6 Mistakes Travelers Make and How to Avoid Jet Lag Like a Pro
Jet lag isn’t just inconvenient , it can ruin the magic of your arrival. Whether you’re crossing time zones for business or pleasure, quality sleep is essential to show up feeling radiant, not wrecked. As a VIP flight attendant and frequent flyer, I’ve seen firsthand the difference small changes can make when it comes to rest and recovery
at 40,000 feet.
Here are 6 common travel mistakes that sleep specialists constantly warn against and how to avoid them with a touch of luxury and intention.
Wearing Tight or Synthetic Clothing
Mistake: Many travelers board in jeans, leather, or synthetic fabrics that restrict airflow and irritate the skin.
Luxury Fix: Opt for breathable, buttery-soft fabrics like bamboo loungewear or a high-quality travel set (think wide-leg pants, loose cashmere layers, and socks that feel like clouds). The more your skin can breathe, the easier it is for your body to relax.
Skipping Hydration | Inside and Out
Mistake: Drinking minimal water to avoid bathroom trips or neglecting skin hydration altogether.
Luxury Fix: Jet lag thrives in dry cabins. Sip water steadily
(not just in gulps), and avoid caffeine or wine during the first few hours of the flight. Bring a hydrating facial mist, rich night serum, and lip balm with ceramides. I personally never board without a mini spa ritual.
Not Adjusting Your Sleep Schedule Ahead of Time
Mistake: Waiting until you’re onboard to start adjusting to a new time zone.
Luxury Fix: Shift your bedtime gradually 2–3 days before departure to align with your destination. Even adjusting by just one hour can help your internal clock reset faster. Bonus: Sleep masks with lavender inserts or noise-canceling earphones can enhance rest even before you fly.
Blocking Out All Light at the Wrong Time
Mistake: Wearing an eye mask or shutting window shades at times when your body actually needs light exposure.
Luxury Fix: Use light strategically. On eastbound flights, avoid bright light before your target bedtime, but welcome sunlight in the morning to reset your circadian rhythm. It’s not just about darkness , it’s about when the darkness happens.
Caffeine Overload at the Wrong Hour
Mistake: Having espresso or cola during or after the flight to “wake up.”
Luxury Fix: Keep caffeine only in the early hours, ideally before 2 p.m. local time. After that, switch to herbal teas like chamomile, rooibos, or mint to signal your nervous system it’s time to rest. Pro tip: Pack your own silk tea bag pouch and request hot water inflight.
Relying Too Heavily on Melatonin or Sleep Aids
Mistake: Taking strong sleep meds that make you groggy and mess with your natural rhythm.
Luxury Fix: Use melatonin minimally and wisely ,usually just 0.5–1mg an hour before you want to sleep at your destination. For deeper rest, pair it with blue-light blocking glasses, a silk mask, and a soft neck pillow that supports proper spine alignment.
Final Thoughts: Rest Like You Mean It
Jet lag is not a badge of honor. In the world of high-frequency travel, rest is luxury. With the right rituals, tools, and awareness, your body can recover quicker, your skin will glow, and your energy will rise , just in time for that meeting or sunset aperitif.
