11 Tips to Reduce Jet Lag for Vacation

Arrive at your Disney Holiday rested with Jet Lag Tips

11 Tips to reduce Jet Lag for Vacation

Here are 11 tips to help  reduce Jet lag for your  holiday vacation. Your long anticipated vacation date finally arrived, your luggage is packed, and you have stopped the mail, newspaper delivery and boarded your pet.

Your arrival at the airport went not only smooth, but your family was amazingly cooperative and cheerful   (great start to your holiday vacation)

All you have to do is check through TSA and board your plane.  Arrival in Orlando is scheduled in just a few short hours.  Your little ones are seated between you and your spouse; all seems to be going so well.

Read our “tried and true” 11 travel tips for families who may experience Jet Lag…the dreaded overtired feeling when everything is off balance!  The only cure is additional rest.  Your body clock is off balance when you suffer from jet lag.  For goodness sake, you just arrived at your beautiful vacation villa home  and you’re  so excited to get going....but everyone is exhausted.  Are you seriously passing up vacation time to nap? What? Try these tips to reduce jet lag for vacation.

How to resist the temptation to burn the candle at both ends!

Decreasing Jet Lag effects with easy preparation

Have a game plan prior to arrival at your vacation destination is your best advice. 

1.    Advance your child’s bedtime 2 weeks prior to arrival by adjusting the bedtime an additional 10 minutes daily and increasing towards the time zone that you are traveling to.  By the time you arrive, your children will have adjusted closer to the time zone of your vacation destination.

2.    Encourage your children to sleep on the plane- bring favorite blankets and inflatable pillows.  Fuzzy socks help to keep little toes warm and a favorite stuffed animal to hold is very comforting to little ones.  Make it as close to cozy as possible for them.  This encourages comfort and security as they doze with the sweet dreams of their forthcoming vacation in Orlando.
3.    Fish Oil is a wonderful supplement to take on long trips where you are sitting for long periods, promoting better circulation.  It also enhances natural secretion of melatonin. 
4.    Melatonin is a natural sleep enhancer produced by the body naturally.  A supplement can be taken to “reset” the body’s natural sleep cycle rhythm.
5.    Fluids are essential on a flight , not soda or alcohol (for adults) sorry.. Drink bottled water and herbal teas!  Pack a couple of lemon flavored packets for flavored lemonade- mix with bottled water and you have a refreshing drink.  Add some herb teas sachets to your carry on for a quick pick me up drink- it is warming and relaxing, especially chamomile which encourages restfulness as well.  Plan to drink at least 10 glasses per day on your vacation.
6.    Try to get some sun exposure with your little ones upon arrival- the natural vitamin D from the sun will help energize your family, and it is the perfect tonic to a long winter!
7.    Take a walk, your little ones will love the exercise of a treasure hunt – explore your new holiday vacation destination.  Moving little feet and bodies will encourage a sounder sleep when it is time for bed and create happier children the following day.
8.    Stay off of hand held devices and video games, 1 hour prior to bedtime  as everyone’s mental alertness must unwind and begin to get into a sleep state.  The more sound  your nightly sleep, the happier everyone is during alert hours.
9.    Dress in favorite clothing on travel- do not wear something new that does not have the comfortable favorite feel with children.  A well loved outfit will help in the adjustment as a familiar smell and feel.
10.Keep a journal for your next holiday vacation of what works and what to skip…it will be hard to remember several months later!

All smiles on vacation with a good night sleep

11.JET LAG will not last long in Orlando- staying at a holiday vacation pool home  is one of the most relaxing decisions you will have ever made!

Smiles are everywhere with these 11 Tips!

Happy kids are rested kids!

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Caroline

The ROVH Team

It's Raining, It's Pouring! 5 Fun Things to Do in Orlando When It's Raining.

Titanic: The Experience

Have you ever wondered how your family can have fun in Orlando when it's rainy?

With over 236 days of sunshine, your family should have plenty of time to visit the theme parks' attractions and rides.

But when the weather conditions aren't ideal, check out these 5 fun, indoor activities.

Don't get stuck indoors - Orlando has a wealth of exciting indoor activities for rainy days! 
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Take a Break from the Heat & Sun with These Activities 

1. Titanic: The Experience. Located on International Drive near Universal Studios, this blockbuster attraction has storytellers in period costumes that bring your family back 100 years to the Titanic. Explore real artifacts, memorabilia, and re-created rooms in the 17 gallery exhibit. Recommended for adults, teens, and older kids. More details...

