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Former pilot shares tips for fighting jet lag

<p dir="ltr">A former pilot has shared his fool-proof tips for beating jet lag when you’re flying to the other side of the world. </p> <p dir="ltr">As an ex-airline pilot, Jeremy Burfoot knows a thing or two about dealing with dreaded jet lag. </p> <p dir="ltr">After his years flying Qantas planes to every corner of the globe, Captain Burfoot has revealed to <em><a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/how-to-beat-jet-lag-ex-airline-pilot-shares-hack-for-flights-to-europe/656b0602-9cd2-4923-b3b4-1310a2613235">9Travel</a></em> the unique way he would combat the condition while he was working.  </p> <p dir="ltr">"I used to try and stay in a time zone of where I was living," he told <em>9Travel</em>. "So I went to London, I would just sleep during the day and go out at night."</p> <p dir="ltr">However, for those who need to be up during usual hours, he advised trying to avoid one thing.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The first day you get there, spend all day in the sun, in the daylight," he says. "Resist having an afternoon nap so you're really tired when you go to bed."</p> <p dir="ltr">Captain Burfoot went on to share his hacks for anyone flying from Australia or New Zealand to Europe, which can be some of the most gruelling flight paths in the world. </p> <p dir="ltr">"If I was planning to go to Europe, I would try to split it into two, try to fly both of the days in the daylight," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"You'd want to be on a flight to Singapore out of Australia that leaves in the morning, so you're basically doing a daylight flight to Singapore, then you have an overnight, eat some curry or something.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"And the next day catch a daylight flight to Europe. So it doesn't actually feel like you're up in the middle of the night."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Captain Jeremy Burfoot</em></p>

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The one in-flight activity to avoid to conquer jet lag

<p dir="ltr">While many people love to travel and explore new destinations, there’s no doubt that the worst part of a holiday is often the long-haul flight. </p> <p dir="ltr">With many holidays, especially ones overseas, a drastic change of timezones can mean jet lag is unavoidable, but there are a few things you can do to make life easy when you land. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to one travel expert, how you feel when you disembark often boils down to your in-flight activities. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sarah Built, who has worked up a lifetime of long-haul travel as the Etihad Airways Vice President of Sales for Australasia, told <em><a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/flight-tips-how-to-avoid-jet-lag/db8fbda1-2318-44c0-b9fe-e14d11dec70c">9Travel</a></em> that there is one thing she always avoids onboard in order to land at her destination feeling fresh: alcohol. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Whilst the allure of coffee, cocktails and snacks is real (particularly if you're travelling with kids), they can actually contribute to dehydration and worsen jet lag," she says.</p> <p dir="ltr">Instead of that in-flight beer glass of wine, Sarah says to drink water (with lime added for a twist) or herbal tea to boost your hydration and lessen that groggy mid-flight feeling.</p> <p dir="ltr">Drinking water is obviously also the key to staying hydrated, as Sarah says it's important to start drinking extra water the day before your flight, so you're going in prepared.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I carry a reusable water bottle to keep fluids up during the journey (most airports will have water stations for you to refill easily)," she says, which means you won't need to pay for an overpriced bottle at the airport.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue, and you want to be able to hit the ground running on arrival, so always remember to drink plenty of water," she advises.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

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The unique travel hack that is guaranteed to help beat jet lag

<p dir="ltr">Experts have revealed how to beat jet lag on your next overseas holiday, and it all comes down to your modes of transport. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sleep researchers said it's good news for cruise lovers, as exposure to sea air and bright natural light improves sleep to cure the annoying condition quickly.</p> <p dir="ltr">Some experts say to avoid travelling by plane all together, and always opt for cruising holidays instead. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, if you have to travel to your cruise by plane, being on board is a great way to tackle the dreadful feeling, compared with holidaying on land, Panache Cruises said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Lindsay Browning, expert at Trouble Sleeping said exposing yourself to bright lights at the right time after a long-haul flight is one of the most powerful things we can do to boost and help shift circadian rhythm, and being on a ship is the perfect place for that.</p> <p dir="ltr">"As a general rule, you want to get lots of bright light exposure during the daytime and avoid light at night," Browning said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"When travelling on a cruise ship, you will naturally get a lot of bright light exposure during the day, helping your circadian rhythm.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Further, when travelling by ship you will have a cabin with a proper bed and curtain, enabling you to sleep at night when you want to."</p> <p dir="ltr">The company claimed research showed how prolonged exposure to sea air can improve blood oxygen levels, boost vitamin D, and improve breathing leading to higher-quality sleep, helping to rid travellers of pesky jet lag so they can enjoy their holidays. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Beat jet lag with these tips and tricks

