This jet lag app actually works!

The ups and downs of tech when traveling

Getting to Bergen was an adventure in technology — both good and bad. For starters, it took an entire day to check in for our flights. Why? Because the airline kept rescheduling us, over and over — and each time with different airlines. I wrestled online forms from breakfast ’til dinner before finally getting our itinerary pinned down.

Canceled speaking gig

In the end, our new flights left 8 hours earlier than originally planned — even though we still landed in Norway at the same time. Sadly, this time change meant I had to cancel my final speaking gig of the year. So disappointing!

I’m no Luddite; I thoroughly enjoy tech when it’s well thought out and actually works. That said, look at the photo of me below. It was captured by an online check-in. The form wouldn’t let me upload a photo. Nope, I had to take one right then and there. After four failed attempts, the app settled on this image of me donning my reading glasses.

Does the ghost in the machine have a sense of humor?

Chided by a cranky robot

Later, during our layover in Helsinki Airport, I encountered a cranky robot in the food court. When I crouched to get a photo, she chided me in a posh British accent by saying, “Please make way. I am unable to get by.”

Geez, robo-lady! I simply wanted a photo. Did she think I’d steal her robo-soul? (I say ‘her’ because they used a female voice.)

I tried a jet lag app

As for the positive side of tech, I tried an app called Timeshifter for the first time. If you follow its protocols, it claims to minimize the effects of jet lag. I was pretty skeptical, but the first trip is free, so I gave it a try. (It’s the age-old ploy, right? Hey, traveler! First one is free!)

The Timeshifter app is simple to set up and the interface easy to understand. All you do is input your flight numbers. From that, the app creates a specific program for you.

Our jet lag plan started two days before our flight. Time Shifter told us when to go to bed, when to rise, when to drink coffee, and when to stop. It also told us when to get light and when to avoid it.

I followed Timeshifter’s protocol to the letter — even when it meant wearing sunglasses indoors and pulling my hat low during our layover in Miami Airport. (Doing so made me think of a guy I knew who wore sunglasses 24/7. He died recently, and now I wonder how cutting off sunlight may have impacted his health. Hmm…)

It helped, too, that Larry and I got “Redneck First Class” - meaning that no one claimed the window seat on our transatlantic flight. Together, we had three seats to share, which really helped. According to my Amfit watch, I clocked 3 1/2 hours of sleep.

Timeshifter worked!

Three and a half hours is not much shuteye, but between that and following Time Shifter’s protocol for light and dark, it did the trick! Even after a grueling 29-hour-long travel day, I had minimal jet lag.

Usually when we cross several time zones, I get waves of overwhelming sleepiness that strike on and off. This trip? Sure, I’ve been tired here and there, but I haven’t felt that woozy jet lag sensation even once!

I highly recommend the Timeshifter app. If you fly a lot, the $24.99 annual plan is a good deal. I don’t fly much, so the $9.99/trip fee is the way for me.

To me, ten bucks to avoid jet lag is well worth it!

Blame Patty

Speaking of apps, I am a Substack newbie. Hello, everyone! I was lured here by fellow writer, Patricia J. L., who I became good friends with after meeting her on Twitter back in 2010 or thereabouts. (So if you’ve read this far, you have Patty to either thank or blame for my presence here. Haha!)

I’m still getting my sea legs on Substack, but my first impression is good. In fact, Substack reminds me of how the blogosphere felt in the day, back when bloggers truly mixed and mingled with each other.

I look forward to meeting kindred spirits here, making friends, and having some FUN.

You’re invited

Speaking of fun, my husband and I have hit the road, and I invite you to come along!

While you’re here, check out my other blog posts at the following links: Tui’s Travels and/or Tui’s Tombstones. Enjoy!

If you haven’t signed up yet, here’s a subscription box for you:

Let’s set sail together—there’s so much to explore and learn along the way! And lastly, if you have any questions or comments, please let me know. ~Tui