleek enough to pair with a casual sundress, and they keep my feet cool while still managing to put an actually supportive sole between my feet and the sidewalk. I've worn them constantly for close to three years now and they still look basically perfect."

Promising review: "I took these brand new on a trip with me to South Asia. It was comfortable right off the bat. And the velcro made it extremely convenient for constantly slipping the shoes on / off as is necessary when visiting temples and sacred places in South Asia. The mix of colors means it goes well with everything." —Angela

Get it from Amazon for $67.48+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and in 20 colors).

Calpak is a family-owned business that makes high-quality travel products that are both innovative and stylish.

This water bottle holder has an insulated interior that fits bottles up to 40 ounces, a detachable shoulder strap, and four roomy exterior pockets for storing all of your essentials.

BuzzFeed writer Haley Zovickian has this and says, "I recently bought this and it's my new favorite possession. I either carry my Nalgene or my Yeti everywhere (if I'm not drinking water, you can bet I'm guzzling coffee), which is unwieldy in my tote bag, to say the least. I end up carrying the bottles by hand, which, besides being tiring, makes me prone to losing said bottle. Enter the CalPak holder, which has low-key upgraded my life. I don't even carry a tote anymore — I can pack my lipsticks, scrunchies, wallet, keys, phone, earbuds, and sunglasses in the outside pockets with my coffee, water, or tea snug inside. The strap is adjustable so you can wear it crossbody or over your shoulder. This is an investment, but one that has been well worth it for me. I recently brought it to the airport with me for a flight I was taking, and it's made me love this little thing even more. I am easily frazzled in airports and am constantly anxiously digging around in my carry-on for my ID, charger, wallet, and what have you. The Calpak water bottle holder *shined*, keeping everything I needed close and neatly organized in their own compartments, plus my drink close. I will never travel without this again — mark my words."

Promising review: "Didn't realize how needed this was until I got it!!! I use it for walks, going to my kids sports and practices, and hiking! It will be perfect for my trip to Hawaii soon!!!" —Caitlyn J.

Get it from Calpak for $42 (available in 22 colors).

I own these hiking boots and I absolutely love them! When I bought them, I was looking for something with ankle support because I have really weak ankles and was sick of rolling them whenever I misstepped while hiking. They do a great job at keeping my feet protected and supported during hikes, and I love that I don't have to worry about it raining or being soggy on the trail thanks to the waterproofness. Lastly, I love that they're not too heavy or bulky — if you're already climbing up a mountain, the last thing you need is extra weight on your feet!

Promising review: "These were my very first pair of hiking boots and they are absolutely perfect! Durable, lightweight, and comfortable. My husband and I took an anniversary trip to Arizona and these were just what I needed. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an amazing hiking boot! Side note…I did have a few blisters on my toes but I did NOT break them in before our trip so I would suggest doing that before actually hiking in them." —Ashley Arnold

Get them from Amazon for $50+ (available in women's sizes 5–12, wide options, and 14 colors).

I am a hugeeee fan of Birkenstock, and this is my second pair I've owned. My first pair were basic black, and they still look good after about eight years of wear. I bought these was because I loved how the gold straps looked, and two years after buying them, they are without a doubt my most-worn shoe!! That's me on the right on my honeymoon — I wore them all throughout Italy, whether we were on the beach, on a boat tour, or walking around cities for miles on end. I love wearing them with dresses because the gold really *pops* and you end up feeling so comfortable, unlike when I wear less supportive sandals or heels. To make these last even longer, don't forget to use their shoe care kit to protect the cork and make the shoe waterproof!

Get it from Birkenstock for $110 (available in women's sizes 4–11.5 and in narrow widths).

Promising review: "I CANNOT RAVE ENOUGH ABOUT THIS FLIP-FLOP!! I spend two weeks in Bali and walked / traveled soooo much and these were what I lived in! They are the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn in my life, period. They are durable, like walking on a cloud, so incredibly wonderfully light, great for the beach, great for walking, I even did some form of hiking in them. Not kidding these saved my life. I don't know what I would have done without them. My partner had blisters from her Rainbow sandals which cost way more than these and weren't nearly as comfortable. A must buy!" —samantha

Get them from Amazon for $28.48+ (available in women's sizes 5–11 and in 23 styles).

Promising review: "I bought these shoes a few weeks ago for trip I was taking. Well, today I put them to use. I walked around Boston all day. Over 26K steps and 11 miles. Every single inch of body hurts, EXCEPT my feet. I was surprised by how comfortable they were, I had no pain from plantar fasciitis, which I have had in the past and always acts up when I walk too much. Love these shoes." —Nicole Ward

Get them from Amazon for $49.15+ (available in women's sizes 5–12, including narrow and wide sizes, and four styles).