2. Orlando Science Center. An Orlando landmark, the OSC boasts a Star Wars exhibit, a digital adventure theater, and many interactive science exhibits. Visit during Saturday evenings in February for a special look at the night sky. Great fun for adults, teens, and kids. More details ...

3. WonderWorks. With over 100 interactive exhibits, this is one of Orlando's most popular upside-down indoor attractions. Walk through the inversion tunnel, climb the ropes course, play Lazer-Tag, or take a ride in the 4D theater. Fun for kids, teens, and adults. More details...

4. DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park. Located in Downtown Disney, this interactive theme park includes 5 floors of fun. Kids and teens can enjoy classic video games like Pac-Man and Frogger, or take a high tech adventure like creating your own roller coaster and testing it (virtually)! More details...

5. Ripley's Believe It Or Not. Filled with unusual art and collections from around the world, Ripley's Odditorium is a favorite among kids, teens, and adults alike! More details...

ROVH's Recommended Activities

1. Receive an In-Home Massage. Indulge yourself in a professional in-home massage to alleviate stress, muscle soreness, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome. 

2. Enjoy a Professionally Cooked Meal. Treat your family or spouse to a catered meal, by ROVH's personal chef. Menus are customized to specific preferences, diets, and allergies. 

3. Check Groupon. The coupon app has daily deals running for events and activities in the Orlando area. Purchase and download on your smartphone and use the same day!

Vote on the Best Rainy Day Activity!

Whats' Your Family's Favorite Rainy Day Activity?
	Titanic: The Experience
	Orlando Science Center
	WonderWorks
	DisneyQuest
	Ripley's Believe It Or Not
	We Go to the Parks Anyway!
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3 Ways to Protect Your Skin from Orlando's Sun

With over 236 days of sun per year, it's no wonder there are so many outdoor activities in Orlando! During your vacation, you and your family will be outside walking around the parks, watching a baseball game, or spending the day at the beach.

But beware! Harmful ultraviolet radiation light can cause major skin damage if your family's skin is unprotected. Even on cloudy days, 80% of the sun's rays penetrate through the clouds. Don't set your family up for skin damage and the potential for serious skin diseases and cancer. Read on for 3 ways to protect your skin from Orlando's sun.

1. Apply Sunscreen. Apply a Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30-35 sunscreen to the whole body including missed areas like the ears, neck, back of the hands, and feet. Sunscreen is most effective when applied every 2 hours, but if you're swimming wait until the sunscreen has dried before entering the water and reapply when you get out. Sunscreen sprays provide easy application, while sport sunscreens prevent eye sting from sweat. Don't forget SPF lip balm!

2. Wear Protective Clothing & Hats. Health care providers recommend covering your skin while outside, meaning long-sleeve shirts and pants. To keep covered and cool in Orlando's humidity, choose cotton, rayon, and linen, which are the lightest summer fabrics. Many clothing companies sell clothing that "wicks" moisture and sweat away. Wicking clothing are made from a cotton/polyester blend and is a great option when vacationing in Orlando. To protect the often overlooked head and face, outfit your family with wide-brimmed hats, which can protect the neck as well.

3. Avoid the Sun. Orlando's sun is strongest and most damaging from 11-2. It's best to stay inside during this time. Choose an indoor activity at a theme park, go to a movie, eat lunch, or enjoy an afternoon siesta during this time! If you can't avoid the sun during this time, seek the shade or use an umbrella to block the sun.

Thinking about a trip to the beach during your Orlando vacation? Check out ROVH's beach packing list. Don't forget to plan for the essentials - ROVH's Food, Clothing, & Shelter article will launch your planning!

Food, Clothing & Shelter in Orlando

The best Orlando vacations involve planning and preparation.  While it's important to make sure your flight and park tickets are purchased, don't forget the basics once you get there.  Be sure you've covered your family's 3 basic needs while vacationing in Orlando...

1. Food.  Eating out at restaurants everyday is an expensive prospect - and especially challenging for families with dietary concerns or needs.  Instead of eating on the go, plan to eat at least one meal at home at regular times.  Go grocery shopping for this meal and healthy snacks to eat between meals.  Sliced veggies, raw nuts, and dried fruits are healthy choices.  When eating out, choose simple entrees featuring proteins and fresh vegetables.  And don't mistake hunger for dehydration - make sure each family member is drinking at least 8oz of water every hour.  Looking for a chef to prepare your family's meals?  Try ROVH's personal chef service.

