Traveling can be exciting, but arriving at a new destination often comes with fatigue and disorientation. Adjusting quickly can make a difference in how enjoyable the rest of the trip feels. Travel experts recommend a simple but effective way to transition smoothly—stepping outside for a walk. This small action can help reset the body and mind, making it easier to acclimate to a new environment.
Why a Walk Makes a Difference
After a long journey, sitting for hours on a plane, train, or car can leave the body feeling sluggish. A walk provides multiple benefits:
1. Exposure to natural light helps regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to adapt to a new time zone.
2. Movement boosts circulation, reduces stiffness, and wakes up the body.
3. Fresh air can clear the mind and help with overall well-being.
Freepik | After travel, a walk in the sun can help reset your body clock and reduce sluggishness.
Athena Livadas, a travel advisor, emphasizes that fresh air and natural sunlight play a crucial role in adjusting to a new setting. She suggests walking along the beach, exploring a park, or simply taking a short stroll around the hotel’s surroundings. This small effort can help fight off jet lag and ease into the new environment.
Lauren Wilt, CEO of a luxury travel concierge service, also follows this practice. She finds that walking upon arrival not only refreshes the body but also helps one familiarize oneself with the immediate area. Whether it's a bustling city or a quiet countryside, exploring on foot allows travelers to get a sense of their surroundings.
Unpack for a More Relaxed Stay
After stretching the legs, taking a few minutes to unpack can bring a sense of order to the trip. While keeping items in a suitcase may seem convenient, it often leads to frustration when searching for things later.
“Unpacking and organizing belongings upon arrival helps create a sense of stability,” Livadas notes. “It prevents clutter and saves time when getting ready throughout the trip.”
Wilt agrees, adding that even a quick organization routine can make a difference. “It takes just a few minutes but makes the stay more comfortable. Knowing where everything is lets you focus on enjoying the trip rather than rummaging through a suitcase.”
Plan for a Proper Meal on the First Night
Freepik | For easier adjustment, focus on food. A local dinner helps sync your body clock.
Food plays a key role in adjusting to a new environment. A scheduled dinner at a local restaurant ensures a good meal while helping sync with the destination’s time zone.
“A planned dinner on the first night keeps energy levels up and helps with jet lag,” Livadas explains. “It also offers something to look forward to after a long journey.”
Trying local cuisine early on can also enhance the travel experience, making the transition into the new setting more enjoyable.
Keep Plans Flexible for the First Day
The first day of any trip often comes with unpredictable levels of energy. Having a general idea of what to do without overloading the schedule allows for a smoother adjustment.
“Giving yourself room to rest or explore at your own pace is important,” Livadas says. “A few key plans, like knowing where to eat or how to unwind, can remove unnecessary stress.”
Starting a trip the right way can make all the difference. A simple outdoor walk, an organized unpacking session, a good meal, and a flexible approach set the foundation for a memorable and stress-free journey.
