This post about Health Tips for Frequent Flyers is sponsored as part of a partnership between Food, Fun & Faraway Places and ChromaDex. All opinions are my own.
For as long as I can remember I have loved to travel. Ever since I was a little girl, nothing thrilled me
quite as much as packing up my suitcase to head off for another adventure – even if it was as close as
a neighboring town!
The older I get – and the farther my travels take me – the more I feel the toll that traveling takes on my body. And if I’m traveling internationally, it takes me a while to get back on a regular sleep schedule.
I want to feel better whether I’m at home or abroad, so I’ve been researching ways I can improve my health, especially as it relates to travel.
I have begun practicing these tips to help me travel better, travel longer, as well as to just feel better in
general. I want to do everything I can to combat things like jetlag because I am absolutely passionate about seeing the world and I don’t want anything to stop me!
5 Health Tips For Frequent Flyers
Sleep and Eat Well Before You Leave
The excitement of a trip can often make it difficult to sleep well the night before. However, making
sure that you are as well rested as possible before you leave will help you alleviate the tiredness
brought on by jet lag.
Make sure you have your things packed and organized ahead of time so that you can spend the evening before you leave relaxing with a healthy meal and a good night’s sleep.
Skip The Airport Bar
I know, I know! Nothing tastes better while waiting for your flight than your favorite bit of libation, but
alcohol mixed with altitude can actually exacerbate tiredness and even cause dehydration – two key
problems with jetlag. Instead, opt for flavored waters or electrolyte drinks to help replenish your
body.
Try to avoid caffeine as much as possible, especially late in the day – you want to be able to sleep and wake as naturally as possible. 
Arrive at Your Destination as Early as Possible
You may not be a morning person, but arriving at your destination as early in the day as possible
while there is still plenty of sunshine will help you to stay awake when you arrive. Daylight makes
you feel better – so arrive early and spend some time exploring your destination outside first!
I was so excited to arrive early in Budapest last week, only to have my flight delayed which made me miss my connection. I arrived seven hours later than I had planned and missed most of the first day.
Try to Stay Up Until 10 pm Local Time
Adjusting your circadian rhythm is tough but many experts suggest you try to stay awake until at
least 10 pm local time, just so you will be able to get a “normal” night’s sleep and wake at a reasonable
time the next day. If you must take a nap, do so early in the afternoon and keep it brief.
Be as healthy as you can BEFORE you fly.
We all know that aging is a huge factor in our overall health, and jetting between time zones is just
another component that can depress your cellular metabolism and function. In addition, spending more time in the sun and indulging in food can really stress your body out.
Health truly begins on the cellular level, which is why I’ve started taking TRU NIAGEN™ every day to help support my cellular energy levels to help me feel good, even when I’m traveling frequently.
In multiple studies, NR has been shown to increase NAD+ levels. Higher NAD+ levels are currently being studied in relation to sleep quality, energy levels, mental clarity and skin health, as well as a variety of other benefits.
While there is no place like home, these steps will help you to feel your best wherever your travels may take you. Learn more about TRU NIAGEN™ today. (Canadians, click here.)
NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Shell says
Great tips for staying healthy while you travel. I struggle when I travel to the west coast, wanting to be asleep well before 9pm local time since I’m an east coaster. Next time, I’ll try to stay up til 10!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyles says
These are great tips. I always make sure I get plenty of sleep before a flight. I also eat good food, but I don’t eat too much of it. It’s no fun to fly on a stuffed stomach.
Vera says
Great tips! Some people say that a couple of drinks before flying helps them get through it, but I’ve found that it doesn’t sit well with me. It’s the same for my friends, too.
Maureen says
These are all great tips. I do travel a lot, I will take these tips into consideration as I travel more over the upcoming year.
Theresa says
These are all very helpful tips. Making sure you are healthy before your flight is a good one. Nobody wants to arrive to their destination feeling less than stellar (or have to feel crummy on a long flight for that matter!)
Rachel Ferrucci says
These are all great tips. I travel a lot and always have trouble sleeping on the plane because I drink coffee. I agree with getting there early.
Liz Mays says
You’re probably right about the caffeine. I guess I hadn’t considered how that may be affecting my sleep schedule when traveling.
Catherine Sargent says
These are great tips! I didn’t know alcohol could make jetlag worse.
Pam says
These are great tips. I had never heard about staying up until 10 pm local time.
Sara Welch says
It definitely helps to be well while flying. It can be so rough being sick and having to fly.
Shannon Gurnee says
These are some great tips when it comes to flying! I definitely try to be as healthy as I can before I fly. It’s no fun traveling when you don’t feel well.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
These are really helpful! Just in time for our holiday travels!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Awesome tips. For me, it is the jet lag that I dislike the most when traveling. I lose so much sleep which makes me feel tired during the day. Not a pleasant thing to experience while on vacation! I will heed your advice the next time we fly out.
AnnMarie John says
Those are definitely great tips for people who love to travel. Our health is the most important and we should prioritize it. There’s nothing like eating healthy and living healthy.
Carol Cassara says
I love that you mentioned getting enough sleep. A lot of people struggle with that part since they choose to have early flight which would require them to wake up early. There’s nothing better than getting a full 8 to 9 hours of sleep to get you ready for the journey.
Kiwi says
I actual dont indulge in airport bars as much. I dunno I just dont want to impair my judgement before I board a plane.
Kelly Stilwell says
I think that’s smart, Kiwi. Thanks for the input!
L. A. Dey says
No coffee, no alcohol, lots of water. I order the vegetarian meal when flying overseas and I take a Gas-X pill before I get on the plane or in the car. I also wear light compression sock now when I fly or travel in the car. I use saline nose spray and setting eye drops.
Kelly Stilwell says
These are great tips. The compression socks do help a lot, as does the saline. Thanks for sharing.
Pearl says
These are good tips. I live in HI and have averaged 5 trips to the east coast (and occasionally on to Europe) per year and 4 to AK per year as well. The best advice I can give for red-eyes is to drink plenty of water and get up and walk a bit every couple of hours. Staying well hydrated is key to beating jet lag, and movement is helpful for circulation.
Kelly Stilwell says
Absolutely right, Pearl. I envy you living in HI! I’ve never been. YET!
Cacinda Maloney says
Great tips! I fly all the time so these will come in handy !
JOY A RIMPAU says
Excellent tips! I drink gatorade starting the day before the trip to stay hydrated, and also take an aspirin just before the flight to reduce the possibility of blood clots. I also use sanitizing wipes to wipe down the seat, armrests, tray table, and touch-screen.
Lezahg says
I usually have trouble getting much sleep on planes so I “write off” the first day and try to arrive at 6 pm or later (international flights) and have no problem going right to bed and getting a good night’s sleep. I find late arrivals minimize jet lag too…at least for me.
Georgann toth says
Take double doses of probiotics for a few days prior to flying. Take disinfectant wipes in a baggie on board with you and wipe down as many surfaces around you as you can, especially the tray. Do not touch the seat pocket at all. Try not to touch your face. Use hand sanitizer frequently.
Narges says
Earplugs and baby wipes. I don’t fly without them.
Kelly Stilwell says
Yes, wipes and earplugs! Agreed. Thanks for adding the earplugs, Narges!