• Clean Water
• Food and drink on holiday
• Immunisation
• Insect Bites on Holiday
• Jet Lag
• Motion sickness
• Pregnant travellers
• Safe Sex
• Sun exposure
• Taking medicine overseas
• Travel Medical Kits
• Volunteers and expeditions

Jet Lag

Jet lag is a downside of travelling for many people. Long haul flights can lead to dizziness and tiredness for days after the flight. Jet lag may only be a temporary condition, but it's distressing all the same.

There are many ways in which to help the body cope with a flight. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential to hydrate the body and help you arrive feeling refreshed. Alcohol and coffee should be avoided as these can be dehydrating. Water, fruit juice and herbal tea are all good options. Opt for smaller meals which are light on the stomach and easy to digest.

Try to sleep during the flight if possible and relax as much as you can by reading a book or watching a film. Take an eye mask and pillow to help you get comfortable. Do simple leg exercises such as rotating your ankles and stretching your legs to keep the blood flowing around the body. Blankets and warm clothes may help you sleep if the air temperature on board is cold.

There are a lot of things to remember before embarking on a long journey so planning ahead is always important. Make a list of things to be done as far in advance as you can. Checking that your passport is up to date is obvious but sometimes overlooked. Getting a travel insurance quote is another, as insurance is all too often left until the last minute. Pack everything you will need for the flight, such as reading material, medication and cosmetics.

Several natural remedies are thought to help travellers relax and avoid jet lag. Consider visiting a herbalist or your local health food shop and ask them to help you find something suitable. Once you set off, adjust the time on your watch to that of your destination as soon as you get on board. Wear loose clothing during the flight so that blood flow is not unduly restricted and move around as much as possible.

Upon arrival, work at getting your body into a routine. Try getting up and going to bed earlier if you are flying east. Alternatively, if you are flying in a westerly direction, try to get up and go to bed later. Spend as much time as you can outdoors during the day. This is because natural daylight can help your inner body clock to adjust.

Any exercise such as walking or swimming should be beneficial, but avoid rushing around. Remember that your body has been under stress and needs to rest. Get as much sleep as you can and avoid filling up your diary for the week after the flight, if at all possible.

Exposure to light from special artificial light sources or from bright sunlight may further reduce jet lag symptoms. The time required for this will be determined by your direction of travel and the number of time zones crossed. Your GP will be able to offer advice and information, or you could ask a travel specialist when getting your travel insurance quote.