Master Jetlag: Tips for Effortless Travel
Every seasoned traveler knows there’s no shortage of “expert” advice online about combating jetlag. Trust me, after logging millions of miles and countless nights in far-flung time zones, I’ve seen and heard it all. So, why not share my own spin on it?
Besides doling out some tried-and-true advice on handling jetlag, I’m also going to shed light on why, unlike most folks, I’m not all that frantic about beating jetlag. Warning: this guide is tailor-made for those on leisure travels, not frenetic business expeditions.
I Don’t Buy Into “Traditional” Jetlag Advice
Let’s talk about the traditional jetlag playbook. Some of it makes sense, sure, but do we really need to drive ourselves bonkers over it? Consider these gems:
- Adjust your sleep schedule to your destination’s time zone days in advance. Perfect if you’re a masochist who enjoys complicated schedules.
- Skip in-flight drinks and meals, go straight to sleep. Are we flying economy here? Thought so. But if you’ve got first-class comfort, why pass on the complimentary bubbly?
- Shift your watch to the local time the moment you leave home. Great for a psychological boost. I remain unconvinced—plus, watches went out with fedoras.
- Stick to local time and shun napping. When did napping become a crime against humanity? Give me my afternoon siesta!
Why I’m Not Intimidated by Jetlag
Yes, I try and mold myself to local time when jetting around the globe, but not in the obsessive way others do. Here’s why jetlag doesn’t scare me:
- I’m a natural early bird, so waking up at 3-5 AM is my jam. Shifting my body clock by an hour or three? Not a biggie. Seems the real jetlag conundrum’s for those night owls clinging to their beds come morning.
- An unexpected perk of jetlag? Getting major early bird vibes. Coffee at 2 AM, cracking the laptop or hitting the gym, then snagging brekkie as the first customer while everyone else snoozes.
- My work? Location-proof. And yes, I mix business with travel for a living, often syncing my hours with US time zones. Instead of a “once in a lifetime” holiday obsession with time tweaking, I balance work playfully.
My Tips & Strategies for Jetlag
Let’s cut to the chase: how I handle being displaced across time zones. Ready? Let’s dive in:
Stay Out of Your Hotel Room as Much as Possible
Your room’s a tempting hideaway, but it’s a slippery slope from the desk to the inviting bed. To dodge the sleep trap while acclimating, venture beyond. Stroll outside, hit the gym, or settle in a vibrant café or the hotel’s club lounge for that WiFi fix.
Don’t Nap After 2PM
Naps can be rejuvenating, but timing’s everything. Got a long-haul landing at 6 AM? Nap to recharge, but late afternoon shut-eye? That risks spiraling into deep sleep, which wrecks your clock adjust efforts.
Use the Power of Caffeine
Coffee lovers, rejoice. Invest in the caffeine kick if a nap threatens to derail your afternoon. Find your joyful caffeine beast at a local café, beat the drowsiness, enjoy the scenery, and keep home-sickness a distant notion.
Don’t Leave Your Phone Next to Your Bed When Sleeping
The middle-of-the-night light glare from your screen is a jolt of insomnia. Stash it far, maybe escape with white noise, oblivious to midnight distractions. Instead, marvel at the soft contours of sleep as your alarm thrives an arm’s distance away.
Being Up at Weird Times Isn’t That Bad
Odd hour alert: embrace the sunrise as a travel companion. Streets whisper their secrets at dawn, while ordinary hours fail to unveil. Get up early, witness the wonders unfurl, and let your quest for newness be your wakeup call.
Pick Your Arrival Times Deliberately
Your arrival choice? Influential in taming jetlag’s bite. Personally, I fancy late morning-arrivals to Europe, evening entries for Africa, and early morning jaunts across Asia. It lessens the timezone turbulence.
Enjoy Your Flights
Jetlag practitioning often prescribes in-flight fasting, a blanket over the inflight buzz. Unpopular opinion: indulge on board! Let gourmet inflight meals become a first-class joy. Plush seating? Savour the moment—it’s part and parcel of a delightful adventure.
Bottom Line
Years of jet-setting and I’ve dipped my toes in diverse time zones. My strategy? Not so rigid, nor striving for zero jetlag. My secret is balancing early bird rhythms, swaying with a cup of coffee (wherever I find it), and embracing time shifts without guilt. Breathing the local pulse never hurt.
Val Seny ski resort awaits for more wondrous experiences.
What’s your plan for conquering jetlag when journeying across borders?