Cheap Vacation Package

What’s Free in Vegas?

These days everyone is on a budget. We clip coupons before doing the weekly grocery shop, and who doesn’t pick up that penny on the sidewalk? Well, just because we are on a budget doesn’t mean we can’t go on vacation, right? It just has to be a cheap vacation. We are here to help with that. Through endless days of starvation and pounding the pavement we have found a bucketful of cheap or free things to eat, get or do in Las Vegas. Have fun!

Food

Aside from gambling and lights, Vegas is also known for its cheap and endless buffets. While there used to be a lot more almost free buffets in Vegas ten years ago, today there are fewer but they can still be found. The cheapest buffets are at Arizona Charlies Decatur and Boulder Highway. The food is edible, but don’t expect a fine dining experience. Fiesta Rancho offers a fairly decent and cheap buffet as well, but there isn’t much more than meat and potatoes. Sometimes even the cheapest buffet is still not worth trying. This is the case with Terrible’s. Yes, that is the name of the establishment and yes, it is terrible.

Some of the best deals can be had after 11pm. Boulder Station offers a ‘basic American breakfast’ for three dollars and at El Cortez you can also get breakfast for under four dollars. The Riviera offers all you can eat pancakes for four dollars as well, but honestly how many pancakes can one person eat? Tuscany has a five hour period during the night in which pancakes can be had for just US$1 each, biscuits and gravy for US$2 or steak and eggs for US$4.

Gambling

It does seem like an oxymoron, but gambling can be done for free. Simply visit every casino and sign up for the slot club. You will received either a small gift, a coupon for a free meal or free slot play. You may also receive a ‘funbook’ containing coupons for more freebies and discounted items. For cheap gambling, seek out the one dollar poker tables. The only places offering them are the Poker Palace and the Sahara, plus you can usually score lots of free beverages while playing. If Roulette is your game, check out Slots-a-Fun or the Klondike as they offer fifty cent and dime wheels.

To Do and See

If you need a free ride, head to Harrah’s and catch the free shuttle over to the Rio. Try to time your arrival with the free sky parade in the Masquerade Village where parade entertainers toss coupons and beads to the crowd. At the Tropicana they have a massive slot machine out front. Pull the handle and you may ‘win’ free tickets to a magic show or showgirl revue. At the Binions there is a lucite display containing a million dollars worth of US$100 bills. Have your picture taken with the million dollars for free, then go home and dream of rolling in all that money.

If you are looking for odd and unusual things to see in Vegas – and all for free – then just walk around. Go into some of the hotels and casinos, and just take a look. The furnishings are outrageous enough to provide their own form of entertainment. Caesars Palace has their huge fountains in and around the casino and mall that put on hourly shows. Circus Circus has an adventure park that is free to enter, plus a few of the rides are also free.

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Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)

The origins of this holiday are unknown, but it is a holiday witnessed by Mexicans in Mexico and abroad. The holiday focuses on gatherings of the family and praying for those that have died. In some respects it is similar to the North American Remembrance Day holiday and has similarities to Halloween, but is most similar to the Catholic holiday, All Saints Day. The Day of the Dead begins on November 2nd, every year to coincide with All Saints Day and All Souls Day that occur on November 1st and 2nd respectively.

Shines and altars are built to honor the deceased. The altars are made from sugar skulls, and marigolds (a symbol of death) along with the favorite foods and drinks of the dead. These gifts are also taken to the grave site of the departed as well. The Day of the Dead is a time of celebratory remembrance with eating, parties and parades are commonplace.

Scholars trace the origins of the modern holiday to indigenous observances dating back thousands of years and to an ancient Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called Mictecacihuatl, who is iconically represented with a defleshed body and with jaw agape to swallow the stars during the day. She was the Queen of Mictlan, or the underworld, ruling over the afterlife with another deity designated as her husband.

Mictecacihuatl’s charge was to keep watch over the bones of the dead. She would preside of the ancient Aztec festivals. Mictecacihuatl is known as the Lady of the Dead, since it is believed that she was born, and then sacrificed as an infant. Her cult is sometimes held to persist in the common Mexican worship of Santa Muerte.

Her role is to keep watch over the bones of the dead. She presided over the ancient festivals of the dead, which evolved from Aztec traditions into the modern Day of the Dead after amalgamating with Spanish cultural traditions.

