Few things can derail a trip like jet lag, defined as a mismatch between a person's circadian rhythms and the time in a new zone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A bad case of jet lag can lead to not only grogginess, poor performance and negative feelings but also gastrointestinal disturbances and sleep problems.
Travel experts at Miss Tourist recently analyzed more than 2,000 comments across multiple travel-related subreddits to uncover some of the most popular and unique hacks out there in 2024.
"Staying awake until local bedtime" is the most popular jet lag hack at the moment, receiving 211 mentions for a rate of 10.4 percent.
"Staying active upon arrival" is another popular remedy, with 185 mentions at a rate of 9.1 percent.
"Using melatonin or other sleep medication" ranks third with 184 mentions (9.1 percent) while "get lots of sunlight exposure upon arrival" is a close fourth with 167 mentions (8.25 percent).
Passenger sleeping with a neck pillow. (Photo Credit: Syda Productions/Adobe)
In addition to getting sunlight, users recommend staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and adjusting eating schedules as necessary.
Reddit users also encourage weary travelers to sleep on the plane and utilize sleeping aids such as noise-canceling headphones, ear plugs, neck pillows and eye masks.
Some more unusual tips include "making fists with your toes," "using a foot hammock on the plane" and "avoiding sitting on comfortable furniture upon arrival."
"This study shows that beating jet lag is part science, part creative problem-solving," said Miss Tourist Founder and CEO Yulia Saf. "While most people stick to the basics like adjusting sleep schedules and using melatonin, it's the quirky hacks that really caught our eye."
"It just goes to show that travelers will try almost anything to squeeze the most out of their trips," added Saf. "Whether it's foot hammocks on planes or avoiding comfy couches, these offbeat strategies prove there's no one-size-fits-all solution to conquering time zones."
"What works for one person might not work for another, highlighting the importance of finding personalized approaches to managing jet lag. In the end, overcoming jet lag is as much an adventure as the journey itself—and often just as unpredictable."
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