Today's blog post was written by the lovely Tamar Miller from Italy Awaits Travel. For more travel tips and all things Italy, check out Tamar's blog.
As someone who is not a good sleeper at home, I dread the flight from Miami to anywhere across the pond. Obviously flying is a class system and if you are not aware of the class warfare on board any airline then you have not peeked behind the real/proverbial curtain. Comfort on board comes at a premium. Yes, the other half really do live better on board a flight! Lie-flat seats, gourmet meal service, and attentive staff will absolutely provide a better tomorrow when traveling abroad. So, what about the rest of us? Well, seats in economy cabins seem to be shrinking before our eyes. I am a petite person whose knees firmly press against the seat in front of me. As I suffer in silence, I do say a prayer for all of you vertically blessed (I am talking to you tall folks) who must be in your own personal hells. Basically, not many of us in economy are getting any sleep on our transatlantic flight. Short of winning the lottery, we must work with what we have and form a community in the back of the plane.
Pro-tips for Flying:
1. Drink A LOT of water.
Not only will this keep you hydrated on board, but it will force you to get up and walk to the restroom. This keeps you walking around, stretching out, and avoiding leg cramps in your tiny torture chamber of a seat.
2. Try Reading for an hour instead of watching TV.
After dinner service and your movie has ended, grab a book to help your mind calm down and perhaps lull you to sleep. You would be surprised how well this works even while sitting at a 90-degree angle.
3. Wear loose-fitting clothing.
I know Tik Tok has convinced you to wear the cute travel outfit, but this is NOT the time to be cute. I want you to bring “I have given up on life” kind of comfort! Elastic waist bands are encouraged. Let’s face it, nobody looks their best after 12 hours of flying.
4. Prop your feet up.
If you can figure out a way to elevate your feet, even 4-6 inches, it will take the pressure off your lower back. I personally bring a small inflatable wedge purchased right off of Amazon for less than $10. I have seen foot hammocks sold online but I have also seen flight staff tell fellow flyers they cannot use them.
5. Choose the best seat for you.
If you have been blessed by the heavens to have an easy time sleeping on planes then yes, the window seat is your best bet. If you are like me and have accepted your 12 hours for what it is, a bumpy hell ride in the sky, then grab the aisle. This way you are not disturbing fellow passengers every hour trying to get up and walk around.
Fighting Jet Lag:
According to the Mayo Clinic, Jet Lag is a disruption to your circadian rhythms, also known as your internal clock. Crossing time zones puts this internal clock out of sync with the time of your new location. There is no cure, but you can certainly ease the pain.
1. Make sure you get a lot of sleep BEFORE your trip.
If you are sleep deprived, this will make your jet lag far worse.
2. Embrace the sunshine.
When you arrive at your destination, try to arrive when the sun is up. Light exposure helps influence your circadian rhythms and regulates melatonin. Walking around outside in the sun will suppress melatonin making you less sleepy.
3. Stay up!
I know as soon as you check into your hotel room, the fluffy bed is calling your name. Grab your things and get moving. If you can stay up throughout the day and go to bed at a normal bedtime you will be amazed how normal you feel the following day.
4. Stay hydrated!
Dehydration makes jet lag worse so keep your water intake flowing. You have been chugging your water on the plane, now keep it going as soon as you land. I have also found that putting a packet of electrolytes in my water bottle makes me feel so much better.
5. Take a sleep aid.
Sometimes we can drift off to sleep but we cannot stay asleep. Your sleep clock tells you it’s one time but it really is 3:00 in the morning. If you are like me and you would like to get that much needed REM, then a sleep aid on your first night abroad will help you along.
Flying is hard on the body, but the good news is that you are probably flying off to some amazing destination with fun in your future. The bad news is that it takes a long time to get there. I hope these tips can ease the pain so you can be off to happy travels and beautiful memories.