The Day of the Dead typically begins church with a prayer for the dead from the priest. The congregation then makes a procession to the cemetery singing and praying for their lost loved ones. At the cemetery, people stand next to the grave sites of the departed and have the priest bestow prayers and blessings.

In Brazil, holiday is called “Dia de Finados.” It is a very similar public holiday that many Brazilians celebrate by visiting cemeteries and churches. Spaniards hold parades and festivals during the day and conclude with prayers for the dead at cemeteries around the country. Similar observances occur across Europe, and there are similarly themed celebrations of the dead that appear in many Asian and African cultures.

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Travel Dominican Republic – Punta Cana

Offering warm, white sand beaches, sparkling turquoise ocean waters, year round balmy temperatures of 80F and an incredible array of local activities and night life, Punta Cana is the premiere destination for travelers heading to the Dominican Republic.

Weather, like many tropical locales, is one of the main attractions for any traveler looking to escape the mid winter doldrums by heading to the Dominican republic. No matter what time of year you may choose to visit Punta Cana, you can be assured of wonderful, warm weather. The “cold” season in Punta Cana means winter temperatures of 65F in the mornings and highs in the mid-80′s by mid-day. And that’s the winter! Warm season means more humidity and a bit more rain, to be sure, but the temperatures can close in on the mid 90′s during the day.

The warm weather is the perfect compliment to spending time on the beach or better yet, in the ocean. Many local beaches offer numerous land or water related activities to excite and amuse revelers of all ages. Water sports, beach volleyball, jet ski’s, paragliding, sailing day trips, guided boat tours… there is something for everyone. No matter if it’s laying in the sun or high speed jet skiing, you’ll definitely find something to do that fits your definition of “relaxing”.

Snorkeling and diving are available via guided excursions as a group with El Cortecito’s reef being a favored and popular point of interest. Perhaps diving and snorkeling aren’t for you? Then maybe you can try a relaxing sailing day trip…. gliding effortlessly over the clear blue, glassy waters while the sun shines upon you, sounds alluring doesn’t it? The white sand coastline of Bavaro is one of the many sights you’ll see from the water, as is the wreck of the Astron, a freighter half submerged close to the shore. Along the way you may see schools of blue fish, yellow tail snappers and perhaps even barracuda. Day trips like the one described above are understandably popular, so if you’re interested in taking one, book ahead!

In addition to day trips on sailboats, you can also take trips on catamarans and for the more adventurous, there are the infamous double-decker party boats. There are even glass bottomed boats that will tour local areas with heavy concentrations of marine life. Taxi boats will provide quick and efficient transportation between resorts, the better for heading to an evening beach party with your new found friends. Sailing, banana boating, kayaks… no matter your interest, there is something to keep you occupied and having fun in the sun. Some, but not all, of the resorts offer golfing as well – featuring some of the most spectacular views available on the island, all while you’re walking the green to the ninth hole.

Now, all of the above sounds great, right? Spending time in the sun, at the beach or on the water. But what about at night?

The nightlife matches the daytime activities easily. There is no shortage of nightlife to participate in while in the Dominican republic. There are numerous nightclubs, discos, restaurants and bars to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. Many of the resorts offer their own nightlife in addition to the local spots. If you like to spend your evenings dancing, drinking and eating with your companions, Punta Cana has you covered. Like the daytime activities, the nightlife is designed with the visiting vacationer in mind.

If relaxing in the sun, enjoying the ocean either by swimming, diving or boating, and kicking up your heels and partying at night is your idea of fun, all while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery and weather in the world, then Punta Cana is for you.

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The Islands of Mexico – Part 4

The islands of Mexican continental shelf are separated in to four groupings. They are the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Pacific Coast, and the Gulf of California regions. The Islands of Mexico – Part 4 focuses on those islands that lie within the confines of the Gulf of California. While there are many islands in the Gulf and in the Sea of Cortez, a few of the most notable one are listed here.

ngel de la Guarda

Also called Archangel Island, is a large island located in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). It is separated from the Baja California Peninsula by Canal de Ballenas and it is the second largest of the eleven Midriff Islands. It is 69km long and is uninhabited. The island is a biological reserve called Isla Angel de la Guarda National Park.

Isla Espritu Santo

Regarded as one of the top 12 beaches in the world, this island is protected as a biosphere and hold lots of importance to eco-tourism. It is situated off the state of Baja California Sur as is connected to a smaller island called Isla Partida with a narrow isthmus. The islands are uninhabited and are only a short boat ride from La Paz.

