Looking for a realistic guide to beating jet lag? Read on for my process to get you quickly on local time.

 

Buzzing with excitement upon arriving in Paris, the cab door swings open, depositing us on Rue Dauphine in the 6th Arrondissement. We chose a cab ride from Charles de Gaulle because, as savvy travelers, we recognize our limits with public transit, especially after a transatlantic flight.

Dragging our duffel bags, we headed to the address specified in our Airbnb booking. Following the unexpectedly intricate instructions to locate the key and the apartment, we soon discovered a problem: the key wasn’t where our host assured us it would be, and the apartment door numbers didn’t align with our expectations.

Merely taking our initial steps, we were already grappling with a predicament. Scouring every nook and cranny for the elusive key, trekking up and down the narrow staircase—undoubtedly confusing our temporary neighbors—we finally conceded to contacting our host.

Simultaneously, we decided to double-check the address against the listing.

As it turned out, we were in the wrong building.

Beating Jet Lag

This marked the first instance I distinctly felt jet-lagged in Paris. A simple error that, years later, becomes a source of laughter. Not only that, during the same trip, we began refining our strategies for beating jet lag, accepting that there is no foolproof method.

You will be tired, you will wrestle with jet lag, and at times, it will be challenging.

My personal approach to beating jet lag

There are ways to swiftly cope with beating jet lag and keep your journey on track while enjoying the process. I’ll caution you that what works for me might not work universally. Successfully overcoming jet lag involves recognizing your body’s needs and tailoring your approach accordingly. Feel free to try out my system but adapt it to suit yourself, and share your experiences in the comments!

1: Opt for Overnight Travel

If you’re traveling from the United States, selecting flights that align with your normal evening schedule can be fairly straightforward. Most eastbound flights operate overnight, syncing well with your bedtime. While it might be tempting, resist the urge to consume caffeine and limit your alcohol before and during the flight.

2: Sleep on the Plane, Realistically

I struggle with sleeping on planes. Unlike my wife, who can enjoy a glass of wine, watch a movie, and doze off effortlessly after dinner, I find it challenging to get comfortable or close my eyes for an extended period. Instead of fighting it, I’ve accepted my inability to sleep soundly. I focus on those brief catnaps, but more importantly, I frame my aviation insomnia positively, knowing I’ll be too excited to sleep upon landing anyway.

3: Get Moving Upon Arrival

Once you reach your destination, don’t linger—get moving! Drop off your luggage, freshen up, and start exploring. Jet lag despises fresh air, daylight, and activity. In Paris, this is an excellent opportunity to visit outdoor spaces or head to a café terrace for a drink and a bite to eat. Alternatively, initiate your sightseeing agenda and explore nearby locations.

My favorite approach? Familiarize yourself with your temporary neighborhood. Discover nearby restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and hidden gems. Interact with locals and inquire about their favorite spots. Stay busy, and the fatigue will gradually dissipate.

4: Stay Awake and Nap Responsibly

Depending on your arrival time, the allure of a nap may tempt you, especially if you’ve landed in the morning. While activity helps combat tiredness, if you must nap, do so responsibly. Set an alarm to wake you within a half-hour or so. Lying down is acceptable, but resist the temptation to oversleep.

5: Hydrate and Indulge a Bit

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially after flying. Focus on water initially, perhaps adding electrolyte powder or a sports beverage. Once you’ve addressed water intake, you can move on to more enjoyable liquids.

For me, that includes coffee and beer.

I know conventional advice suggests avoiding these beverages, but I find joy in sipping a cappuccino or indulging in a few cold ones during my travels. No sense in denying your pleasures when it’s much more enjoyable to dive into the local scene. Drink responsibly, intersperse with water, and savor these social moments, as they’ve consistently kept jet lag at bay for me.

6: Plan an Evening Activity

After lunch and a potential caffeine or alcohol intake, you might start feeling more tired than you’d like. To combat this, plan a small, casual event for the late evening. Whether it’s a Seine cruise, a self-made picnic and champagne toast on the Pont Neuf, a jazz club session, restaurant reservations, or a short visit to a nearby attraction, having a post-dinner activity can be a powerful motivator when beating jet lag. Do your best to keep it within walking distance from your lodging so that you can continue to reap the benefits of the fresh air.

7: Return Home and Align with the Local Bedtime

As you approach your normal bedtime hour at home locally, start winding down. Adjusting to local time quickly is crucial for resetting your internal clock and beating jet lag. Whether you’re an early sleeper or a night owl like me, give in to the sleepiness at this point and let your body acclimate to the local timezone.

8: Take It Easy on Day 2

On the second day, avoid scheduling early morning activities, and ease into your morning routine. While no one wants to spend their trip sleeping, it’s perfectly acceptable to hit snooze on the first full day to allow your body the rest it craves. This tip is particularly important when planning an itinerary that includes timed entry to major sights like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower. Get up, head out, but don’t overexert yourself.

9: Fuel up Before heading out.

Ensure you’re fueling yourself adequately. While a quick coffee and croissant may feel decidedly Parisian, try to also incorporate more substantial items like yogurt, eggs, fruit, and another source of carbohydrates. A satisfying breakfast not only provides the necessary energy but also serves as an excellent opportunity to review your plan for the day while you enjoy your meal.

10: Be Kind to Yourself and Your Travel Companions

While striving to stick to your plans and stay active, be forgiving if you feel tired or patience wears thin. Despite making it through the first night and feeling invigorated after breakfast, there may be moments when things deviate from the plan. Whether it’s a minor disagreement with a travel companion or the need for a brief break, be patient and understanding. Take that break, knowing there will be plenty to explore once you’re ready.

Travel is seldom flawless, and that’s perfectly fine! It’s patience and positivity that propel us forward when things go awry. More often than not, you’ll be reminiscing and laughing about the hiccups later in the trip.

Congratulations, you’re beating jet lag!

Armed with these tips, not only will you be on your way to beating lag, but you’ll kick off your Parisian adventure and other travels with enjoyable activities. I’d love to hear what worked for you and your additional tips in the comments.