You’ve been looking forward to this day for the last six months, and it’s finally arrived. You’re about to jet-set across the ocean and explore a tropical island with a few friends, and you can’t wait for the moment your bare foot first steps on the silky smooth sand.
There’s just one problem: That tropical island is on the other side of the world, and you’re going to have to endure a 15-hour flight to get there. Still, you’re ready to do whatever it takes to make it to this incredible location.
When the wheels finally touch down, there’s a problem. You realize you’re cruelly exhausted. Immediately, your plans for that first day in the incredible place are scrapped to the backburner. You head to your hotel and sleep the day away.
Nobody sets out on vacation hoping that jet lag gets the better of them. Yet according to the American Sleep Association, 93 percent of travelers will experience jet lag at some time or another in their lives.
In order to achieve the optimal vacation experience—and to settle back into your everyday life smoothly once your trip is over—you need to do everything you can to avoid the plague that is jet lag.
To this end, we’ve partnered with our friends at Run Gum to give you some inspiration we hope will help you arrive at your next destination feeling awake and refreshed.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five items that fit in your carry-on and have the power to transform your travel experience—reducing or eliminating jet lag along the way.
1. The Water Bottle That Actually Keeps Your Drinks Cold
Travelers can increase the chances they beat jet lag by staying hydrated during their flights by drinking lots of water.
Instead of waiting for the flight attendant to come around and offer something to quench your thirst, take the proactive approach and bring your own water bottle so that you can take a drink whenever you feel like it.
And don’t just use any old water bottle, either. Consider buying something like a S’well water bottle that can keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
2. The Gum That Gives You Energy
Even if you sleep like a baby on the plane, you might be a little tired and stiff when you finally step foot on solid earth again. Gum is such an easy item to pack and this gum packs an energy-filled punch.
Our friends at Run Gum created the perfect little hack to give you an edge while you get acclimated to your new surroundings. Run Gum is a sugar-free, zero-calorie gum that’s packed with caffeine, taurine, and B-vitamins designed to give you a jolt of energy quickly. It is the quickest, most convenient way to boost your energy.
Bring along a pack of Run Gum on your next flight and you’ll have the strength you need to dominate your vacation on Day 1.
3. The Scarf That Stores Your Passport
Anyone who’s traveled has experienced some variation of the following. Where’s my passport? Where’s my wallet? Did I leave my iPhone at home?
Stress adversely affects our sleep habits. When you’re frantically searching for something important on an airplane, you tend to get worried—which prevents you from getting the rest you need to arrive in good spirits.
Say goodbye to digging around in your bags for these important items with a pocket scarf—which is a scarf that has a built-in zipper pocket that’s large enough to store things like your wallet, your ID, and your phone.
Wear the scarf, and you’ll never wonder where these items are anymore. Instead, you’ll get the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything you need to get around is right around your neck.
4. Exfoliating Wipes To Freshen Your Face
After a long flight, you tend to feel dirty and grimy. After all, you’ve trapped in an airplane for several hours, and other passengers have been coughing and sneezing the whole time.
Conquer these feelings by packing an adequate amount of exfoliating face and body wipes in your carry-on. Apply them mid-flight and right before you deboard your plane and you’ll feel like a new person the moment you step outside.
5. The Memory Foam Travel Pillow That Lets You Sleep
If you’re able to catch some shuteye during your flight, there’s a better chance that you won’t be affected by jet lag when you arrive in your new locale.
That being the case, you may want to consider grabbing a memory foam travel pillow and taking it along with you on your next flight. The more comfortable you are in your seat, the more likely you’ll be able to fall asleep.
At the very least, it’s worth giving it the old college try to see what a memory foam pillow can do for your travel experience.
Here’s to defeating jet lag once and for all!
Kyle Maltz joined the Dollar Flight Club editorial team as a contributor in 2019 and going full-time at the beginning of 2018. As Senior Travel Features Reporter, Kyle reports on Travel guides and travel news.
