Across the World: Managing Jet Lag

Whether you are a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time traveler, it is essential to have the right mindset going into a trip to make the most of your journey and avoid unnecessary stress or confusion. This month’s blog will share some of the best travel practices for every adventurer, from managing jet lag to clever packing and embracing culture shock. Let’s dive in!

Managing Jet Lag

Traveling can be both exciting and exhausting, especially when it involves crossing different time zones. Jet lag can take a toll on your body, messing up your sleep and affecting your mood and appetite. However, with some smart travel practices and simple remedies, you can minimize the impact of jet lag and make the most of your adventures. 

1. Set your watch: As soon as you get on the airplane, set your watch to the new time zone. Then, start adjusting your sleep schedule accordingly. If it’s nighttime in your new time zone, try to get some shut-eye on the plane. This is your first baby step in starting to adjust your body clock.
2. Stay hydrated: Instead of drinking alcoholic beverages or caffeinated drinks on the plane, drink plenty of water. Dehydration can worsen the effects of jet lag. Drinking water will help your body adjust to the new environment and avoid additional stressors.
3. Use natural remedies: There are several natural remedies that can help promote restful sleep on the plane. For example, try drinking herbal tea infused with lavender or chamomile. You can also use a sleep mask, earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones. 
4. Inform family and friends: Letting your loved ones know of your new time zone will prevent any unwanted phone calls and prevent you from having interrupted sleep.
5. Give yourself time to recover: Don’t overload your itinerary with too many activities or tours right after your flight, as it can be overwhelming and exhausting. If you can, book a pre-cruise experience and use this time to explore at a leisurely pace and gradually increase your activity level as you feel more energized.

For more tips for staying comfortable on long flights, see what these experts said.

Pre-Cruise Programs

Traveling, while full of exciting possibilities, can be stressful as we know, especially when you’re on a tight schedule. One highly recommended practice is arriving at your embarkation port city 1-2 days before your cruise’s departure. Besides adapting to the time change, here a few more reasons why:

1. Buffer time: The early arrival not only gives you a buffer time to account for any unforeseen travel delays but also reduces the stress of making your embarkation time. This is especially important for more complicated travel situations, like flights to Tahiti.
2. Explore the embarkation city: Often, embarkation cities are hubs of diverse cultures, heritage, and lifestyles. Unfortunately, if you arrive on the day of your cruise departure, you will not have adequate time to experience the embarkation city’s rich history, unique architectural masterpieces, or local arts scene.
3. Seamless transition: A pre-cruise program gives you a head start on adjusting to the new timezone and provides a seamless transition from your home to a cruise ship. Show that jet lag who’s boss.
4. Bonus vacation days: Start your vacation a few days early! Need we say more?

Traveling is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences you can have in life, and with the right mindset and practices, you can make the most of it and create unforgettable memories. Remember to keep an open mind, a positive attitude, and a spirit of curiosity and exploration, and you will surely have a fantastic journey ahead.

Book your next adventure at www.gonext.com.