Jet lag can be defined as “extreme tiredness and other physical effects felt by a person after a long flight across different time zones”. For those of us who travel long haul, we don’t need the dictionary definition to know the havoc that crossing time zones can have on our bodies. As well as extreme fatigue other effects can include loss of appetite, memory and concentration issues, bowel and digestive problems and irritability. Unfortunately, these effects can last anywhere from a few days to a week or more. Not a great way to start your dream holiday in a different time zone!
No one wants to suffer the effects of jet lag when they arrive in their dream destination – we all want to get straight out there and experience all it has to offer! Fortunately, there are some actions you can take which may reduce the impact of jet lag on your travel experience. These include: Before you get on the plane:
0 Comments
![]() If you google “must have travel accessories” a multitude of options are presented – fluffy pillows that pack down to the size of a fingernail, expandable luggage that will fit all your holiday impulse buys with ease. But being the practical travellers we are here at The Inspired Travel Guide we have condensed these options to 4 practical must haves for your next trip. Check these out below. Bluetooth Enabled Trackers There are a few options here – but one of the most popular would have to be the Tile Bluetooth tracker. Coming in a few different versions – Tile is a small Bluetooth tracker which combines with an app that allows you to locate items. Place one on your luggage and never lose it again! Easy to buy at your local electronics store – surely a must have. If you are a die hard Apple fan then the Apple AirTag provides an option which will work with your “Find My” app – allowing Siri to do search for you! Luggage Scale Have you ever been the traveller unpacking their luggage at the check in counter – putting on 7 layers of clothing and stuffing your pockets in an effort to make the luggage weight restriction? With a compact luggage scale you can check your bags weight before you get to the airport. The Korjo Digital Luggage Scale is compact and light – easily slipping into your luggage or handbag to allow you to avoid the embarrassment and cost of overweight luggage at check in. ![]() Stylish Tote Whether it is for a quick work trip, or an extended vacation, we all want to get onto the plane / train / car looking put together and stylish while carrying all our essentials - enter the tote bag. Oroton is one of our all time favourite Australian brands and has a multitude of fashion forward, yet practical, options. A current favourite is the Margot Medium Zip Tote. A perfect size, with a classic style and secure zip closure, the range is fashioned from pebble grain leather and available in 2 colours (whiskey is our fave). A classic which just wont go out of style. ![]() Packing Cubes Once a packing cube sceptic – I can now say that packing cubes have changed my travel life. The ability to open your suitcase and know that everything is in its place is immensely satisfying. It is also a huge time and space saver – who would have thought that adding another item to your suitcase would be a space saver? – counter-intuitive, but true. There are a huge range of different options available – but we love the ZoomLite Globetrotter packing cubes. The 10 piece bundle gives you 7 different sized packing cubes with labels an a variety of colour options. ![]() Whether you are taking your first trip with a child, or have taken many with several children – travelling with children can fill you with anxiety. Our recommendation is always say yes to travel – but maybe with some extra planning. So read on to check out our top tips for travelling with kids below: Research A little time spent researching your destination up front will make a huge difference to your ability to enjoy things when you arrive. It isn’t worth packing a stroller if there aren’t good paved sidewalks at your destination. Does your child need any vaccinations before they travel? Does the villa you have booked have a pool fence? Does your baby need a Visa? Research your destination well before you begin to pack to save yourself time and unnecessary drama when you arrive. Pack something new for the plane / train / car An oldy but a goody – pack a new toy, snack, book etc to distract your child whilst travelling to your destination. For babies this could be a new teething ring or toy, for older children this could be a new book, a game or movie downloaded onto the iPad. Save this to be pulled out just when they are getting bored and unsettled – the ultimate distraction for them and sanity saver for you. Consider an apartment rather than a hotel room As great as hotels are for getting away, it is nice to know that when you get to your destination you can stock up a fridge and make some of your own meals, or do some clothes washing mid trip. For this reason, a hotel suite with a kitchenette and laundry or an apartment might be better suited. It doesn’t sound as glamorous, but when you have baby vomit all over every outfit you have brought with you two days into your holiday you will be thankful for the washing machine. Having an apartment or a suite with a bedroom door you can close will also mean that the whole family doesn’t need to go to bed when it is lights out for the 5 year old. Take enough nappies and baby food Whilst usually we would always advise not to overpack - this is one exception. Pack all the baby milk formula, baby food and nappies you may need to take with you. Don’t rely on picking some up at your destination – its never fun to run around at 2am in a strange city looking for the right sized nappies. You can always pick up other items at your destination – but you don’t want to mess with these essentials. If you are travelling overseas you may also want to take sterilizing tablets and any basic medication your child may need during the trip. Give Yourself Time! Don’t make things more stressful than they need to be by not giving yourself plenty of time to get places. Toddlers (and more often than not – teenagers) will always need to go to the bathroom right as you are ready to leave. Sure, you can rush everyone along, but it is just going to increase the stress levels for everyone. Give yourself enough time to get places, for transit and enough downtime in between sightseeing to relax. Have any great tips and tricks for travelling with children? Share them via the comments section and don’t forget to like and share our Facebook and Instagram pages – links below. |