2. Clothing.  Orlando is a humid subtropical climate and has 2 seasons throughout the year.  May to September is rainy and hot.  October through April is cooler and drier.  Pack a rain jacket during the rainy season and a light jacket during the cooler season.  And don't forget hats, sunglasses, and clothing that is light and wicks away sweat for the abundant sunshine and heat!  Read 4 other things to pack when traveling to Orlando and for a day at the beach.

3. Shelter.  There are 3 options for shelter in Orlando: Walt Disney World Resort hotels, a corporate hotel, and vacation home rentals.  Vacation home rentals are privately-owned condos, town homes, and single family homes located on vacation resorts.  Vacation home rentals offer your family amenities like private pools, multiple bedrooms, and resort Clubhouses.  Overall, vacation home rentals are 56% less expensive than hotels, but offer 3 times the space.  ROVH encourages your family to explore renting a vacation home for your next Orlando vacation and benefiting from one of Orlando's best kept secrets.

Do you have any tips about traveling to Orlando?  We'd love to hear them - please leave a comment or contact us.  Your advice may be featured in our next newsletter! 

5 Things to Pack When Traveling to Orlando

If you're traveling to Orlando, don't forget to pack these essentials.  If you're flying in the U.S. make sure all liquids are in 3oz. containers that fit into a quart size Zip Lock bag.  Read our tips for packing for a day at the beach, too!

1. Spare Change for Toll Roads.  Florida’s toll roads, called the Sun Pass Lanes allow you to avoid rush hour traffic and arrive at your destinations faster.  If you don’t purchase a Sun Pass voucher, you will need to pay for the tolls with change (dollar bills, quarters, dimes, and nickels).  Read more tips for driving in Orlando.

2. Backpack or Waist Pack.  Bring a tote for your wallet, park tickets, camera, maps, water bottles, snacks, and other daily necessities.  Consider opting for a small bag with since many rides do not allow loose, large bags.

3. Sunblock.  Florida’s sun is more intense than other climates and can cause skin damage even when it’s cloudy.  Even when not at the beach, avoid the sun from 11:00AM-2:00PM and re-apply sunscreen every two hours.  ROVH recommends Coppertone with a minimum SPF 35.

4. Clothes for Different Weather.  Orlando is in a humid subtropical climate and has two seasons during the year.  May to September is hot and rainy, while October through April is dry and cooler.  If you’re traveling to Orlando during the rainy season bring a rain jacket or poncho and if you’re traveling during the cooler season, bring a light jacket or sweatshirt.

5. Comfortable Shoes & Flip Flops.  If your family is planning to tour the parks, you’ll be doing a lot of walking.  Don’t ruin your vacation with blisters and sore feet.  Bring a comfortable pair of tennis or walking shoes and pair with socks that wick away sweat.  And remember your flip flops when you’re poolside at a ROVH home’s resort pool!

Visit ROVH's Vacation Planning Tools to download a printable Orlando Packing List, purchase tickets, or rent a car.

10 Tips for Driving in Orlando

If you're driving to Orlando, or renting a car once you get to Orlando, follow these tips to ensure a smooth, short, and safe ride:


1. Bring your GPS or use a new map.  Orlando is continually growing and there’s a chance that new roads and highway extensions are not included on an outdated map.

2. SR 528 = Beachline = Beeline.  The Beeline has been renamed to the Beachline, which is the quickest route to Cocoa Beach.

3. Avoid I-4 during rush hour.  Leave early in the morning to avoid any rush hour/commuter traffic.

4. Take the toll roads during rush hour.  The Florida Turnpike and 417 Greene Way expressways are clear during rush hour.  Purchase a Sun Pass Voucher or bring extra change to take the toll roads and avoid sitting in rush hour traffic.

5. Be prepared for route names that change.  The best way to know where you’re going is to follow the route number.

6. Be prepared for route directions that change.  Most of Central Florida is former marshland, so natural and man made bodies of water make it nearly impossible to lay out state roads and highways in a grid-like fashion. Outside of the compact downtown area, many of the main thoroughfares start out north-south and end up curving east-west (or vice versa).  Continue on your route and use the route numbers to guide you.

7. I-4: Where East-West is North-South.  If you are heading on the 528 from the airport, just remember that the attractions are west (technically south) on I-4 towards Tampa and downtown Orlando is east (technically north) on I-4 towards Daytona Beach.

8. Sun Pass Lanes.  These lanes are for Florida residents who pay their tolls electronically.  Purchase a Sun Pass voucher while renting your car or prepared to use the exact change.  If you realize you are in a Sun Pass lane without the correct change, just continue forward.  The authorities generally pursue repeat offenders only.

