Jetlag.
An inevitable part of travel, am I right?
So, how do you deal with it? Do you have a system?
While I’m no expert, I’ve picked up some tips over the years that work for me.
Stick to the country’s clock.
Whatever time you arrive in the country you’re visiting, stick to their clock. Don’t go to sleep at three in the afternoon because it’s three in the morning at home. Instead, ride it out, and go to sleep when it’s time for sleep. It sucks, but it helps! Along with this…
Fill your first day with planned activities.
Like visiting the main square of Brussels!
While you’re doing your best not to crawl onto any flat surface and pass out, the day will go much faster if you have a few easy activities plan. It’s probably not the day for intense walking, but meandering through a museum, stopping at a few restaurants or coffee shops, or hitting a cathedral can be a good way to see the sights, keep yourself awake, while not working yourself so hard you need a nap. I also love to wander near wherever I’m staying, as fresh air feels so great after that pressurized cabin.
Splurge for a nice(r) hotel for one night.
our simple but totally awesome hotel in Brussels
I’m not saying you need a night at the Ritz (if you can afford that, can we travel together?) but a nicer bed and a bathroom you don’t have to share can make the adjustment so much nicer. It also helps to have a place to stay all lined up, so you don’t have to find one at four a.m. on the busy streets of Bangkok. Getting one solid night’s sleep in a comfy bed can do wonders for the rest of your trip. Getting at hotel with a location near all the activities on your must-see list can be really helpful that first night, too, so you don’t add extra stress trying to get around a new, foreign land.
Hydrate.
fancy Scottish water to help hydrate
Drink that water, on the plane, and when you get there!
Sleep on the plane.
If you can! I know I always have a really hard time with this, so do what you can do. I usually watch a movie or read, which will eventually exhaust my eyes and knock me out for a little while at least. In a perfect world, we would be able to sleep the entire flight and arrive totally refreshed, but I’ve rarely had that happen. Wear comfortable clothes, too, so you aren’t cursing your skinny jeans or push-up bra while you’re trying to sleep. If you must wear those cute heels on the plane, bring socks to give your dogs a break! Also…
Bring a small bag of comforts on the plane with you.
I always bring a toothbrush, eye drops, face wipes, a few small snacks (including chocolate), a pillow or blanket, a clean pair of socks and undergarments. A blanket will go a long way in helping you sleep, stay warm, or can be used as a pillow. Face wipes and a toothbrush will make you feel much more human when you arrive, even if you’re just heading straight to your room.
Stick to a sleep schedule.
Although traveling can be fun 24/7, especially when you first arrive, it’s best to have a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed early even for a few nights can help you get rid of jetlag and fully enjoy your trip. Usually, you want to, anyway!
Give yourself time to adjust.
I know I get frustrated while traveling when I want to see and do everything, but my body just needs to rest. It’s okay to spend a few nights in your room, getting extra sleep and relaxing, because that will make the rest of your trip much more bearable.
Share some of YOUR tips in the comments!
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