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Tips on Avoiding Jetlag When You Fly to Africa

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If you are traveling to Africa from the US, you will no doubt experience the joy of spending up to 30 hours traveling to your final destination. Especially if you happen to live in the Midwest, or Western US. Those who are lucky enough to live on the East Coast actually have some direct options, but not many. Even the direct flights from NY to Johannesburg can take their toll on the body. Fifteen hours in economy class is no picnic.

I have made this journey many times and highly recommend you try to ignore the temptations of the delicious South African wine. There will be plenty more opportunities to enjoy it once you get there.

So what can you do to make sure you don't arrive with ankles the size of you waist? And how do you avoid spending the first few days of your long awaited vacation just wanting to sleep?

Here are some basic tips to deal with longhaul flights and lessen the effects of jetlag. This way you can get down to what you came all that way for -- to enjoy yourself and marvel at all the wonderful things Africa has to offer.

Tips to Help You Recover From Your Longhaul Flight to Africa

  1. Be rested and be in shape - Physical stamina and conditioning will help you cope better after you land. Most airlines have a little card showing you basic exercises that will avoid your feet swelling to the size of a soccer ball. Do them, it's worth it. Also get enough sleep the night before you travel if you can. Try not to take sleeping medication or anything that might knock you out for the duration of your flight. Not moving your ankles and feet every few hours is bad for you.


  1. Set your watch - As soon as you board the flight, set your watch to your destination time zone. If you need to take medication regularly this will also help get into the right pattern sooner rather than later.
  2. Avoid alcohol and caffeine -- drink water - As tempting as it is to make the most of your "free drinks", try to avoid anything that dehydrates you further than the recycled air you'll be breathing in for half a day. Caffeine and alcohol both dehydrate which can lead to headaches and nausea, furthering your discomfort. You can always slip that little bottle of wine into your hand luggage and enjoy it as a celebratory drink once you reach your final destination. What you should be drinking lots of is water, even if it's a hassle to get up to use the toilet every few hours (this will help reduce foot swelling anyway). Ask for a bottle so you can refill it yourself in the back of the plane, or bring your own on board.
  3. Moisturize your parched skin and lips - Carry skin lotion, nasal spray, eye drops and a facial spritzer to counteract the effects of the dry atmosphere inside the plane. Bear in mind the 3 oz limit of carrying these items on board of course.
  4. Move around on the plane - Remaining active wards off stiffness, and will help you get over jetlag much quicker. Walk the aisles if you can without bothering too many people. Borrow a crying baby if you need an excuse -- the parents will love you for it.
  5. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes - Always wear sweat pants instead of jeans, anything tight will feel tighter every hour you are on that plane. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to get on and off. It's also a good idea to dress for the climate in your destination time zone. Longhaul flights have plenty of blankets for everyone and some even still provide those groovy socks to keep your feet warm, so no need to overdress.
Once you arrive, adapt your behavior to the local schedule - If you arrive at dinner time, have dinner. If you arrive at night, go to bed. If you arrive during the day, go outside. Sunlight is the best recipe to get over jetlag.
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