Few words conjure up as much trepidation among travelers as jet lag because it can ruin your trip.
I've flown to Europe twice, and just took another trip last week with my family. Since it was their first time visiting Europe, I didn't want jetlag to start us off on the wrong foot.
Jet lag can take a few days to overcome if you get it, and we had pre-cruise touring plans to see.
I was afraid my kids would succumb to it and end up wanting to sleep in the afternoon and wide away in the night. Not only would that mess up my plans, it would put them in a bad mood.
I came up with a plan to beat jetlag that worked out well, despite a challenging first day.
Pick a flight that lands as late a possible
If you have a choice, always pick a flight that lands later in the day.
I always assume I won't sleep on an airplane because I never do. Even in lay flat seats, I can never get comfortable enough and my mind races too much.
Ideally, pick a flight that lands as late in the day as possible. If you could get one that lands in the evening, you could go right to sleep when you arrive at your hotel.
Initially I had a Virgin Atlantic flight booked that landed at 7am in the morning, but luckily found an Air France flight that landed at 1pm.
The key to beating jetlag is to acclimate immediately to local time, and that means not going to sleep after you land.
The less time you are awake the day you land, the better. That way you're ready for sleep when it's the proper time.
Don't nap
I can't emphasize this enough, but napping is going to likely allow jetlag to settle in.
As I mentioned, you want to get on local time as fast as possible. Napping, especially when you're overtired from the flight, messes with your sleep cycle.
This is one of those "easier said than done" tips, but if you can manage to make it through the first day without napping and go to sleep at a reasonable hour in the evening, you'll thank yourself later when you're feeling back to normal faster.
Some travelers recommend the power nap, but I think it's too risky given how easy it is to stay asleep or sleep longer than intended.
Keep moving
If you shouldn't nap, I've found the best antidote to heavy eye lids is to keep yourself moving and doing things.
I dropped our bags off at the hotel and then immediately went out to tour and explore.
I find sitting or laying down, or even just being in your hotel room, seems to make it feel much more tired.
On the plus side, it's a good excuse to tour the city you're in pre-cruise.
One of the best tips for any cruise is to fly into your cruise port city at least a day ahead of time. When flying across the Atlantic ocean, I'd recommend at least two days. This prevents you from having a travel delay impact your ability to make your cruise ship.
I joked with a friend staying awake on the day you land is like the rules of fighting Freddy Kreuger. Don't let yourself fall asleep and keep moving!
My plan worked, it's still a difficult day
I don't want to make it seem this plan is a cake walk, because the first day is still going to feel rough.
At times I felt like a zombie, mindlessly walking to be doing something. By the late afternoon, it feels like keeping your eyes open is a struggle.
But it's all worth it on the second day. That night it's some of the best sleep of your life, and you wake up in the morning ready to go and see everything.
I felt so much better on the second day, with maybe some residual fatigue from the trip lingering. But by day three, I feel like myself again.
Not having jetlag is worth doing what's necessary, but it's not easy.
Having coffee or sodas early and often on the first day is a good idea too.
Ultimately, we had a great time seeing Paris and London, and we were ready to get on our Royal Caribbean cruise as if we were locals in terms of feeling acclimated to the time.
