Top tips to beat jet lag flying to Lapland

Jet lag is one of the less glamorous realities of travelling across time zones, but with a little preparation, you can minimise its impact and maximise your travel enjoyment and have you out enjoying the Lapland magic before you know it! Everyone experiences jet lag differently, and what works for one person might not work for another, but having a plan is always a smart move. Whether you prefer a direct flight or find an extended stopover beneficial, tailoring your strategy to suit your needs can make all the difference. Keep reading to learn about my top tips to beat jet lag flying to Lapland as a long-haul traveller.

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1. Start Preparing Before You Fly

Jet lag doesn’t have to start when you land – it can begin before you even leave! Sometimes it is possible to adjust your sleep schedule slightly to match Finland’s time zone a few days before your trip. For example, if you’re travelling somewhere where the day starts earlier, try going to bed and waking up an hour earlier each day leading up to your flight. This gradual shift can help your body adjust and reduce the shock of the time difference.

2. Adapt Onboard

As soon as you board the plane, mentally switch to Finland’s time zone. Change your watch, phone, or travel clock to match, and try to rest or stay awake according to the time at your destination. If it’s night-time where you’re headed, sleep as much as possible on the flight. Conversely, if it’s daytime, try to stay awake and active by reading, watching movies, or walking around the cabin.

3. Stay Hydrated

The air in aeroplanes is notoriously dry and dehydration can make jet lag feel worse. Drink plenty of water throughout your flight and the advice is to avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can disrupt your sleep and further dehydrate you. I’ll be honest, I don’t mind a celebratory glass on wine with my dinner on a flight, so I’m not one to judge if you’d like to have an alcoholic beverage to mark the occasion! Bring your own refillable water bottle to make staying hydrated easier.

4. Sleep Smartly

If sleeping on planes is tricky for you, invest in some travel essentials like a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. These small items can improve the quality of your in-flight rest. If you prefer direct flights (which isn’t often possible flying long haul to Finland), prioritise comfort during longer stretches. If you opt for a stopover, try to find a quiet rest area or consider booking a short stay at an airport hotel to get some real sleep. We did this flying to Lapland in 2022 by having a stopover in Bangkok. We had a total of about 10 hours overnight which was just enough for us to shower, eat and have a good seven hours sleep before taking our next flight.

5. Get Moving Upon Arrival

Once you land, resist the urge to collapse in bed (as tempting as that may be!!), unless of course it’s night-time in Finland. Getting some fresh air and natural sunlight (if possible – it wasn’t in Finland when we arrived at 3pm in the afternoon) can do wonders for resetting your internal clock. A short walk outdoors helps signal to your body that it’s time to be awake and active.

6. Choose Flights That Suit Your Strategy

Your travel preferences can influence how jet lag affects you. Some travellers swear by direct or connecting flights to limit the time spent in transit, while others find extended stopovers helpful for breaking up the journey and allowing for rest and acclimatisation. Think about what works best for your body, your family (or travel companions) and plan accordingly.

7. Ease Into the Local Routine

Once you arrive, do your best to adapt to the Finnish schedule as quickly as possible. Eat meals and go to bed at times that align with Finland’s time zone, even if it feels strange at first. This adjustment will help your body adapt faster and reduce the lingering effects of jet lag.

Remember, every traveller is different

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to beating jet lag. It’s all about finding a plan that works for you and sticking to it. A little effort before, during and after your flight can go a long way in ensuring you’re ready to make the most of your trip.