Crossing multiple time zones and traveling at odd hours could flip your body’s natural biorhytms upside down, but don’t let jet lag ruin your vacation.  Here are few tips on making the transition to a new time zone easier so you can make your vacation more memorable and relaxing.

-Before your flight, get plenty of rest and drink a lot of water. Also, try eating light meal before you board so that hunger does not keep you from sleeping.

-As soon as you board your flight, set your watch to the time of your destination. Then act accordingly. If it is nighttime in your arrival city when you take off, try to get a few hours of sleep. If it’s daytime at your final stop, try walking through the cabin to stay alert.

-On arrival, stay awake until an early local bedtime. A brisk walk will not only revive your body, but also serves as an invaluable introduction to your new surroundings. Wake the next day from a full night’s rest, alert and able to get the most from your overseas experience. Enjoy that vacation!

There a few important things to consider to make your vacation more memorable and relaxing.  Consider these few travel tips when planning your next vacation:

- Before you leave, read a book or watch a film that takes place in the country you are about to visit. Your fictional journey through the region will get you excited for the sights and experiences to come.
- Make sure your passport does not expire within six months of your date of travel. Some countries insist that your passport be valid for at least a six-month time period.
- Place an envelope in one of your checked bags containing copies of your passport, birth certificate and a back-up form of photo I.D. in case your passport is lost or stolen.
- Place a copy of the detailed itinerary of your trip inside each piece of luggage.
- If your luggage is lost, this will help the airline find you while you’re traveling.
- If you are on Medicare and traveling outside the United States, be aware that Medicare does not cover any of your medical bills abroad. It’s a good idea to get a travel protection policy that will cover these costs.
- Learn a few essential terms in the native language of the country you’ll be visiting. You’ll find that the locals will appreciate your effort.
- Plan at least a day or two after your return home before scheduling any commitments; you may be tired after your travels.

Knowing what to pack of course depends on your vacation destination, the time of year and the expected weather, however using these general tips will help you prepare for your trip.

Aside from the general clothing and toiletry items, consider packing the following items to make your vacation more enjoyable:

- An inflatable neck cushion is an invaluable item for long flights.
- Wear and carry washable silk clothing whenever possible. It is as cool as cotton for warmer days and surprisingly warm for cooler evenings.
- An extra folded flight bag takes very little room and comes in handy on your way home for the gifts and souvenirs you’ve picked up along the way.
- Check with your doctor to get the appropriate vaccinations. Pack enough medication for your entire trip as some prescriptions are difficult to find in exotic locales.
- Stow away some antibacterial wipes-they’re a convenient way to clean up on the go.
- Bring a voltage converter with you, along with an adapter (to fit electrical plugs into foreign outlets). Note that some adapter kits don’t include converters.
- Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts in case they are lost or broken.
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are a must. Never pack new shoes.
- Wrap a long strip of duct tape around a pencil and bring it along for the ride. Duct tape is the magic fix for everything from torn suitcases to broken sandal straps.

Remember that many flights now have additional luggage restrictions, such as a general rule of thumb is checked luggage should not exceed 50lbs.  We recommend reviewing the Transportation Sercurity Commission’s (TSA) list on items that are not allowed in carry-ons or in checked baggage.

Vacations are wonderful departures from the everyday routine, but they also require a good amount of preparation prior to boarding your plane bound for paradise.

In this series we will explore various tips for packing, overcoming jet lag and things to know before you go.

Over the next two weeks we invite you to join us as we discover how to handle luggage restrictions, carry-on limits, and international requirements.  A little legwork now will help you have a better time relaxing and enjoying the sites on your vacation or escorted tour.