Tip 15: Avoiding Jet Lag - Travel Tips

Whenever we are planning a trip, it doesn´t matter if its within our own home country or overseas - let´s say a paradisiac beach in Cancun - there are certain things to consider, such as the famous jet-lag. But what does jet-lag exactly means?

In medican terms, jet-lag means time Zone Change Syndrome or Desynchronosis. It usually happens when you travel through at least 3 or 4 different time zones and your body has a hard time to adapt to the new one. It is also most common when you are on a trasatlantic flight to Europe or when you travel far east, but for some people it can even happen if, for example, you fly from Seattle to Cancun for your vacations.

So, what can you do to avoid the jet lag? Keep reading these travel tips as follows:

• When travelling overseas, specially from west to east (like from NY to Madrid) it is always a good choice to book a flight that leaves at 5 or 6 pm, so you can sleep over and by the time you land it will already be the next morning.
• But if you are travelling from east to west, ge ton the plane that leaves before noon, so when you arrive to your destination it will be the middle of the afternoon or so, leaving you a few hours difference to cope with.
• Stay hydrated. We stated this on our Travel Tip 2: Hydration. Never understaimate the power of water in your body. Airplanes with its preassure and air conditioning are very dry and well, if you drink alcohol or sodas the tendency is that you will be dried up like a raisin. So, drink plenty of water before and during your flight to ease those sensations of nausea and weariness.
• Try to either sleep or stay awake on the plane, depending on the time zone of the destination you are heading to.
• Avoid heavy meals. Not only your sleeping pattern is being affected by the trip but also all of your digestive routine, try healthy snacks during your flight and light meals once you arrive and avoid nausea and even diarrhea.
• Change the time of your wristwatch and your pone to the time you are heading to as soon as you ge ton the plane. This is not only practical once you arrive to keep up with everybody else but your mind won´t be as confused as if it had to think in two different time zone needs.
• Ask your doctor what type of medicines you can take before your trip or during your trip. Melatonin supplements are often recommended to help control sleeping and waking up cycles.

These are only a few tips we could think of to help you prevent and avoid jetlags on your next trip. Do you have other travel tips you want to share? Please leave a comment or post it our social media networks, we will love to have your travel expertise!