Leave Jet Lag Behind

Where are you going this winter--southern Italy or the Bahamas? Many people take winter vacations to get away from the cold and escape to a warmer climate. The one thing they can't escape is jet lag-one of the worst problems travelers face. Instead of hopping off the plane for a great adventure, many vacationers on overseas flights walk off the plane "with droopy eyes, a tired body and an even more exhausted mind," writes Jonathan Aiken for CNN.com.

There are a number of things you can try to beat jet lag--at least a little.

Before You Board

-When you check in or if you book online, choose an aisle or window seat if you can. That way, there aren't people on both sides of you. And you'll be a lot more comfortable and more likely to fall asleep.

-Resist the urge to nap while you're waiting to board your plane. These days, international flights are a little more reliable than domestic flights when it comes to departure times, so you shouldn't have to wait too long--after all the security checks. The whole idea is to be sleepy when you get on the plane.

-Ask your health care practitioner about a new dietary supplement you can take called e-NAD-alert.The drug uses a form of an enzyme found in the body that stimulates cellular energy production The latest research, according to CNN.com, shows this supplement is somewhat promising at relieving the effects of jet lag. In one study, some people did feel more alert after taking the supplement, but researchers caution that the results are still very preliminary.

-Avoid, if you can, taking sleeping pills before (or during) the flight. You may not know how they'll react with the high altitude. And they may make you feel "hung over" when you land.

-Pick up some ear plugs before you take off.

-This may be a hard one, but don't drink alcohol before taking off (which is good advice for the pilots these days, as well). The cabin of the plane is already too dry and alcohol will just add to the effect.

On the Plane

-Wait until the plane takes off and see if you can spot two empty seats together in your section. If so, grab them. Then you can lie down across those two seats and snooze. But first check to see that you won't be near a baby or toddler.

-Again, skip the alcohol and drink water to avoid dehydration. If you can't stand water, then go for the fruit juices. Soda and tea are not good choices because they, too, are dehydrating.

-Try to fall asleep after take-off-even better, before take-off. It's a good time to let yourself relax, because there are forces which make you feel heavy -- and sleepy, according to travel experts at CNN.com.

-You know how the flight attendants wake you for a meal just when you've dozed off? Consider skipping the airline meal (and make sure you tell the attendants). Instead, take along your own snacks to keep you going. And fantasize about that great meal you'll eat when you arrive at your exotic destination.

-To help you sleep, use an eye mask, pillow, blanket, and warm socks -- which international flights usually give you anyway. Remember those ear plugs you were supposed to buy before you board? Now's the time to use them.

-Buckle your seat belt over your blanket so flight attendants don't have to wake you in case there's turbulence--as if you're really going to sleep through that--but it's worth a try.

-If you can't sleep on the plane, read or watch the movie. Sometimes it helps to watch the movie without sound.

-And here's an old standby: Every once in a while, stretch or get up from your seat. This helps your circulation and prevents stiffness when you leave the plane.

When You're Finally There

-About 30 minutes away from landing (during the descent), start waking yourself up mentally and physically, suggest CNN.com's travel experts. If you wake up then, it gives you time to get re-orientated. You'll also feel better if you have time to go to the restroom and freshen up.

-After you land, take a walk in natural light if it's possible. Natural light helps the body reset its biological clock, which gets confused up when you pass through several international time zones, says CNN.com.

-Should you sleep off the jet lag right away in your hotel--or stay up until it's time to go to sleep in your destination? Everyone has a different view on this; you'll just have to do what comes naturally and find out for yourself.

International flights are wearing, but if you follow the above suggestions, you should be able to enjoy the first few days of your trip without as much exhaustion.

Have a safe and wonderful trip!