<p>Tossing and turning, eating because you’re bored and trying to pry your eyes open after a long-haul flight. If you’ve experienced one of these while flying, I am sure you’re well aware of the woes that, unfortunately, come with jet lag. While jetting off is an exciting time, the out-of-whack body clock is most certainly not!</p> <p>The key to beating jet lag is understanding what it is and what is going on with your body. Put simply, jet lag means your circadian rhythm (a fancy name for body clock) is out of synch with its new environment. It’s likely to occur when you cross four or more time zones at once. While travel in the westward direction is said to be kinder on the body clock, either which way you fly, jet lag is an annoyance I am sure everyone would prefer to do without.</p> <p>If your trip involves travelling across five time zones, you might want to consider a stopover. Here are some other helpful little tricks that actually work.</p> <p><strong>Sleep bank</strong><br />Prior to flying ensure you are getting enough sleep. Don’t stay up the night before a flight thinking you’ll sleep on the plane because if you can’t get to sleep on the plane you will be out of whack. Instead, in the days prior to take-off, try and get as much good quality sleep as you can.</p> <p><strong>Time-zone trickery</strong> <br />The key to beating jet lag is all the smooth transition between two time zones. Map out a plan before you get on board and set your clock to the time at your destination as you get on board. You’ll want to divide your flight time to accommodate time zone transition. Tailor the inflight services to your needs, even if that means missing a meal (often breakfast) so you can sneak in an extra hour of shut-eye.</p> <p><strong>Dress right</strong> <br />Although being able to easily fall asleep does have a lot to do with how comfortable you are, there are other factors, ones within your control, which you should consider. For instance wearing a good quality eye mask to block out light and choosing light, comfortable clothing made from a nice natural fabric that breathes (such as cotton) will help you get comfy and ready for sleep. Obviously lying down helps but failing be able to fly business class, at least try and choose your seat.</p> <p><strong>Eat light</strong> <br />You should watch what you eat not only before you fly but also on the flight too. Before you jet off you’ll want to steer clear of rich, heavy foods. Instead opt for lighter meals that include veggies. This is so your stomach doesn’t have to go into heavy-duty digestion mode once you’re on-board. If you can, make your pre-flight meal your main one and then eat light on the flight, leaning towards foods that are easy to digest. It’s better for your stomach to have two smaller meals when you fly allowing yourself ample digestion time in between rather that quickly eating a three-course meal.</p> <p><strong>Say no to drugs</strong> <br />Try to avoid using sleeping tablets as they tend to disrupt normal sleep cycles and may prolong jetlag.</p> <p><strong>Drink H20</strong> <br />Water is your best ally when fighting jet lag. It’s best to buy a bottle before you board so you always have a supply with you. Most planes (unless you’re in business or above) only serve water by the glass.</p> <p><strong>Limit caffeine and alcohol</strong> <br />You should minimise, if not cease, your intake of caffeine and alcohol and ensure you are well hydrated before and during the flight. You might think a couple of glasses of wine will send you off into a nice deep sleep, but not only alcohol dehydrate you, it also tends to result in inefficient sleep.</p> <p><strong>Keep active</strong> <br />Regular physical activity – such as walking around the plane and stretching – may also be beneficial.</p> <p><strong>Stop-over strategy</strong> <br />If you have a stop-over take advantage of what is available to you. If this is not a good time to sleep for the timezone you’re heading to, don’t! Instead have a shower (they’re often at big airports and can be used by anyone for a small fee), stock up on another light meal and avoid sitting around. Going for a walk around it a good way to stay awake and stimulated. If you can get some fresh air, do!</p> <p><strong>Landing strategy</strong> <br />As soon as possible after landing you’ll want to take a shower and have breakfast – if it’s breakfast time. Look for high protein options avoiding the easy carb route and get a good portion of salads or greens. A fresh juice is also a good option. And if you like your coffee, go for it. A good shot of coffee will reboot your energy levels. Berocca can also be helpful. If it’s daytime when you land, go out and expose yourself to daylight – the stimulus will help reset your body clock by regulating melatonin. And although you may feel like going to bed, stay awake and be somewhat physically active at least until sundown. Immediately adopting the local time is the best way to crush jet lag in just a few days: don’t go to bed before 10pm when you land, and get yourself out of bed before 10am on the first morning. Nothing quite kills motivation as much as jet lag, and when you land, the last thing you want to do is head out for a nice long walk or light jog, but pushing yourself to doing just that is one of the best things for you. It will help you revitalise your numb muscles after the flight, and give you more energy during the following days. If you have a beach or pool nearby, go for a swim. It is sure to give you a revitalised feeling. The general rule is you should exercise a night if you travelled westwards, and in the morning if you travelled eastwards.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Facial recognition is on the rise – but the law is lagging a long way behind