I started using this while half marathon training because the inside of my big toes ALWAYS get blisters no matter how well my shoes fit or what socks I wear. I loved how much better they worked than regular bandages. They're much bigger than bandages, they stick really well to your skin, and they move with you instead of sliding around and falling off. They really saved my toes while running, and I've continued to wear them whenever I know I'm going to be walking a lot. One thing to keep in mind is that they are very sticky, which means that if you use them to cover up a blister that's already formed, it could rip off the soft top of your blister when you're taking it off (speaking from experience here!) So just make sure to only use this to prevent, not treat a blister.

Promising review: "Forget normal bandages — if you are prone to blisters, always have this tape on hand. It is excellent to prevent or help you walk if you have blisters. I keep two cases on hand: one at home and the other in my travel bag. Stays on until you take them off (even while bathing). If you're a serious runner or walker, have these on hand." —Sawwe01

Get it from Amazon for $9.27+ (available in beige and black).

They even have tiny side vents to keep your feet from sweating during long walks!

Promising reviews: "These shoes fit like a glove. So comfortable! I bought them for my two-week trip to Italy and I am so happy I did!! I looked cute and I was so comfortable!! I highly recommend!!" —JenPlamondon

Get them from Everlane for $135 (available in women's sizes 5–11 and 11 colors).

Promising reviews: "I bought these for traveling and wanted something comfortable and easy on/off for the airport. They totally exceeded my expectations! These flats are very comfortable. The fit is great. I have a wide foot and the wide width in my size was perfect. The snakeskin print looks very nice in person." —Allyson Cohan

"I normally cannot wear flats because they give me terrible blisters on the back of my feet. These didn't! Bought these in nude for a city vacation with a lot of walking, but where sandals aren't necessarily worn, and these were perfect! They obviously don't have the support of sneakers, but I am so happy to finally have a cheap pair of flats that don't give me blisters. I did break them in with thin socks on around my house before wearing them out and when possible, I wear them with little sock liners. Also — I was able to fold these in half and fit them in a semi-small purse to change into to dance at a wedding! Score!" —Kate

Get them from Amazon for $23.70+ (available in sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 33 styles).

Promising review: "A painful bunion had begun to limit my walking, a real problem when I travel. I tried complicated overnight toe spacers but wasn't at all happy, and I even tried shoe stretchers. Then I noticed that my much younger sister-in-law wore one of these with sandals. I ordered some immediately for a trip to Pompeii. What a blessing! That was two years ago. I have just placed my third order, as I keep losing them. They realign the big toe just enough to relieve pain and keep the bunion from getting worse, and they are comfortable. I wear them periodically, not all the time, because they do a job that lasts well." —Josephine

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in eight colors).

Each pack comes with six pairs of socks.

Promising review: "I have a pair of running shoes that really rub around my ankles, especially at the back of my heel. Low profile socks just weren't cutting it, they kept disappearing in my shoes, and provided no protection from the ankle friction. These socks are perfect, they have lots of cushion, especially at the back of the heel, and they don't make my feet sweat like some socks do. I loved them so much I tossed all others and bought two packs of these." —Melissa M

Get six pairs of socks from Amazon for $17.96 (available in three sizes and six color sets).

Read more about compression socks and swelling at Cleveland Clinic.

Promising review: "I have been traveling almost every week for business for the past six years and about five years in I realized my legs would often hurt after some longer flights. I am 29-years-old was very worried about having pains in my leg already. I was told by my physician to try to wear compression socks while flying.

After using this product for many months and wearing them on a few international flight, I have to say this is definitely worth the money! They are very comfortable and do not feel too suffocating while on longer flights. I have worn them upwards of 24 hours without a problem or need to want to remove them.This did help tremendously with my leg pain after flights and I highly recommend this product to anyone that is looking for a good pair of compression socks!" —Lopa Desai

Get them from Amazon for $18.57+ (available in 13 colors and three sizes).

Promising review: "I bought these for a trip that required excessive walking. They were amazing. I only intended to wear them one or two days but ended up wearing them all five days. We walked about 12 hours a day sightseeing and I never had any issues. Love these!!!" —Thorpe5

Get them from Amazon for $29.95+ (available in sizes 6–11 and 16 colors).

Promising review: "I had originally purchased some that went over your whole toe area or the whole ball of your foot but they were so big and bulky I couldn't get my shoe on. These work so much better. They get right to the spot and don't take up much room. I hardly even know they are there. Wore them all day and they didn't slide off or move around. I cut a few of them across so I can wear them with my sandals." —Amazon Customer

Get a variety pack of 12 from Amazon for $11.99.

