How to Avoid Jet Lag on Your Trip To South America

Last updated on October 27th, 2020 at 06:30 pm

With global air travel today, we are able to span countries and even continents in mere hours. While this makes exploring far reaches of the globe simple, by crossing multiple time zones so quickly our circadian rhythm (your internal clock) can end up out of sync with the schedule of your destination. It’s this internal mismatch that can result in jet lag. You can help reduce or avoid jet lag by following our tips below. Is there jet lag when you fly to South America? Yes absolutely, but it also depends on where you are traveling from. We make global journeys quite often. Usually to South America! Here are some practical tips from our expert travel consultants for preventing jet lag so that you can make the most of your next trip to South America!

1. How to Avoid Jet Lag Before You Leave for South America

• Understand that jet lag is the result of a sensory mismatch between our circadian rhythm and the sensory input (light). Typically, jet lag is more pronounced when traveling east than traveling west. This makes South America a really great destination from North American as travelers experience less jet lag compared with destinations such as Europe or Asia.
• Naturally, the more time zones we cross, the greater the effects of jet lag typically are. Minimize this difference by beginning to adjust your eating and sleeping schedules to your destination before you leave.
• Pick flights onboard new generation aircraft like the Boeing 787 or Airbus 350 which have higher cabin humidity than traditional airliners and have high-tech cabin lighting. Both of these features are designed to keep you feeling great during and after your flights.

2. How to Avoid Jet Lag During Your Journey to South America

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and nourish your body with healthy natural and wholesome foods.
• Keep your blood flowing by stretching and walking about during your flights when the seatbelt sign is off and during layovers.
• Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to reduce environmental noise and stay relaxed.

3. How to Avoid Jet Lag Upon Arrival at Your Destination

• Adapt to the local schedule right away. Eating and sleeping on the local schedule of your destination will get you adapted to the new time zone as quickly as possible.
• While it can be tempting to start exploring the destination immediately, take a few minutes to take a shower and freshen up. Additionally, taking a 20-minute power nap before you start exploring is a great way to recharge.
• Get as much light as possible. Getting out and taking a walk around your destination is a great way to get to know the area and take in more natural light which will help you get adapted to the new time zone.

4. Plan Your Next Trip in a Similar Time Zone as Yours

• Are you in North America? South America is only a few hours of time difference from you. Your body, mind, and your internal clock will not have to adjust as much.
• Somewhere else? Follow our tips above. South America has Wonderful Destinations for everyone and we want to help you maximize your adventure tour there.

5. Plan Your Trip with an Expert Travel Consultant!

• Leverage the expertise of a travel consultant from SouthAmerica.travel. We will handle all the details and share our experiences. We’ve designed custom trips for thousands of travelers from around the world exploring South America and know all the logistics and the best ways to visit South America. This enables you to travel stress-free and focus on enjoying your next South America adventure!

While jet lag affects each of us differently, by keeping these simple tips in mind when preparing for your trip to South America you can minimize the effects of jet lag and make the most of your time exploring South America!