Jet Lag. Its for the birds
Due to some unforeseen circumstances I have been to SeaTac International airport six times in the last five weeks. SIX TIMES! Now, I know that isn’t significant to many of you, but I’m not your typical road warrior. In 2010, I only traveled for business twice. It was then that I learned some very important lessons when it’s comes to travel, and I think they have served me well. I’ve gathered advice from magazines, articles, and experts such as this former road warrior and this 5-page article from Webmd.com. But after all is said and done, my advice is Three-Fold. Exercise, Eat and Electronics.
- Exercise
- As tempting as it is bond over brews with fellow biz travelers at the hotel bar, or to change into your pajamas and order room service - DON’T. Pick a restaurant about 10 blocks away and get some exercise. You’ll feel better after you eat AND you’ll sleep better that night. Plus you might even find a cute store in the neighborhood where you can pick up a souvenir for the family back home who misses you.
- Eat
- My theory might not work for everyone, but it is “Eat on Land and Eat all Meals.” I have no scientific evidence of this, but I swear by carbs at night and protein in the morning. I also avoid eating meals on the plane unless I absolutely have to. Not because the food is necessarily bad, but because the experience is so anti-climactic. Being served your meal while sitting in-between two total strangers, munching in silence while watching a Rom-Com on a tiny TV screen hardly counts as “dinner”. Do yourself a favor - hold off until you are on dry ground and eat a true meal. Spaghetti is my recommendation.
- Electronics
- Electronics can be your best friend while traveling. MP3 players for music to drown out the noise, eReaders to distract your mind, and the ever important SmartPhone to check email, text friends and family, play games, and fight Jet Lag! Yes, it’s true “There’s an app for that”! Virgin Airlines has created the Jet Lag Fighter app which gives you advice based on your profile and trip details. Available from iTunes for only $1.99!
I have to expand a little bit on my love affair with my eReader. It’s wonderfully convenient to have hundreds of books to choose from at your fingertips! This which means no more 30 lb carry-on bags stuffed with everything from Self-Help books (which are embarrassing to read in public anyways) to the latest Business phenomenon book (which you are only reading in public because you hope you end up sitting next to an HR recruiter or CEO who is impressed). Evening flights can be a killer, so use your eReader to keep yourself awake until a reasonable hour. And yes, 8pm is reasonable.
Without these three tips I don’t think I would know what day it is or what meal I should be eating next. Oh, and p.s. you’ll want to make sure your electronics are charged. In fact, go ahead and purchase an extra charger and leave it in your luggage. You’ll thank me later.




I received an email from our security team that had some helpful tips about better securing your laptop when on a trip. As they pointed out, while the laptop is a valuable asset, the information it holds is even more important. 




How did we survive without the Internet?