<p>Private companies and public authorities are quietly using facial recognition systems around Australia.</p> <p>Despite the growing use of this controversial technology, there is little in the way of specific regulations and guidelines to govern its use.</p> <p><strong>Spying on shoppers</strong></p> <p>We were reminded of this fact recently when consumer advocates at CHOICE <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/consumers-and-data/data-collection-and-use/how-your-data-is-used/articles/kmart-bunnings-and-the-good-guys-using-facial-recognition-technology-in-store" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed</a> that major retailers in Australia are using the technology to identify people claimed to be thieves and troublemakers.</p> <p>There is no dispute about the goal of reducing harm and theft. But there is also little transparency about how this technology is being used.</p> <p>CHOICE found that most people have no idea their faces are being scanned and matched to stored images in a database. Nor do they know how these databases are created, how accurate they are, and how secure the data they collect is.</p> <p>As CHOICE discovered, the notification to customers is inadequate. It comes in the form of small, hard-to-notice signs in some cases. In others, the use of the technology is announced in online notices rarely read by customers.</p> <p>The companies clearly don’t want to draw attention to their use of the technology or to account for how it is being deployed.</p> <p><strong>Police are eager</strong></p> <p>Something similar is happening with the use of the technology by Australian police. Police in New South Wales, for example, have embarked on a “low-volume” <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jul/01/calls-to-stop-nsw-police-trial-of-national-facial-recognition-system-over-lack-of-legal-safeguards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trial</a> of a nationwide face-recognition database. This trial took place despite the fact that the enabling legislation for the national database has not yet been passed.</p> <p>In South Australia, controversy over Adelaide’s plans to upgrade its CCTV system with face-recognition capability led the city council to <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-22/adelaide-city-council-votes-no-to-facial-recognition-in-cctv/101172924?utm_source=pocket_mylist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vote</a> not to purchase the necessary software. The council has also asked South Australia Police not to use face-recognition technology until legislation is in place to govern its use.</p> <p>However, SA Police have <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-22/adelaide-city-council-votes-no-to-facial-recognition-in-cctv/101172924?utm_source=pocket_mylist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indicated</a> an interest in using the technology.</p> <p>In a public <a href="https://www.itnews.com.au/news/sa-police-ignore-adelaide-council-plea-for-facial-recognition-ban-on-cctv-581559" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>, the police described the technology as a potentially useful tool for criminal investigations. The statement also noted:</p> <blockquote> <p>There is no legislative restriction on the use of facial recognition technology in South Australia for investigations.</p> </blockquote> <p><strong>A controversial tool</strong></p> <p>Adelaide City Council’s call for regulation is a necessary response to the expanding use of automated facial recognition.</p> <p>This is a powerful technology that promises to fundamentally change our experience of privacy and anonymity. There is already a large gap between the amount of personal information collected about us every day and our own knowledge of how this information is being used, and facial recognition will only make the gap bigger.</p> <p>Recent events suggest a reluctance on the part of retail outlets and public authorities alike to publicise their use of the technology.</p> <p>Although it is seen as a potentially useful tool, it can be a controversial one. A world in which remote cameras can identify and track people as they move through public space seems alarmingly Orwellian.</p> <p>The technology has also been criticised for being invasive and, in some cases, <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace-tech/bias-in-facial-recognition-isnt-hard-to-discover-but-its-hard-to-get-rid-of/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">biased</a> and inaccurate. In the US, for example, people have already been <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/wrongful-arrests-ai-derailed-3-mens-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrongly arrested</a> based on matches made by face-recognition systems.</p> <p><strong>Public pushback</strong></p> <p>There has also been widespread public opposition to the use of the technology in some cities and states in the US, which have gone so far as to impose <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/face-recognition-banned-but-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bans</a> on its use.</p> <p>Surveys show the Australian public have <a href="https://securitybrief.com.au/story/australians-uneasy-about-facial-recognition-tech-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">concerns</a> about the invasiveness of the technology, but that there is also support for its potential use to increase public safety and security.</p> <p>Facial-recognition technology isn’t going away. It’s likely to become less expensive and more accurate and powerful in the near future. Instead of implementing it piecemeal, under the radar, we need to directly confront both the potential harms and benefits of the technology, and to provide clear rules for its use.</p> <p><strong>What would regulations look like?</strong></p> <p>Last year, then human rights commissioner Ed Santow called for <a href="https://www.itnews.com.au/news/human-rights-commission-calls-for-temporary-ban-on-high-risk-govt-facial-recognition-565173" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a partial ban</a> on the use of facial-recognition technology. He is now developing model legislation for how it might be regulated in Australia.</p> <p>Any regulation of the technology will need to consider both the potential benefits of its use and the risks to privacy rights and civic life.</p> <p>It will also need to consider enforceable standards for its proper use. These could include the right to correct inaccurate information, the need to provide human confirmation for automated forms of identification, and the setting of minimum standards of accuracy.</p> <p>They could also entail improving public consultation and consent around the use of the technology, and a requirement for the performance of systems to be accountable to an independent authority and to those researching the technology.</p> <p>As the reach of facial recognition expands, we need more public and parliamentary debate to develop appropriate regulations for governing its use.</p> <p> </p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mark-andrejevic-567958" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mark Andrejevic</a>, Professor, School of Media, Film, and Journalism, Monash University, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monash University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gavin-jd-smith-195220" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gavin JD Smith</a>, Associate Professor in Sociology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-national-university-877" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian National University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/facial-recognition-is-on-the-rise-but-the-law-is-lagging-a-long-way-behind-185510" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Natural therapies for jet lag

