Tips To Avoid Travel Woes

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

10 Aug 2006 04:54 PM

August has always been a busy travel month for our family. We celebrate two birthdays a week during the month of August; it is also the unofficial "last month of summer;" and August is traditionally a great time to find end of the summer travel deals. If you have waited this long to take your family vacation, you certainly don't want it ruined by motion sickness or jet lag. Whereas some vacationers simply consider jet lag and motion sickness "downsides" of traveling, there are ways you can reduce, or in some cases prevent them from happening to you.

JET LAG

Jet lag is described as the disruption of the sleep wake cycle caused by crossing multiple time zones. Symptoms include insomnia, grogginess, and lethargy. To avoid jet lag when you travel follow these tips:

For a few days prior to your departure eat a protein-rich breakfast.

On the day of departure, eat very little until it is breakfast time in your destination city, and then eat a protein-rich meal.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine on travel days.

On the plane--sleep during hours you would sleep if you were at your destination city.

Upon arrival--expose your self to as much sunlight as possible then go to sleep at the normal bedtime in your destination city.

MOTION SICKNESS

Motion sickness can be prevented or treated without having to resort to antihistamines--here's how:

Before you travel--make sure you are well hydrated, avoid alcohol and caffeine and eat a small easily digestible carbohydrate meal like cereal or toast.

To reduce anxiety do breathing exercises, meditate or get a massage.

Try dietary supplements: Ginger is well documented to prevent and reduce motion sickness and nausea. Take 1000mg 25 minutes before departure and repeat every 2 hours. Quercetin and Bromelain are natural antihistamines. Take 250-500mg 2½ hours before departure and repeat every 2 hours.

If you experience nausea and motion sickness eat a green apple or dry crackers and avoid high fat, greasy foods.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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