How to beat jet lag?

Interrupted sleep, irritability, disorientation, lack of motivation—these are only a few of jet lag’s symptoms, and even the most seasoned travellers experience them to some degree when venturing across time zones.

Despite opinions to the contrary, the biggest cause of jet lag is not the number of hours travelled, but the time zones. Experts say that changing time zones throws off the body’s circadian rhythms, which control the release of hormones and chemicals that let you know when to eat, sleep and wake up.

Pre-flight

This is one of the most important aspects of combating jet lag. Before departing, make sure you have all your affairs, business and personal, in order. Ensure you are not stressed-out with excitement or worry, and not tired or hungover from a function the night before. Get plenty of exercise in the days prior to departure and try to avoid sickness such as the flu, colds and so on. If you have a cold, flying will probably make it worse - ideally you should delay the trip. Get a good night's sleep just prior to departure.

East or west?

There is much debate about whether it is better to fly eastward or westward. It may be largely a matter of personal preference, but there is some evidence that flying westwards causes less jet lag than flying eastwards.

Night or day flight?

Again it is largely a matter of personal preference based on experience. Most travellers think daytime flights cause less jet lag. We note that more daytime long haul flights are being added by major airlines.


Drinking fluids

The dry air in aircraft causes dehydration. Drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids counters this. Water is better than coffee, tea and fruit juices. Alcohol not only is useless in combating dehydration, but has a markedly greater intoxicating effect when drunk in the rarefied atmosphere of an airliner than it does at ground level.

Sleeping aids

Blindfolds, ear plugs, neckrests and blow-up pillows are all useful in helping you get quality sleep while flying. Kick your shoes off to ease pressure on the feet (some airlines provide soft sock-like slippers, and many experienced travellers carry their own).

Exercise

Get as much exercise as you can. Walking up and down the aisle, standing for spells, and doing small twisting and stretching exercises in your seat all help to reduce discomfort, especially swelling of legs and feet. Get off the plane if possible at stopovers, and do some exercises or take a walk. This also helps to reduce the possibility of blood clots and associated trauma.

Showers

During extended stopovers on a longhaul flight, showers are sometimes available. A shower not only freshens you up but gets the muscles and circulation going again and makes you feel much better for the rest of the flight. Trans-Pacific pilots have told us taking a shower in Hawaii helps them recover more quickly from the general effects of jet lag after the flight.
Sleeping pills (don't!)

Some people use sleeping tablets to try to alleviate jet lag. This is a dangerous approach as sleeping pills induce a comatose state with little or no natural body movement, and it is well known that prolonged immobility during flight can lead to fatal blood clots (deep vein thrombosis). This was reported as far back as 1988 in the Lancet, which said it was estimated "that over three years at Heathrow Airport, 18% of the 61 sudden deaths in long distance passengers were caused by clots in the lungs." Picture the leg veins as bags of blood. When this blood doesn't circulate there is a risk that it will clot. In addition, many so-called sleeping pills are variants on anti-histamines and they tend to dehydrate significantly, adding to the already significant problem of in-flight dehydration.

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Water sports in Greece

Greece offers a wide variety of water sport. These are very popular in the many resorts by the sea. Especially during the summer season you will find many people on rented jet skis, enjoying the view while parasailing or falling from the banana when it makes a sharp turn. Other water sports include:

Water ski

Water ski was “born” around 1900 from a group of young people who were having fun playing with the waters of a lake in the USA. The fashion spread quickly, and the stronger the boat engines became, the more the speed, the difficulty and the popularity of the sport grew.

In Greece, the Vouliagmeni Nautical Club (in the region of Attica) was the first club to found a water ski division in 1957; in 1963 the Hellenic Water Ski Federation was founded with the aim of spreading the sport all over the country.
Water ski is now one of the most popular modern water sports and no special training is needed when done by amateurs for fun. All over Greece there are private schools, which operate at organized beaches or at the facilities of big hotels.

