I'm so lucky, I've never had jet lag so far! On the way over, I get so excited about my trip, that when I get there, I'm full of energy. I just put my bags in the hotel, and off I go exploring! From what I heard to avoid jet lag is to drink lots of water. No booze! Water and juice is fine. I'm sure you will get some helpful answers here from people that do get jet lag, but I just wanted you to know that maybe you'll be lucky, and not have a problem with it! Have fun on your trip!!
Thanks for the reply. I know I will have a wonderful time. Just worried that the first few days I will be in a fog and want to do whatever I can to eliminate or lessen any jet lag I might get. I will be traveling from California to Venice.
Another tip, I'm not sure if this is why I don't get jet lag, but I rest as much as possible two days before my trip. I'm luck I can be flexible with my work hours, so I'm able to take off. And my son is grown! So I can have a very restful time before my trip. Below is the best travel chat group with 100's of active members. Scroll down pretty far down on the list, and you will find many posts on jet lag. And some other great topics. I'm hooked on that site. It's so much fun and helpful from fellow travelers. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/r...al-europe/index.html
I agree with Littlepinetree. Put your bags in your room and get out of the hotel as quickly as possible. We made the mistake of sitting down in our room on one trip and awoke many hours later Get out, get oriented and see some of the sights.
On the flight drink plenty of fluids. I personally do not abstain from the one free alcholic drink offered in coach and will also drink coffee. But I do make numerous trips to the aft galley for other fluids and to exercise the legs.
I just tough it out. My worst case was Seattle to London in 1989. I just got up next morning & went about visiting museums & parks regardless how groggy I felt. I got over it in three days.
I find I get more jet lag flying east than flying west. I make the California/East Asia flight a lot and going there is easy but coming back is tougher. Flying to Europe is tougher than flying back.
littlepinetree's advice about drinking water is very important. A lot of jet lag is caused by dehydration. The internal cabins in planes these days is about 15% humidity and oxygen levels of 8000 feet, though the new Boeing jet is supposed to improve those numbers. That's why alcohol can get to you; it just dehydrates you even more.
If you drink a lot of water (I carry on a 2 liter bottle), drinking wine with dinner shouldn't bother you much. If I can pull it off, I try to arrive in the morning rather than late afternoon or evening. Then I can get outdoors and catch some sun, which helps regulate my internal clock. When I can arrive in the morning, I never have jet lag.
I try to roll the clock back or forward a few hours before I travel long distance, just to get closer to the new time. I've never taken melatonin tablets though some people swear by them.
I agree with lived in italy that getting up and exercising a bit in the aft cabin helps a lot. Toe raises, squats, raise arms to the side and circle, stretch a bit; all that helps. That's why I always try to get an aisle seat; so I can get out without disturbing anyone.
Get out, get oriented and see some of the sights.