10 Simple Hacks on How to Avoid Jet Lag for Effortless Travel

Traveloka Team
14 Sep 2024 - 6 min read

Have you ever experienced the disorienting feeling of landing in a new city only to find yourself stuck in a time warp due to jet lag? Jet lag can significantly impact your energy levels and overall well-being upon arrival, but fear not! We've got some fantastic tips to help you overcome jet lag and get back into the swing of things quickly. You don't have to let jet lag hinder your travel experience! Here's a valuable trick to help you avoid jet lag and make the most of your time in a new destination.

How to Avoid Jet Lag for a Wonderful Journey

Jet lag can be a drag, but you can make your travels much more enjoyable with thoughtful adjustments. Here are some tips you should try before going on a flight.

Flight From Singapore to Bangkok

Sun, 18 May 2025

Scoot

Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK)

Start from SGD 87.12

Wed, 14 May 2025

Jetstar Asia Airways

Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK)

Start from SGD 104.29

Sat, 26 Apr 2025

Malaysia Airlines

Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK)

Start from SGD 156.26

1. Arrive Early

The first tip on how to avoid jet lag is to arrive early. If you have an important meeting or event and must be at your best, try arriving a few days in advance. This extra time allows your body to adjust to the new time zone and reduces the risk of jet lag, ensuring you're fully prepared and performing at your peak.

Additionally, arriving early gives you a chance to acclimate to your surroundings and settle in, so you’re ready to perform at your peak when the big day arrives. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the area, which can ease travel stress and make you feel more at home.

2. Adjusting Your Light Exposure

How to avoid jet lag by adjusting light exposure. Light exposure plays a crucial role in regulating your body's circadian rhythms. When travelling west, seek out evening light to help adjust to a later time zone, while morning light is beneficial for adapting to an earlier time zone after travelling east.

However, if you've crossed more than eight time zones, your body might confuse morning light with evening light and vice versa. In such cases, if you've travelled east, wear sunglasses and avoid bright morning light instead of getting sunlight in the late afternoon for the first few days.

Adjusting your exposure to light and darkness before your trip can help your body clock align more quickly with your new time zone. To make the transition smoother, you can plan the best schedule adjustments for your journey. This preparation can significantly reduce your adaptation period and minimise jet lag.

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3. Stay Awake in Your Destination until Bedtime

You haven't made much progress if you nap at 4 p.m. and wake up at midnight. Instead, plan an enjoyable walk and stay out until the early evening. Fresh air, daylight, and exercise are crucial to combating jet lag. Even if you're tempted to sleep, resist and push yourself to adjust to the local time. This is how to avoid jet lag.

You’ll likely wake up early on your first morning, and trying to sleep in is usually pointless. Embrace the early start with a “pinch me, I’m in Europe” walk as you watch the town come to life and merchants prepare for the day. This might be your only chance to experience a European sunrise.

4. Sleep During your Flight

Catching some sleep during your flight can be a game-changer to avoid jet lag. To make the most of it, create a comfortable sleep environment using a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs.

Align your sleep with your destination’s time zone. If it is a night at your destination, try to sleep during the flight. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before trying to rest, as they can disrupt your sleep patterns and leave

5. Take Medication before the Flight

Consider taking melatonin supplements to avoid jet lag. Melatonin can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle by signalling your body that it's time to wind down and adjust to the new time zone.

It's most effective when taken a few hours before your desired bedtime at your destination. However, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, as they can guide you on the proper dosage and timing for your specific needs.

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6. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is one way to avoid jet lag. The dry air in aeroplane cabins can lead to dehydration, exacerbating fatigue and disorientation. Drinking plenty of water throughout your flight helps maintain your body’s fluid balance and keeps you more alert and refreshed.

Also, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration and disturb your sleep. By prioritising hydration, you’ll support your body’s ability to adjust more smoothly to the new time zone and reduce the severity of jet lag.

7. Avoid Unnecessary Stress

Avoiding unnecessary stress is also one way to prevent jet lag. Stress can interfere with sleep and make it harder for your body to adjust to a new time zone. Plan your trip thoroughly to minimise stress, including arranging flights, accommodations, and transportation well in advance.

Allow extra time for unexpected delays and try to maintain a flexible attitude. Effectively managing stress will enhance your travel experience and support a smoother adjustment to your destination's time zone, reducing the impact of jet lag.

8. Don’t Forget to Exercise

Exercising can help you avoid jet lag. Engaging in physical activity before and during your trip helps to regulate your body’s internal clock and reduce feelings of fatigue. Exercise in your travel routine can boost energy levels and improve sleep quality.

For best results, exercise on the day of your flight and during layovers. Additionally, light activities such as stretching or walking after you arrive can help your body adjust to the new time zone more quickly and combat the disorientation of jet lag.

9. Eat Something Light

Eating light food is one way to avoid jet lag. Heavy or rich meals, significantly those incredibly close to bedtime, can disrupt sleep and make it harder for your body to adjust to a new time zone. Choose lighter, easily digestible foods that are gentle on your digestive system and rich in nutrients.

Consuming smaller, balanced meals throughout the day, particularly during your flight, can help maintain energy levels and prevent discomfort. By choosing light, nutritious foods, you’ll support a smoother adjustment to the new time zone and ease the impact of jet lag.

10. No Napping When You Arrive

Avoiding naps is one way to prevent jet lag. Napping, especially if it's long or taken at the wrong time, can interfere with your ability to adjust to a new time zone. Stay active and engaged during the day to help your body align with the local schedule.

If you’re feeling exhausted, limit naps to 20 —to 30-minute power naps and avoid sleeping late in the afternoon. By resisting the urge to nap, you’ll encourage your body to adapt quickly to the new time zone and improve your overall adjustment.

By following these tips for avoiding jet lag from Traveloka, you can make booking a Singapore to Bangkok flight much smoother and more efficient. Traveloka simplifies your travel planning by offering a one-stop solution for booking flights, finding comfortable accommodations, and planning fun activities. Our platform ensures you always get the best deals, making your trip planning a breeze. With everything you need for your trip at your fingertips, you can start your new adventure with confidence!

In This Article

• How to Avoid Jet Lag for a Wonderful Journey
• 1. Arrive Early
• 2. Adjusting Your Light Exposure
• 3. Stay Awake in Your Destination until Bedtime
• 4. Sleep During your Flight
• 5. Take Medication before the Flight
• 6. Stay Hydrated
• 7. Avoid Unnecessary Stress
• 8. Don’t Forget to Exercise
• 9. Eat Something Light
• 10. No Napping When You Arrive

Flights Featured in This Article

Sun, 18 May 2025
Scoot
Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK)
Start from SGD 87.12
Book Now
Wed, 14 May 2025
Jetstar Asia Airways
Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK)
Start from SGD 104.29
Book Now
Sat, 26 Apr 2025
Malaysia Airlines
Singapore (SIN) to Bangkok (BKK)
Start from SGD 156.26
Book Now
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