Sailing

Sailing is a sport irrevocably connected with the Greek people throughout the country’s long history and centuries of nautical tradition. Today, it is one of the most popular sports and thousands of Greeks practise it systematically (in competitions or as a simple sport) using all types of sailing boats.


Windsurfing

Windsurfing is an exciting sport for everybody, irrespective of age and sex. No special body strength is needed, at least in the beginning, the most important part being played by correct technique.

Apart from being fun and an Olympic sport, windsurfing is a professional sport since 1985, as well as a demonstration and competition sport in indoor areas, where the necessary conditions are artificially created.

As the weather conditions in Greece are ideal (mild climate, appropriate strength of the winds etc), the popularity of the sport has increased spectacularly and more and more Greek people practise it systematically. Indeed, in recent years European and World competitions (tournaments), some of which rank among the most important international events, are held in various parts of the country during the summer. At most of the country’s organised beaches you have the opportunity to windsurf or attend lessons given by specialised instructors. Indicatively, some of the places where one can do organised windsurfing are listed below:
-Attica: Anávyssos, Várkiza, Lavrio, Loutsa, Rafina, Schiniás (Marathonas) and Galazia Aktí (Marathonas) beaches
-the Cyclades: Paros island (Chrysí Aktí, Nea Chrysí Aktí, Tsoukalia, Santa Maria and Pounda beaches), Mykonos island (Fteliá and Kalafatis beaches), Naxos island (Aghios Georgios and Mikrí Vigla beaches), Ios island (Mylópotas beach), Santorini island, et al.
-the Dodecanese: Rhodes island (Trianda, Fanés, Prasonissi and Theologos beaches), Kárpathos island (the Devil’s bay), Kos island, et al
-Patras (the Peloponnese): Drépano and Zacháro beaches
-the Ionian Islands: Lefkada island (Vassilikí beach), Zákynthos island
-Crete
-the Sporades islands: Skiathos
-Macedonia: Thessalonica prefecture (Aghia Triada and Nea Michaniona beaches and on Volvi lake), Chalkidikí (Sunny Beach).

Diving Tourism

The particularly clean Greek seas and the huge wealth of the deep are a pole of attraction for those wishing to enjoy the magic of underwater exploration. Diving using only a mask is allowed everywhere, but scuba diving using compressed air tanks is forbidden in areas with underwater antiquities.

Scores of diving schools operate in Greece under special license of the Greek Ministry of Mercantile Marine. All scuba divers are obliged to comply with and adhere to the regulations and restrictions of L. 5351/32 on antiquities. Underwater activities with diving equipment are allowed from sunrise to sunset.

More specifically, interested parties should be aware that the following are prohibited:
-fishing with scuba diving equipment (spear fishing with the use of bottles);
-photographing, removing or transporting antiquities. In case you spot any antiquities, you must immediately report this to the nearest archaeological department of the Ministry of Culture (or the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities), or port or police authorities; and
-use or possession (on board of a ship) of special equipment for spotting antiquities.
Looking for an adventures holiday by the sea, where you can enjoy all kinds of water fun, visit our website www.medestino.com!

Ten best dive sites in Europe

Choosing the best places to scuba dive is important before setting out to plan a diving adventure. You have to decide what type of sights you want to see and how deep you are prepared to venture. There are coral reefs to be seen and sea wrecks to be explored. Each has its own destination and attractions for the scuba divers.

Some of the best places to scuba dive are the Bay Islands, Jamaica, Aruba, Belize, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, St. Kits and Nevis, Tobago, Turks and Caicos, and Antigua. But you don’t have to go that far to enjoy the wonders of the sea. In Europe there are many places where divers can fully indulge. Europe boasts some world class dive sites, with great visibility and masses of underwater life.

Take the plunge with this top 10 list of best diving destinations in the Europe. Whether you’re an experienced scuba diver or thinking about dipping your toe in the water for the first time, you don’t have to venture too far for a spectacular underwater experience.


