Travel Tips

Beat Jet Lag Like A Pro: 4 Travel Hacks From Teacher
Mic Finnigan

Erin P. | April 22, 2025

Jet lag is the ultimate travel buzzkill—especially when you're trying to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime educational tour. But don’t worry, we’ve got the cure (or at least some clever coping strategies).

Enter Mic Finnigan: a retired teacher, seasoned Group Leader, and EF legend who’s led more than 70 international trips. If anyone knows how to dodge the dreaded time-zone slump, it’s Mic. With his tried-and-true travel hacks, your group can hit the ground running on Day 1.

Jet lag 101: What it is and why it matters

Jet lag happens when your internal clock gets out of sync with your destination’s local time. Cue the crankiness, sleepiness, and “what day is it?” confusion. For group travellers—especially teachers and students—it can mess with the momentum before the adventure even begins. Luckily, you can try to outsmart jet lag on your next trip.

Mic Finnigan’s top 4 jet lag hacks 

1. Start adjusting before you take off

Ease into your new time zone by shifting your sleep schedule a few days before departure. Go to bed earlier or later depending on where you’re headed.

Packing pro-tip: Bring along a cozy neck pillow, headphones, an eye mask, and snacks to make sleep on the plane actually possible. Hydration is everything, so don’t forget the water bottle.

When you land, keep things chill (we know, it’s hard!). Take a short walk, explore your new surroundings, and don’t overdo it on the first day. Light activity helps your body catch up without wearing you out.

2. Outsmart long bus rides

Extended bus travel + jet lag = one sleepy group of students. Mic’s solution is to engage and plan activities that capture the attention of students. Spark a trivia quiz about your destination, get a travel-themed playlist going, or—if you must—start a group singalong.

Once you arrive, resist the nap. Get outside, soak up some natural light, and let your body clock reset the natural way. Daylight helps set your internal clock to local time (and might even score you a travel tan). 

3. Nail the sleep schedule (even with 6am wakeup times)

Spoiler alert: educational tours start early. Help your group handle those mornings by sticking to consistent bedtimes. Mic suggests winding down with screen-free evenings and creating relaxing pre-bed rituals (yes, even for teens).

During the day, encourage movement to keep energy up. Stretch breaks, walking games, or a round of travel-themed charades can fend off fatigue. And remember, don’t underestimate the power of a good snack and lots of water.

4. Build in a post-trip buffer day

So, you’re back! Coming home can be just as jarring as heading out. That’s why Mic recommends planning a recovery day after your return. Take time out to care for yourself and opt for a day of laundry, healthy food, low-key movement, and anything else you feel is restful. Think of your home as your jet lag decompression chamber. 

Bonus tip: Use the Timeshifter app

Meg M.—EF Tours Canada Marketing Director, experienced backpacker, and professional-level sleeper—swears by Timeshifter. The app personalizes a jet lag plan based on your travel details and sleep habits. It tells you when to sleep, hydrate, get sun, or grab that essential coffee.

Try it for free for one leg of your trip. Pair up with your travel buddy and share the app’s benefits for both directions.

Jet lag? Not on your itinerary.

With a bit of planning, your group will be energized, alert, and ready to soak up every travel moment—from touchdown to the last group shot. Now go chase that sunrise (or at least get a decent night’s sleep). You’ve got this.