The simple mistake that will give the worst jet lag – and ruin your holiday

AN EXPERIENCED long-distance traveller has revealed the simple mistake that will result in jet leg ruining a holiday.

Combating fatigue and trying to get into a somewhat normal sleeping pattern can blight the first days of any trip.

2

And it can be difficult to enjoy time abroad when wanting to fall asleep during the daytime.

Insider reporter Monica Humphries recently took a 12-hour flight from Denver to Tokyo, her second long-haul journey of the year.

But she was jet lagged for days after arriving in Japan – a situation she now realises she could have avoided.

She said her major mistake was not prioritising a flight time based around her sleep schedule.

Instead, Monica booked an afternoon flight to Japan, thinking she could have a lie in and head to the airport without having to rush.

The noon flight was due to arrive in Tokyo at 2.40pm the following day, allowing her the rest of the afternoon to begin exploring the city.

But having had a full night’s sleep before her flight, she was wide awake throughout the entire plane journey.

As passengers dimmed their lights and slept around her, Monica attempted to pass the time by listening to music and reading.

But she could not get to sleep at all, meaning she was exhausted by the time the plane touched down.

It meant her first day, which included plans to visit a shrine and dine in a cheap Michelin-starred restaurant, were not enjoyable as she was so tired.

Instead, she opted to take a nap at her hotel, but revealed this was a second mistake.

In the days that followed, Monica went to bed at 8pm and woke up around 4am.

She said she have booked a flight later in the day, allowing her to sleep on the plane and feel energised when arriving in Japan.

Monica recommended taking a red-eye flight, namely a plane leaving at night and arriving in the morning, to avoid the potential trip-ruining jet lag.

2