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jet lag occurs when our body clock ‘lags’ behind (or in front) of local time. Symptoms of jet lag include; fatigue, sleepiness during the day, trouble concentrating, sluggishness, clumsiness and generally feeling less than fabulous. Jet lag is made worse by travel fatigue. Sitting down for hours in small seats, squished side-by-side like sardines in a can, our muscles are bound to cramp and tire. Even sardines get to lie down.</span></p> <p><strong>Reducing Jet lag</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The trick is you set your watch to the local time of your destination. This means that you try to sleep when it is night-time at your destination, and eat at your destination’s meal times. Speaking of eating, it is best to eat lightly, so you don’t feel like a stuffed trout – salads and fruit, instead of sugar and starch. The air circulating in planes is as dry as a chip and dehydration adds to jet lag, also triggering sinusitis, headaches and blotchy skin. Aim to drink one glass of water an hour while on the plane. And before you take-off make sure you are fully hydrated (this does not mean ‘tanked’) for the 24 hours prior to take off, drinking at least 2 litres of water.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The downside to drinking all this water is the need to use the bathroom frequently, which can be inconvenient when you are in the middle seat. However, the trip to the loo can double as ‘exercise’. We need to exercise to prevent swelling of the ankles and legs, and to prevent deep vein thrombosis, a potentially fatal condition that comes from being cramped in a confined space for hours. Why not make the exercise fun? If you were good at hurdles at school, use the food carts in the aisles to practice your jumping skills – the hosties won’t mind a bit. More sedate exercise involves circling your feet and ankles, hands and wrists, lifting each thigh for twenty seconds, while pulling in your tummy. Looks odd, but works a treat.</span></p> <p><strong>Other tips:</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Arnica, a homoeopathic remedy, is terrific for jet lag. Take a dose every couple of hours of the flight, and for a day after you arrive.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are an anxious flyer, take a dose of Rescue Remedy before and during the flight. Kava is also excellent for creating calm.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Take Ginseng and a B complex in the ‘morning’ to give you energy and Valerian and Passionflower at ‘night’ to help you sleep.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The herb Vitex agnus castus (Chaste tree) is thought to improve melatonin levels. Melatonin is the hormone that helps regulate our circadian rhythm. Take a dose with each meal.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you arrive, if it is night-time try to sleep or do relaxing things like a hot bath with lavender oil. If it is day-time spend some time outside in the sunshine to adapt to the new time zone.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you have the time, try to break up your journey with overnight stops. This will greatly reduce jet lag and your bank balance.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Travel first class. French champagne is well known to prevent jet lag and travel fatigue. When sleepy, snuggle in between those crisp white sheets and remember your earplugs to help to reduce the bleating sounds from cattle class.</span></li> </ul> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Written by Mim Beim. Republished with permission of </span><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/natural-therapies-for-jet-lag.aspx"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wyza.com.au.</span></a></em></p>