Crystal clear Cyprus

The crystal clear waters on the coast of North Cyprus provide one of the few places in the world where divers can swim with turtles. Visibility can be up to as much as 30 metres and likely sightings include stingrays, grouper and scorpion fish. If you dare to explore among the rocks, eel and octopus await you! The wreck at Zenobia comes very highly recommended.

Dive into historical Scotland

Go back in time and witness the German High Seas Fleet at Scapa Flow, Orkney. Experienced divers and novices alike can explore the history and spectacular wrecks of the warships at this popular Scottish dive destination. You’ll also save money by not venturing too far from home.

All weather diving in France

Beginning at the foot of Cap de Nice, these underwater cliffs lure thousands of divers each year to Provence. Boasting beautiful, brightly coloured marine life, the cliffs are also home to spectacular gorgons, which wave their fans as they strain for plankton. At the other side of Cap Ferrat a more sheltered area makes all-weather diving possible.
Wrecks of Malta

Wrecks have been sunk specifically for diving in the beautiful surrounds of Malta’s waters. These include a Maltese military patrol boat and the Um El Faroud – a wreck that resulted from an explosion in Malta Dry-docks in 1995, killing nine dockyard workers. Well-lit caverns and spectacular lagoons make this dive destination well worth a visit.

Dive Ireland’s diamond rocks

The glistening quartz of the Diamond Rocks in Kilkee, Ireland, makes up part of one of Ireland’s most popular dive sites. Divers can start from Intrinsic Bay, named after the ship that was wrecked there in the 1800s, and make their way towards the underwater reef and a 30m deep valley. Watch out for the spider crabs at the entrance.

Unforgettable Greece

Picturesque Santorini, one of the most popular destinations in Greece, offers unspoiled clear waters for an unforgettable diving experience. Underwater caves, walls and reefs marry together with an abundance of colourful marine life.

Explore underwater castles on the Isle of Man

Watch the seals play hide and seek as you dive at Peel Castle and Fenella Beach on the Isle of Man. Circle around the castle grounds before making your way to Fenella Beach.

Cool dives in England

Put an extra wetsuit on! You’ll need it if you’re game enough to dive the cooler temperatures around the wreck of the James Egan Layne in Whitsand Bay, Plymouth. The boat, which sank in 1945, is a popular choice for divers due to its depth.
As well as bits of old cargo within the wreck, the hull is covered in dead man’s fingers and anemones, and the bridge and forward masts now lie on the sea bed housing a wide variety of fish. Close to home, this dive experience shouldn’t dent your savings.

Warm up in Costa Brava

If cool temperatures aren’t your thing then warm up in Costa Brava, home to some of the best diving in Spain. The Medas Islands boast submarine nature reserves where you might just spot a four-or-five-foot grouper or some silvery barracudas. If it’s boat wrecks that you’re after, Cap de Creus Natural Park will fit the bill.

Tenerife for novices

Tenerife is an ideal location for novice divers as well as the more experienced. The Condesito shipwreck lies 3kms from Las Galletas harbour with its hull, cabin and engine room all still intact.


The wreck is brimming with underwater life including trumpet fish measuring up to one metre and several moray eels inhabit the hull. Deeper dives expose black coral, tuna, amberjack and Atlantic rays.

For more information about other interesting places to visit, go to www.medestino.com!

The nightlife in Corfu

Corfu is famous for its rich and lively night-life. The capital offers a wide variety of bars and cafes proposing various kind of music, suitable for every taste.

Corfu town definitely has a nightlife scene, though many people are content to linger over dinner and then, after a promenade, repair to one of the cafes at the Liston, such as the Capri, Liston, Europa, or Aegli--all of which have a similar selection of light refreshments and drinks. Others are drawn to the cafes at the north end of the Esplanade, just outside the Liston--Cafe Bar 92, the Magnet, or Cool Down. For a special treat, ascend to the rooftop cafe/bar at the Cavalieri Hotel. Another change of scene is the Lindos Cafe, overlooking the beach and facilities of the Nautical Club of Corfu; it is approached by a flight of steps leading off Leoforos Demokratias, just south and outside the Esplanade. And one of the best-kept secrets of Corfu town is the little Art Cafe, to the right and behind the Palace that now houses the Museum of Asian Art; its garden provides a wonderful cool and quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the town.


