Ultimate Guide to Beating Jetlag: Stay Fresh on Arrival
Jetlag is a huge factor when it comes to travel, especially transcontinental travel. It scares and impacts some people so horrifically that it keeps them from traveling. Everyone feels differently when it comes to jetlag, but there is no question that it impacts everyone, even in some small way. Now, for those of you like me who don’t have time to adjust your internal clock one hour every day prior to departure, I am going to let you in on some tricks that I LIVE by when it comes to fighting jetlag.
STAYING HYDRATED
Hydration is the number one key to beating jetlag. I’m not talking liquid courage (though I know that whiskey sounds tempting). Actually, staying away from coffee and alcohol inflight is one of the best things you can do when it comes to fighting jetlag. Bring your empty camelback through security and fill it up at the water fountains. Hydrating before, during, and after your flight is going to save you a world of tired days when you reach your exciting destination.
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SLEEPING ON THE PLANE
Now, I know this seems obvious, but it is SO CHALLENGING for so many people. You are uncomfortable, full of nerves, and all around just wound up and not in ideal conditions to sleep. So, for those of us who cannot pass out at a moment’s notice, here are my favorite tricks to fall asleep (especially on long-haul flights and with red eyes).
IN-FLIGHT SLEEP KIT
Yes, all of this fits into my personal item. You just have to know how to pack it! Check out our Carryon Essentials Blogs for more ideas on what to pack.
CHOOSE THE PROPER SEAT
Now again, this may seem pretty obvious, but….you never know. I ALWAYS splurge on buying the window seat. If I can’t afford to pay the extra 45$ to be able to sleep comfortably, I probably shouldn’t be traveling. If you are a big dude and need the extra legroom, go ahead and do us all a favor and buy it. Because if one more asswagon tries and stops me from reclining my seat when it’s bedtime on a transcontinental flight, we are going to have some problems.
WAKE UP PROPERLY
With all that good sleep, you might find it hard to wake up, so it’s time to get moving and go about your normal morning routine! How do you do that on a plane? Simple, the same way you do it anywhere else.
- Wash face with baby wipe/ face cloth/ warm paper towel
- Brush your teeth in the bathroom.
- Change into day clothes
- Drink water
- Drink coffee
Once you are off the plane comes the hard part. It is PERTINENT that you force yourself to adapt to the new time zone. Take naps if you need to! The most important thing is to stay away and try and fall asleep at a normal time in the timezone you are in!!
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