How to Prepare for an Overseas Flight

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By ACGaughen
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Worst Case Scenario

Flying overseas can be nervewracking and uncomfortable. Having taken more than 20 overseas flights in the last five years, here are all the tips I've picked up along the way!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Hydrate Excessively. This is one of the keys to avoiding jet lag. One week prior to your flight, drink as little soda and caffeine as you can and drink as much water as possible. Your body takes time to rehydrate, and the flight will significantly dehydrate you (and add to jet lag). To avoid this, drink up!
Step 2

Moisturize. Your body will get badly dehydrated on an overseas flight if you're not careful, and this includes your skin. To avoid discomfort, do a full body moisturization the day before your flight.
Step 3

Bring Food with You. I am not a health nut by any means, but dehydration used to really effect me, and the salty, preserved food they serve on airplanes doesn't help--nor does the McDonalds in every terminal. Bring your own food, even if it's a sandwich.
Step 4

Dress Comfortably. I prefer non-bulky, stretchy layers. For women, you'd be surprised how easy a dress can be to wear on a flight, especially an easy breathing option like jersey. Otherwise, a light sweater and flat front, comfort waist pants are casual, but still appropriate so that you won't be mistaken for a college student.
Step 5

Don't Overpack Your Carry On. See my article at the bottom for packing a carryon, because nothing will ruin your flight more than one sore shoulder for eight hours.
Step 6

Try Not to Sleep. I know, this goes against everything you've ever heard. In my experience, though it makes your first hour or so in the country difficult, you will completely avoid jet lag after that. On the plane, try to rest quietly (mediation, movies or music are all good for accomplishing this). Don't move around too much, breathe deeply, and be calm and relaxed. If you drift in and out that's alright, but try not to sleep for several hours.
Step 7

Never Take a Sleeping Pill. It's just really not a smart decision, and coupling it with dehydration and possibly alcohol can make you feel awful for days.
Step 8

Bring a lot of Entertainment. Before every flight, I treat myself to about $20 worth of iTunes products, a few trashy magazines, and a trashy novel. When I fly, it's all about "me time" and never about work. I love a good sudoku for when I'm restless but can't really move around.
Step 9

Buy Water Inside the Security Gate. Just grab a big bottle of water and keep sipping throughout the flight. It really is important to stay hydrated.
Step 10

When You Arrive, Walk. If you are outside for roughly an hour in the natural climate and atmosphere, your body will almost completely adjust to local time. Gentle exercise like walking speeds this process and also releases relaxing endorphins. Don't plan to hit any sites the first day, but do walk to the restaurant for lunch.