If you enjoy a bit more action, there are several nightspots along the coast to the north, between Corfu town and the beach resort of Gouvia; they include Ekati, a typical Greek nightclub; Esperides, featuring Greek music; and Corfu by Night, definitely touristy. Be prepared to drop some money at these places.

As for the younger crowd, there are any number of places that go in and out of favour (and business) from year to year. Among the more enduring up around the Esplanade are the relatively sedate Aktaion, just to the right of the Old Fort, and the Cafe Classico, in an old mansion at Odos Kapodistriou 10, featuring the latest music. Young people seeking more excitement go down past the New Port to a strip of flashy discos--Apokalypsis, Hippodrome, and DNA.

In summer, there are frequent concerts by the town's orchestras and bands, mostly free, on the Esplanade. Corfu town boasts the oldest band in Greece. The Sound-and-Light performances are described in the listing for the Old Fort. September brings the Corfu Festival, with concerts, ballet, opera, and theatre performances by a mix of Greek and international companies. Carnival is celebrated on the last Sunday before Lent with a parade and a burning of an effigy representing the spirit of Carnival.


For those who like to gamble, there's a well-known casino at the Corfu Holiday Palace a few miles outside of town. Open nightly, it may not have the glamour of Monte Carlo, but it attracts quite an international set during the high season.

Do you want to go partying in Corfu? Go to www.medestino.com and book your hotel.

The world’s best shopping districts

We all like travel stories, and shopping while on vacation helps you build a wardrobe with a story: the leather sandals that you (or your travel partner) bargained for at that souk in Fez, the vintage Pucci from that boutique in London, the made-to-order jeans from that stall in Bangkok. More than souvenirs, clothes and accessories extend your vacation, bringing reminders of adventures abroad into your daily life. And as the runway-to-chain-store fashion cycles get faster—and that Marc Jacobs bag gets knocked off before it makes it to Barneys—foreign treasures may just be the perfect way to personalize your look.
Start with a trip to an up-and-comer such as Copenhagen’s sterbro and Town Center areas. “If you want something that’s ahead of the curve, that’s the place to go,” Lucky magazine Editor at Large Gigi Guerra says. Many of the designers breaking onto the U.S. scene such as Malene Birger hail from the city. “The clothes are really inventive, but are easily wearable on a daily basis.” Because the city is so compact, it’s easy to navigate to stores such as Normann, a homewares and kitchen store housed in an old cinema, or eco-conscious Moshi Moshi. Plan your trip to coincide with one of the massive annual flea markets or with CPH Vision, an annual design fair held at the Ksnehallen. This year’s festival runs from August 9 to 12.


For friendlier exchange rate, check out Bangkok, Thailand, where shopping is a national pastime. There is a market, boutique or mall to peruse at any hour of the day, and it’s nearly impossible to walk down the street without being tempted by small trinkets, local crafts or quirky jewelry. If you’re feeling energetic, throw yourself into the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which has as many as 9,000 stalls organized thematically—from a vintage clothes to pets to spices. However, the real finds are in the Siam neighbourhood, which houses everything from massive malls to miniscule boutiques. Go here to find the perfect pair of jeans at one of the all-denim stores. Find a pair you like and have them hemmed and tailored while you wait.


Similarly frenetic is Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood, where a lack of street names and labyrinthine layout means it’s “all about getting lost and letting yourself discover things,” Guerra says. Her favourite finds include the quirky Tokyu Hands craft store, the local chain store Beams and the Parco 1, 2 and 3 malls, which have small booths owned by individual designers and labels, as well as sushi restaurants and cafes for retail refuelling. Look for select shops, boutiques that sell several different labels. But you might want to trim down before your spree—most size large items in Japan will fit the average size small in the States.
Sometimes shopping is as much about the experience as it is about your individual finds. That’s definitely the case in Morocco, where maze-like souks are an exercise in cultural immersion. Hire a guide to take you through the medina in Marrakech. Although you should steel yourself for pushy sales pitches and fevered bargaining, the payoffs can be rich.
Expect to find intricate hand-crafted jewelry, rugs and woven bags.

