WalkWhen Jetlag Hits, Fight Back
If you take an overnight flight and don’t get much rest, don’t go to right sleep when you arrive at your destination. Instead, fight the urge and try to stay awake until at least 10 pm so you can get on local time as soon as possible. When I’m in this situation, I try to expose myself to as much natural light as possible by going for a long walk outside.

If I really need to sleep, I’ll take a quick nap—like for 10 minutes on a public bench outside when it’s warm (with my belongings safely in the hotel). If it’s cold and rainy, or if I’m just in my room, I don’t get under the covers for a nap—instead I catch some shut eye on top of the sheets and set an alarm. Getting under the cozy sheets always comes with the risk of sleeping all day—and ruining your schedule for the week—so don’t do it!

FYI: The walk above can be found in Prout’s Neck, Maine, which my sister and her husband visited last year.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________

Tried this tip? Let me know in the comments!
Want to see more tips? Click here for all 115!

Want even more travel tips? Subscribe to the Daily Travel Tip newsletter! All you have to do is sign up for the weekly newsletter by filling in your email address and checking the Daily Travel Tip box in the top-right corner of the homepage.

If you already subscribe to the newsletter, fill in your email and check the Daily Travel Tip box in the same top-right corner of the homepage and you’ll receive an email with a link to update your JohnnyJet.com preferences. On that page, just click the Daily Travel Tip box and Update Profile and you’ll have Johnny’s best tips, straight to your inbox each day. And don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds!

8 Comments On "Travel Tip of the Day: When Jetlag Hits, Fight Back"
  1. John Decker|

    I know you are the most experienced traveler ever, but you could consider asking readers for their favorite tips, too. Some really travel a lot.

    John

    1. Eli|

      I travel to Asia about 4 times a year and I always try to land in the early evenings around 6 or 7pm. From there I stay up until about 11pm so I can adjust. To do this I pretty much stay up the entire 13+ hour leg watching movies. By the time I land, I am ready to relax and go to sleep.

      1. Johnny Jet|

        I totally agree!

    2. Johnny Jet|

      I plan to! I was just waiting until I run low but will ask now

  2. Gerri Everist|

    I used to travel a lot – Suliwesi..etc…always try to adapt to the local time asap.

  3. naoma4|

    I HAVE NEVER HAD jet lag. I only sleep 4 hours in 24 and it does not matter which four. And I travel a lot.

  4. fcsusan|

    When I fly to Europe (8 hour time difference for me), we usually arrive in the early AM. I go to the hotel, take a shower and go find food and take a long walk. About 2 PM (I’m usually feeling as if I can’t cross the street safely), I get a 2 hour nap (set the alarm) and then go out for dinner and more walking – can’t go to bed until at least 10 PM. This gets me on the correct time and I’m good to go the next day.

  5. crisispro|

    I do several things to avoid jet lag when flying to Europe. I eat before I board, then put myself into a resting state upon takeoff – sleep mask on, No Jet Lag pills, noise reducing headphones or quiet music. I ask flight attendants to keep my water glass full, then take a mild tranquilizer and go to sleep. Whenever I wake up for bathroom breaks, I drink water. I usually get at least 6 hours sleep this way (flying from the West Coast) and sometimes more. I only eat when I am sure I am up for good.

Leave a Reply

Required fields are marked *

Recent posts