Jet Lag Be Gone!

Let’s face it, jet lag is the not-so-glamorous sidekick of international travel. One minute you're sipping wine over the Pacific, the next you're wide awake at 3am Googling "is it normal to crave a burger in Rome at this hour?"

The good news? You can outsmart jet lag — or at least soften the blow — with a few smart moves before, during, and after your flight. Here’s how to get your body clock back on track so you can spend less time napping and more time adventuring.

1. Start Adjusting Before You Fly

A few days before your trip, begin nudging your schedule in the direction of your destination’s time zone. Flying east? Go to bed and wake up a bit earlier each day. Heading west? Stay up later. Even a 30-minute shift can help soften the time zone shock.

Pro tip: Set your watch and phone to your new time zone as soon you board your flight. It’s a small mental shift, but it works wonders.

2. Hydration is Your (Jet Lag) Superpower

Cabin air is dryer than a desert podcast. And dehydration makes jet lag symptoms worse — think fatigue, headaches and irritability. Sip water consistently throughout your flight and go easy on caffeine and alcohol (yes, even if that wine is free).

Bonus tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and ask flight attendants to refill it. Way easier than juggling tiny plastic cups at 35,000 feet.

3. Sleep Smart on the Plane

Sleeping at the right time during your flight is key. If you’ll land in the morning, try to sleep mid-flight so you’re somewhat rested on arrival. Landing in the evening? Stay awake as long as possible so you can crash when you get to your hotel.

Noise-cancelling headphones, an eye mask, a comfy neck pillow and a natural sleep remedy like melatonin can turn a so-so sleep into something semi-decent. And yes, it’s totally okay to look ridiculous in the name of better rest.

4. Chase the Sun (Even If You Feel Like a Zombie)

Once you land, your body needs light to reset its internal clock. Spending time outdoors — especially in the morning — tells your brain, “Hey, it’s time to be awake now!” Even a 20-minute walk in daylight can help speed up the adjustment.

Warning: Do not give in to the siren song of your hotel bed at 2pm. Push through until a normal local bedtime, then enjoy the best sleep of your life.

5. Eat Like a Local

Try to eat your meals on local time as soon as possible. It helps sync your body’s rhythm and tricks your digestive system into adjusting. Skip the “airport snacks as meals” routine — they rarely do you any favours.

Feeling super groggy? A small coffee can help, but time it carefully. Too late in the day and you’ll just end up wide awake… again.

6. Be Kind to Your Body

Stretch, hydrate, breathe. Jet lag is your body adjusting to a time warp — not a personal failure. Light movement, a hot shower, and even a quick nap (keep it under 30 minutes) can all help you feel a bit more like yourself.

So the next time jet lag tries to mess with your holiday mojo, follow these pro and you’ll be ready to tackle it head on. Just remember, you didn’t travel across time zones to nap your way through a new city.

So go out there and make the most of your destination — croissants at dawn, siestas at the right hour and zero regrets.