Isla San Esteban

This small island is located southwest of Tiburon island and is rated as the 15th largest island in Mexico. Once inhabited by the Seri people, the island is now home to several unique species of fauna. The San Esteban chuckwalla is only found on the Islands of San Esteban, Lobos, and Pelicanos in the Gulf of California.

Isla Tiburn

This is the largest island in Mexico and was pronounced as a nature preserve in 1963. Located in the state of Sonora, it lies on the eastern shore of the Gulf of California and belongs to the chain of islands known as the Midriff Islands. The island is uninhabited with the exception of a small military installation. It can be reached from Punta Chueca which is the nearest community. Two special permits are required to hike and stay on the island.

Isla Cerralvo

Also known as Jacques Cousteau Island, this island is located near the city of La Paz. At 18mi long it is rated as the ninth largest island in Mexico. The island is uninhabited and features abundant marine life due to the underwater topography and ocean currents. Because most all marine life must migrate between the island and the main=land, this area is a favorite for big game fishing.

Isla Tortuga

This is an island in the Gulf of California recently formed by geological activity associated with the East Pacific Rise. This 320 hectare island lies only 3km offshore of the Curu National Wildlife Preserve. The island features magnificent white-sand beaches and coconut palms. With the many manta rays, pilot whales, whale sharks plus options for sea kayaking, snorkeling and hiking the forested hills. Tortuga is a favorite destination of excursion boats.

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Legends of Mexico – Part 1

Jesus Malverde

Jesus Malverde is worshiped as a saint, although the Church doesn’t recognize him as such, this cult began in Sinaloa. Sinaloa is one of the 31 states that make up Mexico. Malverde is also known as the “generous bandit”, “angel of the poor”, or the “narco-saint”. Otherwise known as “El Rey Guei de Sinaloa” the legend is not historically verified.

In a slightly macabre version of the famous “Robin Hood” tale, Malverde would steal from the wealthy at Culiacan Heights and gave the money to the poor. Malverde has a number of supposed miracles that have been attributed to him, most notably personal healing and blessings.

Accounts of his infamous life vary greatly. He is sometimes a railway worker, while others claim he was a construction worker. There is also no agreement on the way he died, being hanged or shot. Popular folklore states that he died on May 3, 1909 from a fatal gunshot wound.

Near death, Malverde requested that a friend turn him over the local authorities so his friend could collect his ransom and in return give it to the poor. Apparently, after his death, the government prohibited his burial and exhibited his body in order to teach his followers a lesson. Because a proper burial was forbidden, Culiacan residents attempted to cover the body by throwing stones at his body in an clandestine effort to bury him as stoning was permitted.

To this day, devotees still takes small stones to the chapel where his body was entombed to show gratitude for his good deeds. Malverde’s outlaw image caused him to be adopted as a patron saint by the drug cartels of the region. Local press bestowed the title of “Narco Saint” upon him.

He is famous (and infamous) for protecting those dedicated to drug production and trafficking. Drug cartel and traffickers pay homage to Malverde with many “narco-corridos” (songs of praise) that have been composed in his honor. However, his intercession is also sought by those with at odds with authorities.

La Llorona

Known as “The Weeping Woman,” La Llorona is a popular legend in Hispanic America with many versions. One of the most popular versions state that during the period of colonial rule in Mexico City, every midnight a wailing woman ghost, dressed all in white would cry out in screams of anguish “Ay, mis hijos!” (Oh, my children) and then disappear among the mists of Texcoco Lake. In ancient times, the Aztecs built the city of Tenochtitlan on an island in the lake. When the Spanish conquered the land, the Spaniards built Mexico City over Tenochtitlan.

In another popular version of the tale, the woman had three children from a Spanish lover who betrayed her love by marrying a Spanish lady. With a heart and mind broken from despair, La Llorona took her three beloved children to Texcoco Lake and drowned them and then took her own life.

When La Llorona reached the gates of heaven, she was asked by the lord of heaven, “Where are your children?” and she replied, “I don’t know, my Lord.” She was not permitted to enter heaven until she found her children. She now wanders the Earth in anguish; crying and searching drowned children. Her constant weeping is the reason for her name, La Llorona. In some cases, according to the tale, she will kidnap wandering children or children who disobey their parents.