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The Queen's $1 jet lag cure

<p><span>The Queen’s schedule is jam-packed with appearances all over the world, so it is fair to say that she is quite an experienced traveller.</span></p> <p><span>All of her years of travel have allowed her to find a cure for jet lag that is not only effective but also very cheap.</span></p> <p><span>According to the </span><em><span>Independent,</span></em><span> Her Majesty relies on homeopathic medicines and barley sugar to get her body adjusted to different time zones.</span></p> <p><span>Barley sugar sweets, which can be bought from supermarkets for $1, help to kickstart her metabolism and gets her hungry at the right times of day.</span></p> <p><span>"Carrying out your daily habits like eating and sleeping in line with your new destination’s time zone — both en-route and on arrival — helps re-synchronise our body clock to our new environment,” general practitioner Dr Nick Knight told </span><em><span>The Telegraph</span></em><span>.</span></p> <p><span>“What the Queen is doing by having barley sugar is essentially using her body’s sugar metabolic pathways to help adjust her body clock.</span></p> <p><span>“Essentially the same should happen if you were to have your breakfast, lunch and dinner at times that match your destination before you get there, regardless of whether you’re hungry or not.”</span></p> <p><span>Have you ever used barley sugar to beat jet lag? Or do you have your own trick you swear by to beat jet lag? Tell us know in the comments below. </span></p>

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How coffee lovers can beat jet lag

<p>Like cancelled flights, missed bookings, or finding out your baggage has been forwarded to Austria instead of Australia, jet lag is just the thing to get your trip off to a bad start.</p> <p>We’ve touched on ways <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-tips/2017/08/dr-oz-ultimate-guide-to-avoiding-jet-lag/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">to prepare for </span></strong></a>and <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-tips/2016/11/company-helping-people-beat-jet-lag/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">cope with</span></strong></a> this annoying travel condition before, but it turns out we were barely scratching the surface to jet lag avoidance tactics.</p> <p>US travel expert Samantha Brown, who appears on the Travel Channel, has offered her advice regarding the expert tactics caffeine lovers can use to beat jet lag.</p> <p>But it requires a little bit of self-control.</p> <p>“No coffee (or any caffeine) two days before your flight,” says Ms Brown.</p> <p>“When you arrive at your destination, push yourself until your body feels like cement. Then and only then, have an espresso. The caffeine will hit your system strong and will carry you through to the end of the day,” she adds.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EaR4dpd5FIY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p>Do you have any tips for getting the better of jet lag?</p>

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4 secret techniques flight attendants use to avoid jet lag

<p>You don’t travel around the world without picking up a trick or two. M2 has asked United Airlines flight attendant Katie Harrison and Cathay Pacific flight attendant Linda Zhao to share some of their secret tips for avoiding jet lag after long hauls around the globe.</p> <p>Here are a few ideas you might want to take onto your next flight.</p> <p><strong>1. Having a catnap on your flight</strong></p> <p>It’s a good idea to sleep on your flight, but you don’t want to do it. The trick to avoiding jet lag is going to bed at night time in the timezone you’re travelling to, and because of this Zhao only allows herself a maximum of three hours’ sleep on a long haul flight.</p> <p><strong>2. Then taking a quick nap the minute you land</strong></p> <p>If you’re landing during the day and feeling exhausted you might be tempted to sleep for 16 hours! But Harrison suggests this is the wrong thing to do. Instead, a quick nap after checking in at your accommodation can rejuvenise and get you in sync with the world.</p> <p><strong>3. Taking measures to avoid dehydration</strong></p> <p>One of the key things that exacerbates jet lag is dehydration, so Harrison and Zhao both recommend taking measures to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids before, after and during your flight will help you stay fresh, relaxed and arrive at your destination in good shape.</p> <p><strong>4. Avoiding coffee and alcohol at all costs</strong></p> <p>Alcohol has a dehydrated effect, and coffee is the same with the additional jittery feeling you get from the caffeine. Both Harrison and Zhao recommend avoiding both in the hours leading up to your flight, otherwise you’ll arrive in your destination in ordinary shape. </p> <p>Do you agree with these tips? Have you ever faced a bad bout of jet lag?</p> <p>Let us know in the comments. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/5-foods-you-must-never-eat-on-a-flight/"><strong>5 foods you must never eat on a flight</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/why-you-should-never-throw-out-boarding-passes/"><strong>Why you must never throw out your boarding pass</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/08/5-sounds-you-hear-on-the-plane-explained/"><strong>5 strange sounds you hear during a flight explained</strong></a></em></span></p>

