My expertise is usually with transatlantic flights from the US East Coast. (Transpacific simply plain sucks it doesn’t matter what).
Before the flight:
If you can begin adjusting to the brand new timezone even a little – getting up and going to mattress half an hour earlier every day for a few days earlier than the flight – it helps a lot. I’ve by no means bothered with an app or something for this.
Download maps of your vacation spot to your cellphone so that you’ll be capable to navigate whereas offline.
To pack: Noise-cancelling headphones, comfy eye masks, neck pillow in the event you prefer it and have room, one thing to maintain heat on the flight. Lightweight jacket, blanket, pashmina that may double as a gentle blanket in a pinch, no matter. Water bottle to refill when you’re by safety. Melatonin. Battery pack and cable for your gadget. (Don’t overlook the worldwide plug adapter for if you get there!) Snacks for the flight.
For the flight:
As quickly as you’re on the aircraft, attempt to mentally regulate to the brand new timezone. Set your watch and cellphone forward/behind. If you’re on a red-eye eastbound, for occasion, take a melatonin as quickly as you board and attempt to sleep if potential (I can’t) or relaxation in any other case – particularly keep away from blue gentle from screens. If you’ll be able to’t sleep having an audiobook or podcast loaded on your gadget can hold you from getting too bored whereas not being uncovered to brilliant display screen gentle.
Noise-cancelling headphones and a comfy eye masks are a should.
Once you arrive:
Sunlight cues assist tremendously with jet lag. If you’re eastbound, attempt to get morning gentle as a lot as potential. Avoid the urge to nap on arrival if in any respect potential – I’m a huge fan of the “power through the first day and crash early” strategy. If you’ll be able to travel a day early so that you don’t should go to work instantly, I prefer to spend that spare day strolling round exterior – the train will assist me sleep when it’s time, and the daylight helps reset my inside clock. When potential, I’ll go away the blinds within the lodge cracked to let in some morning gentle as an extra adjustment. Melatonin is nice for eastbound travel.
Oh, and if your lodge permits early checkin, a bathe on arrival is gold.
