Traveling Internationally, especially for the first time can be an exciting adventure.
It's important to be prepared to encourage a positive experience during this long journey.
Besides making sure your Passports and Visas are up to date, are you prepared for how you will feel physically and mentally after such a long flight? Plane rides from the U.
S to Europe average about 8 hours depending on where you're flying to and from.
They can be even longer if you're going to far away places such as Australia or Africa, can be over 13 hours! When I first started traveling out of the country, I was surprised how my body reacted to such a long flight.
I wasn't prepared for the extreme Jet Lag, Motion Sickness or numerous other things.
After lots of trial and error, I gradually learned how to prepare my body and mind to recover more quickly and enjoy my trip without wasting days in my hotel room because of Jet Lag and more.
Here are some tips to prepare your mind and body for the long trip.
Before your trip

• Drink Lots of Water, keeping yourself hydrated is key to bouncing back quickly.
  
• Stock up on Melatonin Supplements, it's also a natural hormone found in your body that encourages sleep.
  
• Once on the plane, you should immediately engage your destinations time zone, if it is night at your destination, take the melatonin on the plane and sleep etc
• If you experience Motion Sickness, Ginger is an excellent supplement for nausea.
  Ginger Ale can also help.
  I would avoid reading, or doing too much moving.
  Use this time to close your eyes and relax.
  Of course have a nausea bag readily available.
  
• During the long flight it is important to move your feet and legs to prevent blood clots.
  You will probably need a bathroom break on such a long flight.
  Take your time and really stretch your legs.
  In your seat you can also make circles with your ankles and gently lift your knees up and down to promote circulation.
  
• Keep Aspirin handy since it's a blood thinner, and is also helpful with headaches usually associated with long flights.
  
• Be sure to splash your face with cold water in the bathroom, it's good for your skin and more.
  

Once you have arrived

• Continue to drink lots of Water
• Stay away from heavy meals as long flights can alter your bowel habits for the first day or so.
  
• Eat light fruits, salads, anything that will promote proper digestion packed with nutrients
• During the day (depending on the weather) open the curtains and windows to let in fresh air and sunshine, this simple step will speed up your recovery and mood!
• When it is bedtime at your destination and if you can't sleep, it's OK to take the Melatonin, it helped me get on the correct time zone quickly, and it didn't leave me groggy in the morning like other sleep supplements.
  

These are just a few of the many tips that can help you feel more fit and alert after your long journey.
Take it from Me, I've Been There, Done That.
Happy Travels!