Egypt is 7 hours ahead from my time zone (EST Canada). Jet lag typically hits me pretty hard. Not really looking for preventative advice (after years of non-diving traveling, I've tried every trick in the book, some things help more than others), but would like to know what others do before boarding their liveaboard after a long-ish, multi-time zone flight, Egypt in particular. Chill at a resort for a few days? What kind of activities are there to do? How long does it take "you" to feel safe enough to dive? I'm aware most folks here are probably coming from Europe, so it's not as much of an issue, but for those coming from further afield, would love to know your itineraries/general planning around this. The LOB will be either out of Hurghada or Sharm, 5 - 7 days (not yet booked). I have a maximum 12 days for the trip and of course, would like to maximize my dive time. Thanks in advance, all!
How Much Jet Lag Recovery Time?
- Thread starter Strombo
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Have you visited Egypt at all? Before my liveaboard I visited Luxor, etc., then headed to Hurghada from there. Cairo has plenty to see, too, of course.
As I recall from NY to the Red Sea and Palau, I just got off the plane, boarded the boat, and went diving the next morning.
mcohen1021
Contributor
If you time your flights properly, you wont jet lag at all.
We got to Hurghada around 1 am, got to the hotel in port ghalib ~6 am... after sleeping in van 3 hours, took a nap 2-3 hours after check in, and were ready to roll by 10 am.
We got to Hurghada around 1 am, got to the hotel in port ghalib ~6 am... after sleeping in van 3 hours, took a nap 2-3 hours after check in, and were ready to roll by 10 am.
Arrive two nights before the liveaboard, chill out for a day, stay out of the sun, drink water and don't go to sleep until 22:00 the night before your boarding the liveaboard.
Plan one full day in the local area before boarding.
While there, schedule a peak workout and chase it with an OTC sleep aid (melatonin) to set conditions for good sleep.
Eat light and hydrate.
While there, schedule a peak workout and chase it with an OTC sleep aid (melatonin) to set conditions for good sleep.
Eat light and hydrate.
For me “going” is never an issue likely because everything is different so I just adapt but coming home I can feel the effect for many days.
Traveling "East" relative to the US is very difficult since you have to get used to going to bed many hours ahead of what you are used to. Going West is usually much easier since you have to stay "up" beyond your normal bedtime and then just go to bed, and all will be OK.
Heck, I still haven't gotten over my jet lag going from Boston back to Libya a few years ago lol.
Thanks everyone for your advice. I knew I could count on folks here for some solid, first hand experience. I'll be giving myself two nights/ two days to get adjusted . @NothingClever , a workout and melatonin is a great idea. @ mcohen1021, timing the flights is wise. I'll be looking into that. Cheers, y'all!
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