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10 tips to save your holiday from jet lag

<p><em><strong>Joel Centano writes for <a href="http://blog.virtuoso.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Virtuoso Luxury Traveller</span></a>, the blog of a <a href="http://www.virtuoso.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">global luxury travel network</span></a>, and he enjoys nothing more than taking a holiday.</strong></em></p> <p>It’s midday in the destination of your dreams. The sun is shining. Sites you’ve waited years to see are calling.</p> <p>But after a full night spent staring at your hotel room’s ceiling, your body is dragging. Your internal clock is signalling that it’s time to sleep.</p> <p>The modern miracle of air travel makes it possible to soar to the other side of the world in a matter of hours. But the swift traversing of time zones can take a serious toll, resulting in everything from insomnia and exhaustion to headaches, nausea, and disorientation.</p> <p>No doubt: Jet lag, aka “circadian desynchrony” in medical circles, can be a beast. But it’s one that can – and should – be tamed for the sake of your vacation. How? Follow these 10 simple steps, with sage advice from Virtuoso travel advisors.</p> <p><strong>1. Rest assured</strong></p> <p>To deal with jet lag, pre-emptive strikes are often the most potent. “Getting a good night’s sleep before the trip will dramatically help your body maintain its energy levels while traveling,” says Paôla Mansur, a Virtuoso travel advisor based in São Paulo.</p> <p>Also de-stress, exercise, and get your affairs in order before flying. All of those will help you sleep on the plane and in your hotel room when the time is right (read on).</p> <p><strong>2. Synchronize from the start</strong></p> <p>Jet lag rule of thumb number 1: For each time zone you cross, it can take your body up to one day to adjust to the local time. The cure?</p> <p>“Set your watch to your destination time when you board the plane and act as if you’re already in that time zone,” says Long Beach, California-based advisor John Oberacker. “If it’s night there, try to sleep. If it’s day, do your best to stay awake.”</p> <p>Sleep experts also recommend rising and going to bed earlier several days prior to a trip heading east and later when traveling west. To deal with jet lag, you can also shift meal times to sync with dining hours in your future destination.</p> <p><strong>3. Fly well to deal with jet lag</strong></p> <p>For any long-distance flight, comfort is key. The more R&amp;R you get in flight, the better you’ll deal with jet lag. “Flying business or first class will help you rest and be ready for your travels,” notes advisor Mary Ann Ramsey of Naples, Florida.</p> <p>Remember, too, that sleep aids such as eye masks, earplugs, neck pillows, and noise-reducing headphones are your friends. Need more help? “Consult your doctor about a light drowsy medication like Benadryl for an overnight flight,” recommends New York City-based advisor Jack Ezon. Natural remedies such as melatonin are also purported to induce sleep and speed up the resynchronization process in your new time zone.</p> <p><img width="500" height="250" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/23095/shutterstock_203546308_500x250.jpg" alt="jetlag"/></p> <p><strong>4. Break up your itinerary</strong></p> <p>Lisa Leavitt, a Boston-based advisor and mother of two teenagers, also recommends (if it’s feasible) an overnight layover en route to your ultimate destination. “During my recent family vacation to Hawaii,” she notes, “I arranged flights with an overnight hotel stay in San Francisco, which significantly lessened our jet lag.”</p> <p><strong>5. Just say no</strong></p> <p>You may love your coffee after dinner. Or your glass of wine with dinner to take the edge off flying. But for 12 hours before, as well as during, your flight, “stay away from caffeine and alcohol,” says Phoenix-based advisor Judi Glass. “Both dehydrate you, which makes jet lag worse.”</p> <p>Instead, she advises, drink lots of water to deal with jet lag. Experts recommend at least eight ounces for every hour in flight. Other tips for staying hydrated? Carry on moisturizing lotion, lip balm, and a hydrating spray with essential oils. In TSA-approved sizes, of course.