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Adventure, History and Romance In Orlando

Orlando, Florida sees many tourists and vacationers from around the globe on a year round basis. As a popular vacation destination, the area is well recognized for its many attractions and a reputation for fun is well established. Local attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios or Sea World are well known and pretty much guarantee a visitor an interesting and enjoyable experience. There are, however, many other great attractions and things to do that don’t involve the aforementioned “big three” and will provide just as many unforgettable and fun experiences. Read on!

If you’ve already been to Sea World, it might be easy to just assume there are no other local marine parks or exhibits that compare to it. Don’t rush to conclusions until you’ve visited Discovery Cove, a 30 acre marine focused paradise. While there you can do everything from feeding and admiring exotic birds in the aviary to swimming with dolphins (*please note, this feature is at an extra cost) and you can relax and chill in a hammock in between. This is a very popular attraction; book your visit at least 30 days in advance. Meals, towels and wetsuits are included in the admission price.

If you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping, look no further than The Zip Line Glide and Ride Eco-Adventure. Attain speeds of up to 20 mph while attached to the mile long zip line cable, all from a height of 65 feet. You’ll be accompanied by a guide who can point out the many wetlands and rivers below, as well as take a journey through a cypress forest all while enjoying spectacular views.

For the shoppers, try something with local flavor and many surprises by visiting the Webster Flea Market. There are over 1200 vendors stretching out over 40 acres, so whatever your interest, you’re likely to find it here. Items range from the newest and most contemporary to the ancient and undetected. Plan ahead since the market only operates on the first Monday of every month.

If history is more your speed, you have to visit the Titanic – Ship of Dreams exhibit. There are over 200 treasures on display, courtesy of private collections. The exhibit is unique in that there are also more than 20 rooms from the Titanic that have been re-created to full scale, complete with period accurate detail (*including the grand stair case). Costumed actors populate the rooms and add to the richness of the detail. The exhibit is located in the Mercado Center.

And finally, for the absolute best view possible, book a trip on the Private Orlando Balloon Flight For Two Persons. If you’re in Orlando with your significant other, this is one of the best things the two of you could do together! An FAA qualified pilot will take you on a one hour journey high over the city beginning at sunrise, during the trip you’ll see the local skyline and geography including all of the local theme parks and wetlands. Your trip for two concludes on the ground with a full buffet breakfast and a champagne toast for two.

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The Islands of Mexico – Part 3

The islands of Mexican continental shelf are separated in to four groupings. They are the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Pacific Coast, and the Gulf of California regions. The Islands of Mexico – Part 3 focuses on those islands that lie within the Pacific Coast region of Mexico.

Cedros

Also known as Cerros Island or “Island of Cedars” in Spanish, this small island lies on the west coast off the Mexican State of Baja California. At roughly 38km (24mi) long and varying from 6-8km (4-5mi) in the northern section up to 17km (11mi) wide at its southern extremes, it is the fourth largest island belonging to Mexico. There are approximately 1350 people on the island in 2005. The highest point on island is Monte Cedros at 1205 meters (3949 feet). Often shrouded in fog, the West side of the island is windswept with heavy surf and is sometimes subject to hurricanes. The lower, southern areas receive little rainfall and consist of mainly desert vegetation. It was discovered by Spanish explorer, Francisco de Ulloa in 1539. There are over 70 documented archeological sites on the island with some over 10 000 years old.

Isla Coronados

Also referred to as “Islas Coronado” or “Islas Coronados”. This is a small grouping of four islands that are quite barren and infertile. These islands are prone to the rugged winds and currents of the Pacific and are largely unsuitable for habitation. The group of island lies approximately 25-30 km south of the San Diego Bay area and only 13km form the Mexican mainland state of Baja California. The Coronado Islands are a Mexican wildlife refuge; visitors may anchor, scuba and snorkel, but trips ashore are not allowed.

Islas San Benito

This group of three barren islands consisting of Benito del Oeste (2.6 sq.km), Benito del Centro 0.4km sq km) and Benito del Este. They are situated approximately 25km west of Cedros Island and are completely unpopulated save for 2 persons who care for the lighthouse on Benito del Oeste. Isla Todos Santos 2 islands 19.3 km (12 mi) from Ensenada, Baja California. Only accessible by boat. The smallest island features some of the largest waves up to 15m-high (49-ft.) during winter swells in North America and as such is very popular amongst surfing enthusiasts.

