You guys know LA is one of my favorite places to visit, and having traveled there a ton for work over the last 5 years, I have quite a few tips for jetting from coast to coast. @d.g.world messaged me on Instagram stories to ask for advice for NYC to LA travel tips. It’s a question I can totally understand and relate to, as I often have to jet over to LA for a quick work event and fly back the day after. No matter how much planning you do, the bicoastal life can definitely take a toll (I was dragging for a few days after, tbh).
But here are some NYC to LA travel tips to make the trip more bearable:
-Avoid red-eyes.
The name really says it all. I mean… they named this flight after the fact that your eyes inevitably turn red when you deplane in the morning, that’s how bad it is. They might as well name it Le Struggle plane. I used to love redeyes because you could fly back and forth to LA without losing precious waking hours. Now, I’m all about a daytime flight. You get a spectacular view (the window seat is so worth it!) and you don’t feel like you’ve been hit by a truck when you land. If you’re not the best plane sleeper and can’t spring for business class, daytime flights will be your best bet, too.
-Never adjust to the time zone.
When I’m staying in LA for an extended period, on my first night there, I try to stay up late to adjust to the 3-hours-behind time zone. If I’m going for a quick trip though, I stick to NYC hours. It makes my return home much more bearable. And it gives me some personal time in the morning to go for a hike, hit the gym, read a book by the pool, etc.
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-Take some time to relax.
Which leads me to my next point, put aside some time to unwind. Quick trips to LA take a toll on your body, and of course, if you’re working, it can be even more draining. That said, be sure to balance your busy schedule with a little R&R. Before I went to the “Insecure” party for my day job, I made sure to spend some down time at the pool just relaxing. And I went for a run that morning. Those moments keep me from feeling depleted (and eventually sick!) later.
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-Eat clean.
Speaking of getting sick, you want your body to be super high-functioning for all that travel and work. That said, I find that eating clean really helps keep me on point. It gives me energy to do everything on my agenda without feeling sluggish. That means lots of protein, plenty of veggies, complex carbs, vitamins, and water.
-Pack strategically.
I try to pack super light for quick business trips and that means planning my outfits down to the smallest detail. I literally lay my outfits out before packing so I don’t have any pieces I don’t need. It pays off when I’m trying to get fit my carry-on in the overhead compartment, but also when I’m lugging my suitcase across the airport. And it saves time in the morning because I don’t even have to think about what I’m going to wear, I can just get dressed and go.
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-Accept the fact that you can’t see everyone.
This is a big one, and it’s always difficult for me. Some of my best friends and closest family members live in LA, so it’s hard to travel there and not meet up with all of them. But it’s just not feasible on quick business trips. I’ll throw in a dinner with someone who lives close by where I’m staying or invite them to the work event, but if I can’t meet up with everyone and I have to push some reunions back to the next extended LA visit, that’s OK too. For quick LA trips, it’s all about pacing yourself and managing your schedule so you’re not overwhelmed.
Any other NYC to LA travel tips? Would love to read your advice in the comments.
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica
Dress: Erdem for H&M | Shoes: Jimmy Choo (also love this similar pair under $50)