</p> <p><strong>6. Quit kidding around</strong></p> <p>“For younger children, bring pajamas on every overnight flight,” says Ezon, a father of four. “Not only will it help get kids into sleep mode, but it also helps them feel fresh when they wake and change clothes.”</p> <p>When it’s time for bed, he adds, “collect their iPads and shut off the personal TVs. And on shorter overnight flights, don’t even look at the movie list. Go right to sleep!”</p> <p><strong>7. Stick your landing</strong></p> <p>For daytime arrivals, stay active and, at all costs, wait until nighttime to sleep. Be sure to spend time in the sunlight as well. This will help you deal with jet lag by adjusting your internal clock to your new surroundings. “If you land in the morning,” adds Ramsey, “schedule a private car and driver so you can sightsee at your own pace.”</p> <p>To ward off potential meltdowns in little ones? “If you have access to a pool, hop in the water, or do a family hike or run,” says Ezon. “And though I normally forbid soda, I always keep a few Cokes on hand for a caffeine rush when my kids get tired and cranky the first few days. It’s a life saver.”</p> <p><strong>8. Hit the spa…</strong></p> <p>Massages and spa treatments – especially during (think airport massages) and at the beginning of your trip – are essential to deal with jet lag, advises Mansur. Many hotels also offer special jet-lag-centric treatments that promote circulation, detoxification, and relaxation. Consider the spa at Bulgari Hotel Milan. It provides a Jet Lag Recovery experience that includes a detoxifying salt scrub, Balinese hot-stone massage, hydrating eye treatment, and refining clay body wrap.</p> <p>At Park Hyatt New York, Spa Nalai’s new Jet Lag Therapy remedies swelling, bloating, and body water retention, along with shoulder and back pain built up over long flights. Light therapy can also be a savior to deal with jet lag. The Lucknam Park Hotel &amp; Spa in Bath, England helps banish it with Haslauer Reflective Sunlight Therapy. The treatment offers the benefits of natural sunlight and vitamin D.</p> <p><strong>9. …Then sleep on it</strong></p> <p>When it’s time to sleep, sleep with abandon. Ask your Virtuoso travel advisor to book hotels that are committed to helping you catch some Z’s, such as Las Vegas’ The Signature at MGM Grand. The hotel offers Stay Well rooms with dawn simulator alarm clocks, lighting that resets wake-sleep cycles, and aromatherapy diffusers.</p> <p>In Abu Dhabi, butlers at Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara prepare candlelit evening baths infused with calming essential oils. The hotel also provides guests with eye masks, earplugs, and special beds that relieve pressure points.</p> <p><strong>10. Stay strong</strong></p> <p>There’s no sure-fire way to deal with jet lag. But taking the above steps should help lessen its effects. If all else fails, however, think mind over matter. Will yourself awake and remember: This may be the last time you’re in your dream destination. There will be plenty of time to sleep during your return flight home.</p> <p>Do you take any measures when you’re travelling to stave off jet lag? Do you agree with any of the suggestions made above?</p> <p>Share your thoughts in the comments.</p> <p><em>First appeared on Virtuoso. <a href="http://www.virtuoso.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Click here</span></strong></a> to visit their website for more information.</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/05/10-ways-to-beat-travel-sickness/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>10 ways to beat travel sickness</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/06/23-items-you-must-have-in-your-carry-on-luggage/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>23 items you must have in your carry-on luggage</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/06/5-things-to-do-to-avoid-getting-worst-seat-on-the-plane/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 things to do to avoid getting worst seat on the plane</span></em></strong></a></p>

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Jet lag cure might be just around the corner

