Why you should always take a ball with you on a flight

NEXT time you’re packing your suitcase, there is one item you should make sure to bring with you – according to one Hollywood actor.

Alan Cumming, who has starred in blockbuster film franchises like X-men and Spy Kids, as well as a number of other films such as Eyes Wide Shut and Emma, explained why he always packs a hard ball in his suitcase.

2

The actor shared the unusual item he always packs after travelling to the United States to film The Traitors.

He told CNN: “A little hard ball. One of those little hard, sort of, little balls that you roll on your back.”

These can help your muscles after being cramped in economy on a flight, which isn’t great for your lower back or legs.

The ball can work on muscle knots, when applying pressure to them to work them out.

While this may be unusual, it seems like Alan isn’t the only traveller who packs a ball in his suitcase.

Escape content editor Jana Frawley always packs a golf ball in her bag.

Jana told Escape: “I’ve not swung a putter since 1999, but that doesn’t stop me from packing a golf ball when I go travelling.

“After a day of hiking or sightseeing in a big city, I take off my shoes and roll my trusty Titleist on the soles of my feet.

“It’s an instant massage and rejuvenates me for another day of walking.”

Meanwhile Hollywood A-lister Henry Golding, who starred in the blockbuster film Crazy Rich Asians, explained why he always packs a pair of hotel slippers.

This is because he says hotel and plane floors are too disgusting to walk barefoot on.

Speaking to Bloomberg, he explained: “I always pack a really cheap pair of flip-flops.

“They take up zero space, so you can just slip them in there. I was doing travel shows around Malaysia […] and the floors in the hotel rooms would be less than desirable.

“The carpets in most business hotels are just absolutely filthy and disgusting.”

Here are some other packing tips for when you head on your next holiday.

2