9. Follow the signs.  Even drivers with a poor sense of direction should have a pretty easy time getting around Orlando. The city does a very good job of pointing people in the direction of the two major expressways that run through downtown (I-4 and the 408).  Disney World and Universal also have numerous signs on their properties ensuring that no visitor gets too far off track.

10. Send your greetings to your friends at home from Lake Buena Vista.  If you are vacationing at Walt Disney World, you are staying in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, which is southwest of downtown Orlando. There’s no need to search for Lake Buena Vista signs, however, since all of the highway signs directing you to WDW say “Disney.”

Once you've booked your vacation home, don't forget to check out ROVH's other guest services, including family photography, in-home massage, and a personal chef!

Gulf Coast Beaches Near Orlando

In case you missed the first part of this series, check out ROVH's recommendations for Atlantic Coast beaches.


Beaches on the Gulf Coast...

ST PETE & TREASURE ISLAND BEACHES
Located on Florida’s west coast, between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, “St Pete” and Treasure Island Beaches are known for their white sand beaches, beachfront restaurants and bars, and water sports.

Don’t Miss: Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball, water sports including jet-skiing, parasailing, and paddle boarding, the annual fall sand sculpting competition, and the annual spring Taste of Pinellas food and music festival.

Parking: Many parking garage and metered street parking options.  Tolls are charged on the Pinellas Bayway, which connects St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach and Fort De Soto Park. Tolls are also charged on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which connects St. Petersburg to points south.

From Kissimmee: 2 hours


FORT DE SOTO STATE PARK
Built for the Spanish-American War, Fort De Soto was named America’s most family-friendly beach by Parents Magazine in 2011.  Two piers offer free fishing 24 hours a day and visitors can view the ocean wildlife from the piers, including sea turtles, birds, and dolphins.  And don’t forget your dog because this beach is pet-friendly too!

Don’t Miss: Camping on the beach, kayaking and canoeing, fishing off the piers, exploring the old fort, and trail hiking.

Parking: Beachfront parking lot with a daily rate of $5.  Visitors entering by foot or bike are free to enter.

From Kissimmee: 2 hours



OTHER GULF COAST BEACHES
• Sunset Beach Park: 2 hours, 10 minutes
• Caladesi Island State Park (Near Tampa): 2 hours, 7 minutes
• Anna Maria Island (Near Bradenton): 2 hours, 17 minutes
• Siesta Key (Near Sarasota): 2 hours, 20 minutes
• Longboat Key, Lido Key and St. Armands Key (Near Sarasota): 2 hours, 21 minutes

Read on for ROVH's Beach Trip Packing Tips...

Atlantic Coast Beaches Near Orlando

Florida’s beaches are the perfect destination for a day trip from Orlando.  The Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches are meticulously maintained and offer visitors breathtaking scenery and an array of activities including water sports, restaurants, and wildlife preserves.  Don’t hesitate to include a beach day in your Orlando vacation itinerary – it is well worth the drive!

Continue reading for some of ROVH’s favorite beaches and must-see area activities.

Beaches on the Atlantic Coast...

COCOA BEACH

Known as the surfing capital of the East Coast, Cocoa Beach offers visitors six miles of pristine beaches, natural wildlife, and space launches.  Along the beaches are restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and stands offering rental items including surfboards and bicycles.  

Don’t Miss: The Kennedy Space Center, deep sea fishing and dock fishing at Cape Canaveral Inlet, turtle nesting from May-September, and the Brevard Zoo.

Parking: Metered beachfront parking at $1-$2/hour. 

From Kissimmee: 75 minutes

DAYTONA BEACH

Known for its sparking waters, Daytona Beach is also one of the few beaches that still allow driving on the sand.  Parked along the beaches, you can find collectors showcasing antique cars.  Check out Daytona’s varied restaurant scene or play a round of miniature golf after a day at the beach.

Don’t Miss: Daytona International Speedway, LPGA International Champions & Legends Course, snorkeling or scuba diving at the offshore reefs, and kayaking the area’s waterways.

Parking: Ocean Walk Parking Garage with hourly and daily rates and hourly beachfront metered parking.

From Kissimmee: 93 minutes

OTHER ATLANTIC COAST BEACHES

• New Smyrna Beach: 68 minutes 

• Canaveral National Seashore: 69 minutes

• Melbourne Beach: 84 minutes

Stay tuned for Part II of this article, featuring Gulf Coast beaches!