<p>After flying for hours through multiple time zones, there’s nothing worse than being stuck with a bad case of jet lag at the start of your overseas holiday.</p> <p>But recent research suggests jet lag may one day be a thing of the past.</p> <p>Scientists at the Salk Institute in California who’ve been <a href="https://www.salk.edu/news-release/powering-up-the-circadian-rhythm/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>researching the biology</strong></span></a> behind the circadian rhythm (a 24-hour hormone-controlled cycle of activity and rest that determines whether we’re asleep of awake) has identified a key protein involved.</p> <p>What makes this discovery so exciting is the fact that the protein (REV-ERBα) plays a big role in determining how strongly the circadian rhythm is enforced.</p> <p>Director of Salk’s Gene Expression Laboratory Ronald Evans says: “Whether it is Beethoven’s 9th Symphony on your stereo or the symphony of genes in our bodies, both require volume to be heard. Our recent work describes how REV-ERBα acts as a molecular conductor to allow the volume or activity of thousands of genes to be dialled up or down.”</p> <p>So if scientists can figure out the measures that are most affecting these genes, they can figure out ways to keep them in line and eliminate effects like jet lag.</p> <p>Do you suffer from jet lag? Would you be open to changing your travel patterns if you felt it could influence whether or not you’d be effected.</p> <p>Share your thoughts in the comments. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related link:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/international-travel/2016/03/singapore-airlines-new-plane-end-jetlag/" target="_blank"><strong>This new plane could be the end of jetlag</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/01/what-causes-jetlag/" target="_blank"><strong>8 mistakes we make when trying to beat jetlag</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/05/10-very-useful-travel-tips-sites/" target="_blank">10 very useful travel tips sites</a></strong></em></span></p>

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8 mistakes we make when trying to beat jetlag

<p><span>Put simply, the human body isn’t designed for abrupt travel through multiple time zones. From an annoying distraction to a potentially holiday-destroying inconvenience, jet lag is never much fun. And a big part of the problem is there are still misconceptions regarding the best way to beat it. Here are eight mistakes we’ve been making, when trying to avoid the dreaded jet lag.</span></p> <p><strong>1. Making an effort to always try and sleep on a plane</strong></p> <p>Jet lag generally doesn’t kick in unless you’re travelling across time zones, so when making an effort to sleep on the plane put yourself in the time zone of your destination, ideally days before you leave.</p> <p><strong>2. It doesn’t matter which seat you end up in</strong></p> <p><span>While we can’t all afford first and business class seats, wider chairs with a deeper recline provide you with comfort for the solid sleep that could see you dodge jetlag. By choosing an exit row seat you will have that extra couple of inches to relax.</span></p> <p><strong>3. Watching the movie to help you fall asleep</strong></p> <p><span>Even if it’s not a particularly entertaining film, watching any movie will agitate and stimulate your circadian rhythm, leading to less rest. It’s suggested that you turn off your movie and any electronic devices at least one hour before your desired nap time for the best results.</span></p> <p><strong>4. Getting a drink to help you fall asleep</strong></p> <p><span>While a little bit of booze might help you fall asleep initially, the quality of your sleep will suffer. It will be more fragmented, and leave you with a groggy feeling when you wake up. Instead, you’re far better off going with a glass of water, but not too much as mid-air bathroom visits every 15 minute are also not very conducive to sleep.</span></p> <p><strong>5. Popping a sleeping pill</strong></p> <p>While sleeping pills are not necessarily a bad thing, they should be really only used on flights that are at least seven to eight hours long. Any less and they’re going to leave you sedated and very drowsy when you reach your destination, which is probably not a fantastic look to have when you’re going through customs.</p> <p><strong>6. A morning coffee on the way to the airport</strong></p> <p>Even if you really need a coffee to function at the start of your day, it’s not going to help you sleep on a plane. Avoid caffeine on your flying day as it stays in your system several hours after consumption.</p> <p><strong>7. Not taking the necessary tools</strong></p> <p>By having an eye mask, neck pillow, ear plugs, comfortable clothing and a blanket handy you significantly increasing your chances of getting some solid shuteye.</p> <p><strong>8. Not taking enough time to adjust to your surroundings</strong></p> <p><span>While you may feel refreshed and ready to see the sights as you jump off the plane, this feeling might not necessarily last. It’s recommended that you set aside at least one-half to three-quarters of a day to getting your body used to your new surroundings, before you try anything too strenuous.</span></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2015/12/five-star-floating-hotel/">The five-star hotel that floats in the ocean</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2015/12/10-spectacular-drone-photos-taken-in-2015/">10 spectacular drone photos taken in 2015</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2016/01/common-travel-insurance-exclusions/">8 common travel insurance exclusions</a></strong></em></span></p>

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