U60 Lady Who Traveled to 67 Countries Shares Jet Lag Tips

Having traveled to 67 countries, this 54-year-old woman has accumulated numerous tips for overcoming jet lag, such as choosing flights that land in the late afternoon or evening.

 

 

A Lifetime of Travel Experience

Geraldine Joaquim (54) grew up in Malaysia and owns a home in the UK. Splitting her time between both countries, she has long been accustomed to long-haul flights.

As a teenager, Joaquim’s family moved to the UK, where she began traveling around Europe with friends. At 24, she took up scuba diving and spent the next 15 years exploring the world with her husband. To date, she has visited a total of 67 countries. Throughout her travels, she has gathered valuable tricks to make her journeys easier.

Joaquim’s Top Jet Lag Tips

Her first tip is to set your watch to the destination’s time zone as soon as you board the plane. This helps mentally adjust to the new schedule. She also advises trying to sleep on long-haul flights, even if you're tempted to stay up watching movies.

If possible, opt for flights that land in the late afternoon or evening. This allows travelers to check into their accommodations, unpack, and sleep rather than struggle to stay awake all day.

"Try traveling westward—your body clock adapts better when gaining time rather than losing it. So, if flying from the UK to Australia, go via the U.S. first, then return through Asia," she explained.

She also recommends avoiding alcohol before boarding and staying hydrated throughout the flight to prevent dehydration.

Packing & Comfort Tips

When it comes to carry-on luggage, Joaquim suggests bringing a comfortable outfit to change into during the flight. Changing back into regular clothes upon arrival can help you feel refreshed. She also swears by flip-flops, which make it easier to remove and put on footwear during the flight.

For female travelers, Joaquim shares an unusual but practical tip: placing a thin panty liner in underwear and changing it several times during the flight for added freshness.

She also advises packing lightly. "Pack your suitcase, then remove one-third of your clothes—you won’t use them, especially if you're spending time at the beach." For easy luggage identification, she recommends choosing brightly colored suitcases and bags. "I've seen many lost bags, and in Johannesburg’s lost baggage storage, there were hundreds of black or navy suitcases—you’d never find yours if it looks like everyone else’s."

Safety & Planning Tips

Joaquim suggests packing at least two days before departure to allow time for last-minute adjustments. "You'll feel more relaxed and ready to start your trip in a great mood," she added.

She also advises leaving ample transit time, carrying copies of passports and visas, and not skimping on travel expenses. Instead of focusing solely on the cheapest options, think about the experience you want to have. "Consider your trip as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and make the most of it."

For solo female travelers, Joaquim recommends walking "with purpose" through airports, as taxi drivers often approach travelers in arrival halls. "Even if you have to walk the entire airport and back, walk confidently while scanning signs for legitimate taxi stands or accommodations. Once in the taxi, call a friend or family member, letting them know you’ve arrived and are en route to your hotel—or pretend to. If possible, state the taxi or license plate number loud enough for the driver to hear. This signals that someone will notice if you don’t arrive at your destination."

She also encourages travelers to share hotel addresses and contact details with loved ones rather than relying solely on mobile phones. A quick message letting them know you’re safe is always a good idea.

For accommodations, she suggests requesting a room near the elevator or stairwell, as some hotels have long hallways that could pose safety concerns. She also advises leaving expensive jewelry and watches at home to avoid attracting thieves. Keep cash and bank cards in separate places to ensure a backup if something gets lost.

The Most Important Travel Advice

Joaquim emphasizes that, whether traveling solo, with friends, family, or in a large group, the most crucial thing is to stay relaxed. Stress leads to anxiety and poor decision-making, narrowing your focus and causing you to misread signs and directions.

"Remember, travel is truly a privilege and should be enjoyable—an adventure that breaks your daily routine, giving you a chance to see new things, taste different foods, experience diverse locations, and meet new people. Nothing is perfect—no trip or experience is flawless.

If you aim for perfection, you’ll only be disappointed and miss the joy of the moment. Sometimes, the best experiences happen when things don’t go as planned," Joaquim concluded.