HOW TO COMBAT JET LAG

If you've been following along with us on our travels to Europe, you might have noticed we always complain about jet lag. We always forget how difficult it is to travel across multiple time zones overnight and lose those hours we'd typically spend sleeping, and (full disclosure) we usually have to make a big effort to set aside our irritability and be extra patient and kind to each other that first day abroad until we get our circadian rhythms back on track. We won't pretend to be experts on this topic because we haven't found an easy way to eliminate the effects of jet lag, but we thought we'd share a few strategies that help us make the adjustment to a new time zone. Let us know your tips and tricks in the comments below!

Here are our 5 tips for coping with jet lag when traveling eastward:

1) BOOK AN EVENING FLIGHT AND SLEEP ON THE PLANE

Book an evening flight so you can rest when you're naturally tired. Resist watching all the new movie releases and try to get as much sleep as possible. It won't be good sleep, but it still counts as rest.

2) STAY HYDRATED AND KEEP EATING

Buy a large bottle of water before you board the plane, and drink it throughout your flight. Take the little glasses of water offered to you throughout the flight as well. Eat breakfast when it's offered even though it seems like dinner was just served.

3) HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

Try to adjust to local time as soon as you arrive. Resist the urge to nap and spend your first day exploring your new destination. Stay active and get as much exposure to fresh air and daylight as possible (i.e., don't plan to visit museums on the first day). If you absolutely have to nap, set an alarm for 30 minutes and force yourself to get back up and outside.

4) CALL IT AN EARLY EVENING

Go to bed slightly early that first night. You can experience the local nightlife another day.

5) WAKE UP AT A NORMAL TIME AND STICK TO YOUR NEW SCHEDULE

Set an alarm for a morning wake-up and get your day started. Try to eat and sleep based on your new time zone.

Also, remember to BE KIND to your travel partner! You'll feel better with time.