Jet Lag is the worst way to start a vacation, but unfortunately, when traveling to another time zone, it is also largely unavoidable. That being said, here are some tips to beat jet lag so it doesn't interference with your trip.
Use Local Time
As soon as you land in your new time zone, begin functioning according to the time there. This may mean staying up really late, or having to set an alarm to wake up really early the next morning, but after the initial adjustment, this is the best and most effective way to avoid jet lag dragging out.
Avoid Alcohol
For the first day after landing, you may feel disconcerted by your attempts to follow the local time. Alcohol can interfere with sleep and make the adjustment unnecessarily difficult. Even if it helps you fall asleep initially, alcohol is dehydrating and likely to cause you to wake in the middle of the night, postponing your adjustment. If you have trouble sleeping, take melatonin, a natural sleep aid, beginning about two weeks before you leave for your trip, and then take it about 30 minutes before bed.
While it is recommended to avoid alcohol, it is important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially after a long flight which may leave you dehydrated before you have even begun to address the issue of jet lag.
Nap If Necessary
If you don't sleep well and are really dragging and struggling to stay awake, a short nap may help you recharge and reenergize so you can still enjoy your day. Keep your nap short, in the 20 to 30 minute range, so you don't delay your adjustment to local time.
Overnight Flights
For those that can sleep on a plane, booking an overnight flight can do the trick. Book a flight that in the morning at your destination and start the day off as usual, and hopefully you can immediately adjust, avoiding jetlag altogether.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
