How To Make Jet Lag A Thing Of The Past

Overcoming jet lag has been a challenge ever since my first overseas trip almost 40 years ago. The first thing we did after arriving in Amsterdam was to head to the hotel and take a nap. You might be thinking “all in favor say Aye”.

I would like to propose that overcoming jet lag begins before you board the plane. I can’t always sleep on a plane but I try to set the stage for the best possible experience, and that takes a little planning. Every traveler has their ideas about how to overcome jet lag. These are mine.

1. Skip the Alcohol. I know, it’s usually included when you fly overseas, and you want whatever’s coming to you, but do you need that drink? Okay, maybe one drink. This is supposed to be a fun trip, right?
2. Skip the Dinner Service. Meals are included on international flights, and of course, we have to eat it. But then I realized that I couldn’t sleep well on a full stomach. Instead, eat before you get on the plane. Airports have more options for dining than ever before. You don’t have to settle for that fast food sandwich any more.
3. Noise Cancelling Head Phones. Plug into relaxing music or silence.
4. Use a great travel pillow. My new favorite is called the J-Pillow, and it was the British Invention of the Year for 2012/13. The shipping was free when I purchased mine in 2013, and I still love it.
5. Use a Sleep Mask. My favorite are foam and are contoured, so there is no contact with your eyes. J-Pillow sells these also.
6. Follow some of your normal evening routines. Wear comfortable clothes that don’t bind or pinch (sorry you can’t go au naturel on the plane even if you do at home), wash your face and brush your teeth. Send your brain the message it’s time for bed.
7. Be as warm as is comfortable for you. Remember your body temperature drops in the middle of the night and who can sleep when they’re shivering. I like to travel with a Pashmina I purchased several years ago. It’s a light, familiar weight and I’m comfortable with it over my shoulders. Also, take off your shoes but wear warm socks or slippers. Remember feet swell when you fly, so never ever wear tight shoes when flying overseas. This is why I love the slip in slip out convenience of Crocs.
8. Drink water, but not before you try to fall asleep. I know I don’t need to tell you why. When you wake up, then drink water to replenish and hydrate.
9. Stay awake once you’ve arrived. I know, it’s not what you want to do, but hear me out. If you stay awake, take a walk and you allow your body and mind to drink in the sunshine and get on the wave length of your new location. Eat an early dinner and go to bed earlier in the evening than you normally would. Maybe even take something and get that good night sleep. When you wake in the morning, you will have improved how much you will enjoy the day and the rest of the trip.

What are your secrets for overcoming jet lag? Would love for you to share your ideas (secrets) too.

---

Did you know I offer free travel planning consultations? As a travel expert, I help people who are interested in learning more about culture and history, whether it’s their ancestral history or world history and bringing it to life in the places where it happened.

During our session, you will

• Gain clarity about what you want to do.
• Come away with ideas that might have never occurred to you.
• Choose the right destination for the experience you want to have.
• Know that you can begin a relationship with a travel professional who has your interests at heart.

To schedule your FREE travel planning consultation, click here. We’ll set up a time to have your complimentary planning session so that you can experience the benefits above.