Isla Natividad

This tiny island lies just 6km west of Punta Eugenia in the state of Baja California and only 15km south of Isla Cedros. With a small community of approximately 400 who make their living by fishing abalone, lobster and clam. A small airstrip that provides a connection to the mainland and features a small lighthouse on northern tip of the island. It has a steep rocky shore headland surrounded by rocks and kelp beds. The island features one of the best beach breaks in North America making it a popular surfing destination.

Isla Santa Margarita

This small island lies south west of Baja California Sur at the entrance of Magdalena Bay. Not a lot is known about this island.

Islas Maras

This is an archipelago made up of four islands some 100km (60mi) west of Nayarit. The islands are part of the Islas Marias Federal Prison which was established there in 1905. Isla San Juanito is the smallest and most northern promontory of the archipelago, Maria Madre; the second north most island and is the largest with an approximate surface area of 146 sq km and houses the prison. Maria Magdalene is the third in size and location. Maria Cleofas is the most southern and is third in size in the archipelago.

Isla San Martin

Isla San Martin lies off the Baja California Sur and is a great paddling destination being not too far from San Diego. The volcanic island is only about 5-6 miles offshore, and one of the easier island crossings on the pacific west coast. San Martin is a beautiful island in a classic cone shape. It has a protected bay called Caleta Hassler anchor in. There are no permanent residents on the island, but it has some temporary fish camps for visiting fisherman and many abandoned remnants of older dwellings built from the local lava stone. At the south of the island is a small lagoon.

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A Brief Summary on Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Vacation Destination

Punta Cana occupies the eastern most tip of the Dominican Republic. Palm trees, white sand and exotic wildlife abound. Many of the local resorts are set up to cater to the fresh eyes of a visiting vacationer as they offer spectacular views in all directions. It is not at all uncommon to see flamingos wandering about as you eat your breakfast outdoors in the morning (the better to catch the amazing sunrise.)

Tropical weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors, and why wouldn’t you choose to in a paradise such as Punta Cana? There is no shortage of golf courses. There are numerous local scuba diving tours. And fishing tours are plentiful, all offering different routes and marine life.

The township of Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic. It also has the distinction of being the first European settlement in the entire western hemisphere. Both the Spanish and the French played a sizable and influential part in establishing the town in its early days and all of their efforts have been wonderfully preserved thanks to the town being declared an official world heritage site. Full discourse on the local history and origins are all available in the local museums.

To go for the “real” experience of what it is like to live in the region, try the Bavaro Runners, a safari style experience that offers a safe way to experience local life and culture among the civilians and away from the resorts. You’ll see authentic Dominican homes, non-tourist beaches and local plantations. An archaeological museum and galleries of local artwork are open for viewing in Altos De Chavon, a small artist’s habitat housed on a cliff which overlooks the Chavon River. The main reason to visit the Altos is the appearance of the village itself – it looks remarkably like an authentic 16th century village.

Do you like to haggle or barter? Browsing the markets and inspecting the local shops will mean bartering – the shop owners will often quote high prices in the attempt to make a bit of extra money from you. Expect to be subjected to all manner of sales tactics from the traditional “sympathetic/sob” story to outright indignant if you don’t pay the quoted price for an item. Remain firm in your offered price and you’ll be alright.

One of the more recent additions to the tourist itinerary in Punta Cana is PC Mikes Dominican Adventure. This is a newer tour outfit that has quickly risen to the top of the list in things for a visitor to do or see. Specializing in smaller tours, PC Mikes Adventure focuses on areas that are off the map and are generally never seen by the typical tourist. The guides are English speaking and very informed, making this one of the better choices for those seeking an “authentic” experience.

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Theme Park America – Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida is a well know travel destination for a number of reasons ranging from the weather to local professional sports attractions, but the primary draw is Walt Disney World. Among the world of theme parks with rides and mascots Disney is undeniably king. There are, however, other amusement parks that offer a host of similar – if not quite as iconic – attractions as Disney in the Orlando area. Universal Studios, Islands Of Adventure and Sea World are a few more recognizable examples to choose from.

Universal Studios is well known and features a plethora of movie and TV franchise related rides and attractions. These include Marvel Super Hero Island, Jurassic Park and the new “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” which is sure to attract and delight both adults and children alike. Sea World offers a different take on the theme/adventure park experience with Live shows by Shamu the Killer Whale as well as the Kraken, which is the biggest roller coaster in all of Orlando. In addition, there are multiple live shows and an enviable mix of exotic marine life on display for all visitors to enjoy.

