International Air Travel
From LoveToKnow Travel
International air travel brings the world closer together. Still, a 12 hour flight is no easy task, and no one likes the horrible feeling of jet lag. By taking a few precautions and following a few simple guidelines, your international flight will be smoother and a much more pleasant experience. Start your vacation right!
International Travel - Affects on Your Health
Flying hundreds of miles in the air at speeds unimaginable to the human mind takes its toll on the body. You might notice some of the following symptoms during or after long flights:
- Disorientation
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Irregular elimination
- Pain in the limbs
- Poor digestion
Fortunately, these symptoms are easily remedied and can be treated even before you embark on your international journey.
Traveling Overseas - Before You Leave
Your body must make huge adjustments for your flight and to adopt a new culture, time zone and possibly even a season change. To ease the transition, a few simple measures can be taken to give you a pleasurable trip with little or no jet lag.
- The week before you depart, make sure you get a lot of sleep. Going to bed early is better than sleeping in late, as the body recovers better during the early night hours than in the daytime.
- Begin altering your diet to include less "sticky" foods, such as desserts, meats, cheeses, etc. These tend to clog your digestion and can cause problems while adjusting to a new time zone.
- Favor more fresh fruits and vegetables before and after your long flight. These help the body cleanse itself and are easy to assimilate. The less strain your diet puts on your body, the more energy it can focus on keeping you feeling well.
- Stretch and get some light exercise such as yoga, pilates, nia or any other physical activity.
International Air Travel - During Flight
Long hours on an airplane can take its toll on your mind and body. Sitting in the small chairs unable to move about freely while zooming through the skies at speeds of hundreds of miles an hour isn't something your body gets used to quickly. Jet lag is a common experience for anyone crossing time zones. If your international flight is taking you across the globe, you'll likely be changing more than just time zones. Follow these tips to stay as sane as possible!
- Try and keep a similar routine as what you would follow before leaving. Rest at approximately the same time, eat at the same times, etc. Routine is your greatest asset while traveling overseas.
- An hour or so during the flight, change your watch, computer clock, etc. to the current time of your destination.
- Move around as much as possible. Get up, stretch, walk up and down the aisles. Try and take a little breather every hour or so.
- Drink lots of water on your flight. The frequent trips to the bathroom will also get you up and moving!
- Avoid alcoholic drinks and heavy foods during flight.
International Air Travel - When You Land
After the long flight is over, you can begin the process of adjusting to your new surroundings.
- If the season or weather is very different, wear appropriate clothing.
- If you're tired, take a nap. It's best if you can simply go to bed when it's nighttime at your new location, however, so try not to oversleep.
- Eat warm, nourishing meals. You've been snacking and eating airline food, so this will be a welcome change!
- Take a few days to recover from the flight. Rest, don't sightsee too much during these days, but walk around and start absorbing your new surroundings.
International Travel - Not As Bad As It May Seem
International air travel can be a long and laborious process. However, if you take the proper preparations and follow a few simple guidelines before, during and after your flight, you can adjust surprisingly well. Stay healthy and enjoy your vacation to the fullest!
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