JetLag 101

I love flying. I have a bit of a fascination with airports. There’s something about the idea of one building holding so many possibilities for so many people that I love. The idea of flying used to be such a romantic idea. Yet, now it has become a mundane task that we rush through in order to get to the real adventure. What a shame. 

However, most people I’ve met aren’t so fond of airports. A major reason for that is the jet lag they can cause. 

But with a few tips and tricks, airports can change from that dreaded place where you attempt to murder time, to a place of possibility. 

Flying is just the start of an adventure. Here’s how I enjoy it:

1. Wear Proper Clothes

   
   

If I’m getting on a plane it is for one of two options: I am traveling to play football for my university, or, I am off to experience a new culture. With option one, I don’t get a say in what I wear. The team is all required to wear black sweatpants, black running shoes, a t-shirt and the team jacket. Yet, with option two, when I travel for my own adventures, I can wear whatever I like. I believe in dressing well for the airport. You’re going to meet people from all over the world so I like to make my best impression. (This does not mean I sacrifice comfort). I also feel gross if I wear all baggy clothes for an extended time. But that’s just me. Generally speaking I wear:

*comfy boots (so I don’t have to pack them)

*warm cozy socks

*leggings (mine have two side pockets for a passport and phone for convenience)

*loose t-shirt that I love 

*grey hoodie

*scarf

Layers are important. I’ve been in airports that are freezing and airports that are roasting. Layers are the way to go. Be able to take them on and off easily for airport security and comfort. I also tend to braid my hair and avoid any makeup (other than Chapstick). Feeling good in what you are wearing is important since you will be wearing this for 15+ hours when traveling across oceans. 

2. Pack Light

   
   

If there was only one airport trick I could pass on it would be this one. Nothing is worse than lugging several bags through the airport. I am a firm believer in only having carry on luggage. Nothing is worse than losing your luggage in a foreign country with nothing on hand. I can’t remember the last time I checked a bag. When I travel for football, it’s one backpack and one duffle bag (rolling bags are a pain. They trip others and slow everyone down. They get stuck in dirt and mud. If you pack light your duffle bag will be easy to throw around and is the best way to go for these types of trips). When I travel otherwise I have one 40L backpack that I love. Having one bag makes going through security a breeze. 

Have a separate bag for toiletries at the top ready to go for security and the whole process just became better for everyone. 

3. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. 

   
   

Airports are dry places. You will feel a million times better if you drink a ton of water. I’ve never been to an airport without a water fountain so pack your water bottle. Your health will thank me later. 

4. Use Layovers as an excuse to get things done.

   
   

When traveling for football, being early to the airport or having a layover is great. It gives me time to work on class assignments or practice my juggling abilities. Instead of moaning about the wait and being miserable, find something that you either need to get done (such as sending those emails or finishing an essay) or something you enjoy (like juggling a football or playing cards with friends). The time will be well spent. 

5. Eat Well.

   
   

This one is hard. Every person is different based off preferences and dietary restrictions. I like to pack a few snacks from home that I love to keep me from being a hangry traveler. I also eat in the airport if I can find something that is both filling and has a fruit or vegetable in it. I can guarantee the airplane food is not going to make you feel great, so find something in the airport that will, whether it be a sandwich or a smoothie. 

When it comes to eating on the plane, don’t feel obliged to eat the meal just because its “free”. Sometimes its better to just nibble on the cheese and crackers rather than try to swallow the sketchy looking chicken. Don’t rely on the airplane meal as your only meal. 

6. Stop Worrying and Stop Complaining. 

   
   

One of my favorite parts of flying is letting someone else take control. There’s nothing I can do about delays or flight times so I find other ways to occupy my time (see #4). People now complain about delays on flights like its the greatest tragedy in the world. Going from New York to California in 5 hours is a miracle in itself. It used to take 30 years with dozens of casualties. Now we watch a movie and have a drink and before you know it you are on the other side of the world.

“People come back from flights and tell you a story like it’s a horror story. They act like their flight was like a cattle car in the 1940s in Germany.

"That's how bad they make it sound. They're like, 'It was the worst day of my life. We didn’t board for 20 minutes and they made us sit there on the runway for 40 minutes.’

Oh really? What happened next? Did you fly in the air, incredibly, like a bird? Did you partake in the miracle of human flight you non-contributing zero?’" -- Louis C.K. 

7. Talk To The People Next To You

   
   

I have met some amazing people on planes. Theres something about sitting next to a stranger, talking for hours, taking flight, all without even learning their name. I’ve heard some great stories and even made friends on planes. The best plane ride of my life was two hours from Spain to Malta because of a conversation I had with the two guys next to me. We ended up being Facebook friends and I learned all about their country that I was visiting. My experience that trip completely changed by meeting them. Talk to people on the plane, you never know who you’ll end up next to. 

8. Have a Pen Upon Landing

   
   

This seems silly, but its important. Customs require a pen. Make sure you have one that is easy to reach. You will save time and sanity this way. The excitement of a new place never really happens until I am through customs so I try to get through as quickly as possible. Having a pen that is easily accessible is a traveling secret all the pros know. 

9. Jet lag 101 = sleep when the locals sleep

Try to sleep on the plane, but if you are unable to do so, embrace the idea of coffee. The number one trick to avoid jet lag is by sleeping when the locals sleep. That means that if your plane lands at 9am, you need to stay awake until at least 9 pm in order for your body to adjust to the new time zone. It will be hard, but it is the only way to go. You will regret taking that nap as soon as you land. 

10. Go outside. 

The other great way to avoid jet lag is to be outside as much as possible wherever you have arrived. Walk the streets, enjoy a park. Anything outside will help your body adjust from being coped up in planes and terminals. I’m a big fan of going for a run in the new place to get a feel for my surroundings and make myself tired enough to get a good nights sleep on the first night. 

11. Appreciate it all.

With a little money and time we all have the ability to see the world. No other generation has had the access to flight and travel the way we have. It’s an incredible feat so appreciate how lucky you are to be able to fly. Enjoy the adventure and get a little lost (as long as you can find the airport on the way home).