Hi, I’m Josy and I’d love to take you behind the scenes of one of my favorite holiday routines. I live in Houston, Texas, and like so many of us, I struggle with heavy legs, especially after long days of sitting or traveling. Over the years, I’ve learned that taking care of myself is not optional — it’s the foundation for enjoying the things I love most: being active, exploring new cultures, and spending quality time with the people I care about.
This year, I traveled to Cape Town for the third time, and once again, Flowell was my loyal companion.
A Long Journey Across Continents
If you’ve ever flown from Houston to Cape Town, you know it’s not a quick trip. The journey takes about 18–20 hours with at least one stop, often a connection in Europe before heading south across the African continent. Sitting still on a plane for that long is tough for anyone, but for me, it’s especially challenging. My legs tend to get heavy and uncomfortable, and the lack of movement makes it worse.
On previous trips, I would land in Cape Town already feeling drained, with swelling that made the first few days harder to enjoy. But this time, I had my Flowell compression pants packed safely in my travel bag. Knowing I could give my legs relief as soon as I arrived changed everything, physically and mentally.
Self-Care as a Non-Negotiable
In 2025, I made a promise to myself: self-care would no longer be something I squeeze in when there’s time. It would be at the center of my daily routine. Even on holiday, I stick to simple rituals that keep me grounded:
✨ Gentle stretches in the morning to wake up my body
🥗 Choosing nourishing foods without inflammatory ingredients
🧘 Taking a quiet moment before the day begins
Adding Flowell to this mix means my body recovers more quickly, my legs feel lighter, and I can enjoy every part of my trip instead of being slowed down by discomfort.
Cape Town: Culture, Nature, and Friendship
Cape Town is one of those magical places that has it all. One day you’re hiking up Table Mountain, the next you’re tasting world-class food, and by evening you might be watching the sunset at Camps Bay. For me, travel is about experiencing both culture and nature — and Cape Town delivers on both fronts.
Another reason I keep coming back? Friends. Over the years, I’ve built wonderful connections in Cape Town, and visiting them feels like coming home. This time was no different: we shared meals, explored new spots in the city, and caught up on life.
Of course, my Flowell pants caught their attention too. They had seen me post about them before, but this was the first time they saw them in action. Their reaction was the same as most people’s: curiosity mixed with a little disbelief that something so simple could make such a difference. A couple of them even tried the boots and couldn’t believe the relief they felt after just 30 minutes.
Evening Rituals That Make Holidays Even Better
Travel days are full of adventure, and by evening I love creating a small ritual to unwind. In Cape Town, that meant cozying up on the couch at my friends’ place with a warm cup of rooibos tea (a local favorite), slipping into my Flowell boots, and just letting go of the day.
It might sound simple, but those 30 minutes are what keep me balanced. It’s not only about circulation and mobility, though those are huge benefits. It’s also about claiming a moment that’s just mine. A chance to reset, breathe, and prepare for another day of exploring.
Why I’ll Never Travel Without Flowell Again
The biggest difference I noticed on this trip was how quickly I bounced back from the long flight. Instead of losing two or three days to heavy, uncomfortable legs, I was ready to dive into adventures almost immediately. That meant more energy for hikes, more freedom to walk around the city, and more joy in the little things like dancing with my friends at a braai (South African barbecue).
Travel can be exhausting, especially when you deal with swelling or discomfort after sitting too long. But for me, Flowell has changed the story. It has turned travel from something I have to recover from into something I can fully enjoy from start to finish.
A Note to Anyone Who Struggles with Heavy Legs
If you’ve ever hesitated to book a long trip because you dread how your legs will feel, I get it. I used to feel the same way. But here’s what I’ve learned: with the right tools and routines, you don’t have to let that discomfort hold you back.
For me, Flowell is more than a therapy device: it’s a reminder that I’m in control of how I feel. It’s about empowerment, mobility, and freedom. Whether I’m at home in Houston or halfway across the world in Cape Town, I know I have what I need to keep moving, exploring, and enjoying the life I want to live.
So here’s to more adventures, more culture, more nature, and legs that are ready to carry me through it all.
✨ How do you take care of yourself when you travel?