But much like a Chanel suit, when it comes to planning a shopping trip, you can never go wrong with the classics: Paris, London and New York. When you are in London you must certainly stop into the flagship TopShop store for a look at lines by design heavyweights such as Emma Cook and Christopher Kane, Guerra suggests. Or opt for the one-stop-shopping of Oxford Street’s Selfridges, which has outposts of all of the country’s top stores in addition to quirky and innovative window displays.



But if designer fashions are what you crave, make a retail pilgrimage to New York’s Fifth Avenue or Los Angeles’ Beverly Hills. These tried and true destinations will empty your wallets and fill your closets with Prada and Versace, Gucci and Ferragamo. “When you shop in New York, you need to have a strategy,” Tucker says. If you only have a few hours, you can get a taste of several designers with a stop into Fifth Avenue’s Bergdorf Goodman. Afterwards, wander down the street to classics such as Tiffany & Co., and Harry Winston. Similar strategies apply in L.A., where shops are more spread out. Focus your energies on Robertson Boulevard’s celeb hotspots such as Lisa Kline and Madison, and round out your day with lunch at The Ivy.

Ready for a day of shopping? Go to www.medestino.com and book your hotel in your favourite shopping country!

Mount Athos, the centre of Greek Orthodox Church

First of all, if you are a woman you can't go to the monasteries of Mount Athos. Second, if you are a man, and you don't have the proper papers they won't let you on the holy mountain either. Provided you are a man and have secured the necessary papers you are in for the experience of a lifetime. Mount Athos is simply one of the most beautiful places on earth, more like a fantasy than what we know of as reality. Enormous monasteries, like castles or fortresses dot the coast and appear on the mountain slopes with every bend in the road. There are caves that still house hermits as they have for thousands of years and many simple houses or kelions that have several monks in each and a small church. There are churches with more gold than some countries have in their vaults and icons that perform miracles. There are virgin forests and animals that are found nowhere but the Holy Mountain. There are monks from every country in the Orthodox world and even some from non-orthodox countries. The seashore is perhaps the most beautiful in the Aegean, pristine and rarely used for swimming since monks don't generally go to the beach. There are incredible gardens cared for with a love of nature and of God. For spiritual seekers Athos has the appearance of heaven on earth. Of course being a monk is not all honey and roses. It's a hard life. But it's a fantastic place to visit if you are the right type: male, spiritual in nature, respectful of tradition and adventurous.


From the town of Ouranoupoli at the edge of the frontier between the Holy Mountain and the rest of the world there is a small boat that takes you to the port of Daphne, the official entry point for pilgrims to Mount Athos. There is one bus that goes from the port of Daphne to the town of Karyes in the center of the peninsula. There are a couple shops, one owned by my Dimitri, a friend of my family. The monks are friendly for the most part and love talking, especially hearing about life outside of the holy mountain. Be prepared to be offered a nice glass of tsipuro and then to tell your life story, as many of the monks are quite educated and speak English. The Skete of Profitti Elias was at one time known as 'the American monastery' because of the number of westerners living there.

If you are a woman, left behind in Ouranoupoli, take comfort in the fact that there are worse places to be stuck. The town has some nice restaurants and a pretty good beach and has the feel of a decadent outpost on the edge of civilization. You can also take a cruise around the Holy mountain and wave to the monks and maybe your husband or boyfriend. And if by chance he decides never to come back, don't worry. You can still write to him and be sure it will be delivered.


Do you want to visit Thessaloniki and the monasteries of Mount Athos? Go to www.medestino.com and book your hotel.

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