Traveling With the Humble, Multi-Purpose Beach Ball

(Image from budget travel.com)

Because I like to travel, and travel comfortably, while dealing with a variety of ever-worsening pains (probably arthritis at my tender age -- it struck my mother pretty early), I'm investigating the many uses of the 99 cent inflatable beach ball.  Originally, I'd read of its use as a footrest on an airplane.

Granted, it will probably not replace my inflatable neck rest that I cord-lock around my neck to ensure it stays put while I attempt to sleep sloppily, but it will probably be a great supplement to that.  

As always, if you want to travel light, the items you'll be lugging around should have multiple uses.  I think this toy does just that.

Not all of these are my original ideas, of course, but some of them I came up with without seeing them mentioned elsewhere.  I'm sharing the, with you simply in the spirit of being helpful.

Because these cheap beach balls are easy to find at the beginning of summer and inpossible to locate at the end of the season, I'd suggest you grab a few now.

1.  Foot rest 

Not fully inflated, silly!  It WOULD roll around and take too much space in that tiny gulf where your feet get to dangle, if you're short, like me.  Partially inflated, to keep it squishy and cradling your feet, while giving them a boost. As the plane gains altitude, pressure increases, and the ball will swell a bit, so under-inflate it as you will your inflatable neck rest.  (You'll possibly want to wipe it down with a wet wipe after you deplane, though.) The ball would also make an excellent foot rest in a passenger vehicle, too.

2.  Travel pillow 

If you're going to sit next to a window, you can partially inflate the ball and put it between your head and the window, avoiding that horrible dance between trying to keep your neck straight while sleeping (thus keeping you awake) and your neck trying to accomodate the angles of the barrier beside you while you're asleep, resulting in great pain sooner or later.

3.  Lumbar support

There is no lumbar support in an airplane seat whatsoever.  The designers seem to think humans in economy have backs shaped like shrimp, and mine is definitely a good old S shape.  Partially inflate a beach ball and use it to correct the seat's support deficiency.  Right now I've got a beach ball supporting my lower back as I type this on my sofa.  :) Good times!  It will conform easily to the shape of your back, and you can move it up or down occasionally to support other parts of your back. 

4.  Beach toy

Obviously, a beach ball can be used for tossing and hitting, playing wherever you feel that it is appropriate. The beach, the pool, a park, a boring hotel room, in traffic (just kidding), on a flight (really kidding -- that would probably get you into big trouble).

5. Back rest for the beach

I haven tried this one yet, but I will because those folding back rests cost too much for what little they consist of.  

6.  Wine bottle cushion

Partially inflate, then wrap around the glass bottle, securing with tape, string, or clothing.

7.  Emergency splint

Blow it up partially and wrap it around the part that needs protection. Use tape to secure it. You might even be able to slide a small ice pack in there, using all necessary first aid precautions.  Because yes, I got myself a nice severe ankle sprain a couple of nights ago and I honestly thought I'd broken my ankle. The jury is still out, considering the clinic's X Ray was broken when I went.  It may yet snap.  I'm still angry about my ankle's betrayal of me on a stable surface.  It just folded and CRACKED, throwing me down. In the street.

8.  Lap pillow 

Use instead of a lap desk to support your book or tablet without exhausting your arms.  Great if you need to take out your contacts and still see what's on your lap.

9. Tray Table Pillow 

To lean forward onto if you can stand doing that on a plane :). First Class Sleeper is a device made expressly for that purpose, but you can try it out with a beach ball.  Personally, I only sleep on my face in Paris, and only at the point of utter exhaustion.  I haven't gained the skill of doing so on a plane.  Or truly sleeping in any position on a plane...  It's never real sleep, but I DID pass out on the Eurostar from London to Paris, missing all the English and French countryside, and the Chunnel, and woke up with a dreadful crick in my neck. I wish I'd had a beach ball.  I wish my seat had faced frontward instead of backward, too.  Darn it. 

10.  Seat cushion 

Inflate to your comfort level and sit on it, especially if your seating is hard and unyielding or you've got a sore backside.

11. Emergency flotation device

Well, you know, just in case.  Just underinflate it a bit so you can grip it.  Stick it in your shirt, maybe.  And grab your life jacket from under the seat if you're on an airplane. :)

12.  Bag

If it springs a leak or tears, you can just turn it into a tote, adding handles however you like. Do a search for "beach ball bag" on Pinterest.  Because it's cool to recycle, even a cheap PLASTIC dollar beach ball.  http://www.instructables.com/id/Beach-Ball-Bag/#step6. You'll need some duct tape and scissors, minimum. (I can't believe that link pasted in as clickable!  Yeehaa!)