I recently took a flight across the country for a weekend away. The flight there was comfortable and no problem at all. The flight home was another story. I took a red eye from the west coast to the Midwest. The flight was 100% booked and most of my fellow passengers were 14-year old girls on their way home from a soccer tournament. Needless to say I didn't sleep a wink. After a sleepless night crossing three time zones I was a mess -- exhausted emotionally and physically. It occurred to me that I just can't handle travel like I used to. Maybe these tips from The Airplane Workout would have helped.

The workout highlights three areas of importance: nutrition and hydration, exercise and mobility, and how to stay energized.

• Before take-off: Avoid large, heavy meals ... opt for a low-fat meal with protein and complex carbs to keep you energized. Stay well-hydrated with water or other caffeine-free drinks. Wear light, layered, loose-fitting clothing. Get plenty of rest before travel and, if traveling over time zones, try adjusting yourself to the new time zone before leaving. Take a brisk walk around the terminal before boarding the plane. It's especially important to be active before boarding a very long flight.
  

• In the air: Stick to light, low-fat foods while flying and just say no to alcoholic drinks, coffee, and caffeinated sodas (choose water or juice instead). Sleep if you can, but realize it probably won't be high-quality sleep. When the seat belt light goes off, get up and move around if you can. You can also get a small amount of movement while seated (contracting and relaxing muscles, stretching, rolling your shoulders and neck). Read a book, watch the in-flight movie, or listen to music to help you stay relaxed.
• Post-flight: Forget the people mover -- get those legs walking! After a brisk walk, take a few minutes to stretch your major muscle groups. Don't cram your first day of travel full of activities if possible -- you'll need time to relax and energize your body. Pack some healthy snacks that travel well (cereal bars and whole-grain crackers are a good option).

These all sound like good tips to me! But the cure for giggling 14-year old traveling companions is mysteriously lacking.