Hello All, I'm here to tell you how to stop getting jet lag.  Most of us have had jet lag before, especially if you are reading this article.  Jet lag is basically how crappy you feel when travelling because of the time change and flying in general.  These tips are based on my trips from North America to Europe.  These tips are also useful for the opposite, or other long distance trip with modifications. 

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Sleep on the plane! 

Do not be that person who watches movie after movie the entire overnight flight. No. Just don't.  First of all, it's a really bad way to start your vacation off.  You'll be exhausted and it'll make it really really hard to re-adjust yourself to the time change.  Secondly, you'll keep so many other people up with the light. 

Most international flights to Europe that I have taken leave at around 6pm and arrive at around 4am (home time).  Instead of staying up the entire night, which will be the case by the time you go thru customs, get your luggage and travel to your hotel.  Try going to sleep fairly early, if you can't - just try. You might get a couple hours. It's better than nothing  

Another important thing is to bring a good set of ear plugs or music to help you fall asleep.  I also like to use an eye mask to block out the light.  

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Day 1 

Arrived? Take a nap

Take a nap when you get to the hotel.  This nap should be short.  An hour or so is best.  This will give yourself that much needed sleep but it'll help you get accustomed to new time.  I know you want to sleep for hours on end, but this will help you in the long run.  

After your nap, take a nice walk around the neighbourhood.  Get a good meal into you.   

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Go to Bed - local time 

The first night, and every night after, go to bed by 9-10 o'clock local time.  Especially that first night.  This is very important.  You will either be exhausted and fall asleep the moment your head hits the pillow, or you may be wide awake because it's technically mid afternoon for you.  If this is the case, maybe take something like melatonin to help you sleep (talk to your doctor before hand).  

Day 2 

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Sleep in - a little - the first day

By a little, I mean until 10 or 11am.  The first full day is a great time to get oriented with the city.  Don't go all out, but make sure to be out and about.  


Usually by this point I am pretty well accustomed to the time change and I don't feel relatively bad.  On the way back however, I haven't quite found the secret.  I personally find it's much easier to adjust to the time change going rather than coming back.  I hope these tips helped! 




** Matthew Smith
***Skitter Photo
****Patrick Donnelly
*****Francois Van