The Jet Lag Situation

 Resetting you watch when having a 14 hour flight ahead is easy, resetting your brain is the tricky part.  When flying across time zones our bodies take time to adjust.  If after a long flight you’re experiencing insomnia at night, sleepiness during the day, difficulty concentrating, hunger or lack of appetite, THEN my dear traveler you are dealing with a jet lag (!!)

Fortunately you’re not the only one! Here are some basic tips that will prevent or aid jet lag and will soon make you a pro!

BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT

Step 1 : Start adjusting to the time zone

About a week before you’re departure, start adjusting your sleeping and eating times, an hour ahead or behind, considering your destination.

Step 2 : Prefer Overnight flights

This will allow you to sleep through your flight better and arrive at your destination in the morning or afternoon. If on the other hand you leave at daylight and arrive night time at your destination try to avoid sleeping!

Step 3 : Consider taking the sleeping or travel ease pill.

Preferably ask a doctor if any of these pills are right for you before taking them.

WHILE ON BOARD

Step 1: Set your watch at your destination time

This will mentally prepare you for your new time zone.

Step 2 : Stay hydrated

Now this may not sound important but it is! Before your flight and every hour while on air drink plenty of water. Dehydration is one of the symptoms of jet lag and the dry cabin air does not help. If you are wearing contact lenses consider removing them or use eye drops.

Step 3 : Try to avoid alcohol on air

Due to the dry cabin air, alcohol and caffeine drinks will dry you out and therefore worsen your symptoms

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Step 4 : Eat lightly

Since airplane food is served considering the time zone you’re leaving with, try eating light snacks until you arrive. Then have a proper meal at the right mealtimes.

 AT YOUR DESTINATION

Step 1 : Stay as much as you can in the sun

If it’s daytime at your destination try to expose yourself to as much sunlight you can. This will help you adjust easily to your new time zone.

Step 2 : Take power naps if you have to

If you’re feeling too tired it’s ok to sleep for 30 minutes or so. Try not to sleep any longer or you’ll find yourself wide awake at 4am.

So here they are, 9 steps that will help you with your jet lag situation. Does anyone have any other tips to add??

Florence: A Love Affair

Il Duomo di Firenze

The Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio Bridge Shops

Boboli Gardens

Giardini di Boboli

Ferrari Cavalcade

Italy is bound to be on everyone's destination list. After visiting it for the first time, Florence, was one of the cities i  definitely had to see.  Having heard all about how beautiful this city is, i must it did not let me down.

Being the most popular city in Tuscany, Florence or Firenze, attracts millions of tourists each year. The city is famous for its history, culture and arts, but you have to be no expert nor have a trained eye to fully appreciate it's beauty. The city center is very easy to access and nearly all the sights are within walking distance. Having only a few hours before leaving, we definitely made the most of our time. Arriving by train from Bologna, we grabbed the first map that came in sight and began experiencing the city first hand.

First stop of the tour is the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria de Fiore (The Duomo), and believe me you couldn't miss it if you tried! You will stand  in awe as you sink in the beautiful  Duomo which looks like a piece of art and is the city's  most recognizable icon. Not so far down is the famous Piazza della Signoria, a square full of cafes and restaurants. Wandering down the alleys you finally reach the Ponte Vecchio. Florence's first bridge now full of little shops and buzzing with tourists. And this would be the point where you start thinking about moving here for life!

Want to reassure yourself that this place is heaven on earth?! Just cross the bridge to Giardino di Boboli, a huge park full of fountains and breathtaking gardens. And like all this wasn't enough, we were lucky enough to experience the Ferrari Cavalcade 2013. A parade of Ferrari's counting back to the very first models to the latest!

Having spent only 6 hours walking and wandering around the city, i can confess i am truly in love with it. Florence, it may have been  brief, but we are definitely meeting again! x