Preparing for a vacation or business trip can mean a flurry of last minute errands, phone calls, and packing, but make sure you get enough rest! Starting your trip tired can mean you never get back on track—not a fun way to spend a vacation. As much as possible, get plenty of rest before take-off. Try staying up an hour later (if you are traveling west) or going to bed an hour earlier (if you are traveling east) for several days before your trip.

Before and during your flight, make sure you are getting plenty to drink. Stick to non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages, since caffeine and alcohol can act as stimulants. Dehydration can make sleepiness and fatigue worse.

If you are travelling across many time zones, plan your trip knowing that you will most likely have some jet lag. Keep the schedule light for the first two days of your trip to give yourself some time to recover. If you can, choose a flight that allows you to arrive at your destination in the early evening. Then, try to stay up until 10 pm local time to help your internal clock adjust to the new time zone.

Adjust your daily routine to fit the new time zone as soon as possible. When you arrive, change your watch to coincide with the new time zone. Even if you feel tired during the day, try not to sleep. If you must nap, limit it to no more than two hours.

Get outdoors into natural light. Sunlight will help your internal clock adjust more quickly.

Melatonin is a hormone found in the human body that helps regulate sleep. Your body produces melatonin according to the amount of light you are exposed to.

Melatonin supplements have gotten a lot of attention as a possible cure for jet lag. However, the evidence from clinical trials examining melatonin is inconsistent. Melatonin has been shown to be effective if you are crossing more than five time zones traveling east, but it may not have a noticeable effect if you are only traveling across a few time zones. Melatonin may even be harmful if you have epilepsy or take warfarin, so talk to your doctor if you are considering taking it.

When you travel, you may want to wear a sleeping mask when you sleep to make sure your body is producing enough melatonin to help you adjust to your new time zone and stave off jet lag. Your body will produce more melatonin in a very dark room than in one that is dimly lit.

When it is finally time for bed (according to your new time zone), you might find it difficult to sleep. New and unfamiliar noises can keep you awake even if you are very tired. Try some white noise: a fan, air conditioner, or even a radio on static can block out those unfamiliar noises and help you sleep.

Experiencing some jet lag is probably unavoidable, especially if you are traveling over many time zones. Do your best to be well-rested before your journey begins, and make sure to get enough rest throughout your trip. There may not be a quick fix, but a few simple steps and some planning can keep severe jet lag at bay.