An alternative to Sea World’s crowds is Discovery Cove, which is sort of a de facto companion to Sea World. Admission to the park is limited to 1000 guests per day, making it semi-exclusive and a bit more difficult to to gain entry to. To balance the exclusivity and slightly higher ticket price for entry, Discovery Cove is inclusive – food and drink are included, as is a supervised half hour swimming with dolphins (*included as well is the necessary equipment to partake in this activity). Going early is recommended!

Since many tourists and vacationers flock to Orlando to take in the theme parks mentioned above, peak visitation times generally fall between two periods – March and April and June through August. The summer months are always the busiest though, as summer is when the majority of families take their vacations. If you choose to visit in the spring, you can expect fewer people and crowds, but also slightly cooler temperatures as well.

For those looking for a change of pace, there are still other parks and attractions to choose from such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Gatorland, Wonderworks (*shopping, dining and amusements – upside down!), Aquatica Water Park and the Odditorium.

Sporting events are also available to the enthusiast, depending on what time of year you happen to be visiting. If you book a trip between November and April you’ll be visiting during basketball season and will therefore have the option of taking in some NBA action courtesy of the Orlando Magic. Make your way to the Amway Arena for some court-side magic – if the team is in the post season, playoff tickets will be much more difficult to attain than regular season tickets.

As an alternative, you can choose to participate in sports instead of spectating by hitting the links at the Omni Orlando Resort. This is a pure golfing paradise, complete with on site golf academy for those looking to brush up on their skills or for the beginner who has never golfed before. In addition to the Omni, there are multiple local golf courses which are public access and do not require membership for admittance.

Orlando is an exceptional choice for wonderful family holidays. An emphasis on theme parks and beautiful weather combine to help make Orlando one of the best tourist destinations in the entire country for families whose agenda is non-stop fun and adventure while on vacation.

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Don’t Let Jet Lag Rear It’s Ugly Head!

Jet lag is a physiological condition resulting from changes in the body’s circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythm is the 24-hour cycle of behavioral, biochemical and physiological processes. When the human body passes through time zones at a rapid rate, such as on a plane, the body clock becomes out of sync with the destination time zone.

As the mind and body suddenly experience daylight at a different time than usual, the internal rhythm that is set for eating, sleeping, hormone regulation and body temperature variation becomes skewed. The result is symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, fatigue, irritability, depression, bowel problems and disorientation. There are things travelers can do to prevent jet lag from having a significant impact. Let’s take a look.

In the weeks leading up to your date of departure, try to adjust your sleep schedule a bit. Depending on where you are traveling to, go to bed and get up one hour earlier or later. The more time zones you will be crossing, the more of an adjustment you will have to make. Taking a small measure like this will help your body clock adjust to the new time zone once you arrive. Do the same for your eating schedule. Have your meals earlier or later (depending) and the effect will be a more normal meal routine at your destination. The three to four hour schedule adjustment may mean you will be on a different rhythm than everyone else in the home, but it will pay off when you return from your trip. You will be more pleasant to be around, with no nasty Jet-Lag-Grumps for everyone to contend with.

While you are on the plane, train, bus or driving – stay hydrated. Not with coffee, with water. Dehydration is a big side effect of jet lag, so do your best to head it off at the pass. Plus, if you are flying, the air in the plane is pretty dry anyway; you will need some extra water in your body just to keep from getting dry-mouth. As soon as you start your journey set your watch according to the time at your destination. This will help you get used to the rhythm of the day you are traveling to.

Additionally, if the destination time is when you would normally be asleep, then sleep while traveling. Get yourself a good eye mask and ear plugs to help you fall asleep. Also, consider the use of the herbal sleep aid Melatonin. If however, the time in your destination is when you would normally be awake, then stay awake even if you want a nap. If it is a mealtime, then eat or snack until you arrive at your destination.

If it is daytime when you arrive, spend as much time outside in the sun as possible. The exposure will help your brain adjust to the new schedule. Get some exercise to counteract those inactive hours spent traveling, getting the blood flowing is important to maintain your body clock. Eat light meals as your stomach is still adjusting to the change in time as well. Having large meals comprised of rich foods that perhaps your system is not used to will only cause diarrhea and constipation. No one wants stomach upsets while away from home. Don’t go overboard on the alcohol either; your adjusting body will not react well to it.

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