P.S. They can be tossed in the washing machine when they start to get smelly, and they're made with renewable materials! ♻️

Promising review: "Just spent a week in Paris and these were the most comfortable shoes for hours of sightseeing and trekking around the city every day! My feet were happy, and they looked so cute with jeans and casual skirts, and were easy to keep clean, too. My new favorite shoes!" —Jessica G.

Get them from Allbirds for $64+ (originally $105; available in women's sizes 5–11 and 15 colors).

FYI: If you're between sizes, the seller recommends sizing down, as these shoes will stretch with time.

Macarena Collection is a small biz based in Buena Park, California, and specializes in gorgeous handmade Mexican shoes, clothing, and accessories.

Promising reviews: "The shoes are really pretty and made of quality leather. They can be dressed up or down and used for business casual or just casual. Great for traveling and walking throughout airports. Very cute and chic!" —Shuntá Holmes

"Beautiful shoes. I expected them to be stiffer than they were when they arrived, but they arrived already pretty soft and pliable. They'll only get comfier as they're stretched out through use. True to size. Would highly recommend." —Lauren Boyer

Get them from Macarena Collection on Etsy for $43.92 (originally $54.90; available in women's sizes 5–10).

These have the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, which is granted to products found to promote good foot health! One reviewer even swears by them for plantar fasciitis.

Promising review: "Wore these every day while traveling in Europe this summer. I get sore feet so easily, not at all with these! The inside seemed too hard when I first opened up the package, but it works! Perfectly comfortable, didn't even think about my feet, even after walking for miles." —lucky 8

Get them from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in women's sizes 6–11 and 36 colors).

These also have the APMA Seal of Acceptance!

Promising review: "These flip-flops are not only the most comfortable ones I have ever worn, they are also very cute and stylish, and I would not hesitate to wear them to go out. I wore them traveling to the beach, to the pool, to restaurants for dinner while on vacation. I would almost consider not packing any other shoes!" —Jamy W.

Get them from Amazon for $75.89+ (available in women's sizes 5–12, including wide and narrow sizes, and dozens of styles).

Oh, and did we mention these bike shorts have POCKETS?! Reviewers say they love the high, supportive waist band and the compression fit that keeps them secure during movement.

SuperFit Hero is a woman-owned small business based in California specializing in premium plus size activewear in sizes L–7XL.

Promising review: "I’ve had these for a while but have generally felt nervous about wearing skintight anything in public so I haven't given them a real test. Today I said 'what the hell, you only live once' and wore them on a hike. They were SO GOOD! Super supportive, wicking, zero chafing, stayed put both on the waist and the leg, and laid flat under the waist belt of my pack. These shorts are the real deal. Just more confirmation that Superfit Hero is the place to go for serious athletic gear for larger bodies. I will definitely be hiking in them in the future!" —Mollie S.

Get it from SuperFit Hero for $75 (available in women's sizes L–7XL and in 11 colors).

Alohas is a small biz that was founded in Hawaii in 2015, and their beautifully crafted shoes are made with sustainability in mind.

Promising reviews: "Love these versatile sandals, so chic and comfy — perfect for cities as well as vacation! The service is supreme!" —Meruyert Kairatkyzy

"My favorite summer sandal! I would buy these shoes again in a heartbeat. I wear them every day! They are beautifully made and you can tell they are high quality. I can also stand and walk for hours in them." —Danielle Levin

Get them from Alohas for $130+ (available in EU sizes 35–42 and five styles — you can use their size chart to determine your US size equivalent).

Promising review: "I ordered the small SPIbelt because I wanted something small and light that I could carry my passport in when I travel overseas. I read in another review that this belt's pocket would stretch to hold a passport and IT DOES! I can fit my passport, cell phone (even a Samsung S4), credit cards, keys (and more) inside and still wear it under my shirt. The belt material and buckle appear sturdy as well. With the SPIbelt, I no longer need pockets." —ordinary shopper

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 21 styles).

Christina Christi makes gorgeous leather creations — from bags and shoes to jewelry — at her home in Athens, Greece!

Promising review: "Not only are these sandals cute, but they are comfy as well! I have wide feet and struggle to find sandals that fit well, but I went half a size larger and had no issues at all. I wore these all throughout my trip to Italy (tons of walking) and had no issues at all!" —Laurel Hopkins

Get them from Christina Christi on Etsy for $62.52 (originally $70.87; available in women's sizes 5–10.5 and three colors).

Promising review: "This is my second pair in the black color. These shoes are versatile — wear them at work, for casual events, or around the house. You'll forget you are wearing them. They will stretch out a bit over time. The dark cushioned heel/sole hides dirt well. Great shoes for traveling, easy to slip on and off at the airport. Highly recommend, if you can find them!" —Miche S

Get them from Amazon for $28.63+ (available in women's sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and 24 styles).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.