Jet lag can be more intense if you are traveling to a time zone that is more than eight hours away, but it can also affect you if your internal clock is just a few hours off. By following these tips, you'll be able get your clock back on schedule and enjoy your trip as soon as possible.

The first key to minimizing jet lag is to drink water continuously through your travel process. Dehydration can intensify some of the symptoms of jet lag and you'll end up more out of synch. Bring your own water on the plane, and drink lots of water once you arrive at your destination. You'll be happy you did.

Try to sleep on the plane so you'll offset the time change by at least a few hours. Take noise canceling earphones with you so you can block out the noise of the plan and get some rest. If at all possible, try to catch a red eye flight so you'll be able to get to sleep naturally. However, you should avoid taking sleeping pills in an attempt to get some rest. Drugs could make your jet lag even worse.

Once you get to your destination, try to stay awake until the nighttime in that location. Use a trip to the coffee house to perk up your senses and then get out and do something. Some sight seeing and light walks around your new location will help your body adjust to the time change. You'll be able to fall asleep when night falls if you get some exercise. Although it may be hard to stay up on arrival day, you'll be glad you did when you wake up the next morning refreshed and ready to seize the day.

On your arrival day, you should also eat some small meals throughout the day to break up your previous eating routine. The next day, you can start eating according to the time zone's schedule more quickly and easily. It's important that you follow this advice so you don't find yourself ravenous at 2 am in your new time.

Make sure to give yourself time to adjust to the changes. Plan your busy days at your new location for at least two days into your trip. Your arrival day and your first full day there should be spent doing some low-key activities. Don't plan your major business meetings or intense sight seeing for those days, or you'll end up regretting it later.

Jet lag doesn't have to be a problem if you follow these simple tips. Many people avoid traveling because they had a bad experience with jet lag in the past. Get on the offensive with this condition and you'll minimize the impact that it has on your trip.