Blame It on Jet Lag: The Most Ridiculous Things I’ve Done

hen Sleep Deprivation Meets Wanderlust You know that dazed, “what planet am I even on?” feeling after a 15-hour flight? That’s jet lag. And let me tell you — it’s responsible for 90% of my most ridiculous travel moments. From awkward encounters to impulsive decisions I’ll deny at family dinners, here’s a collection of the dumbest things I’ve done on the road… and yes, we’re blaming it all on jet lag.

Melissa Ridge

5/12/20252 min read

Disclosure: Heads up — this post contains affiliate links. That means if you click through and book or buy something, I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It keeps my caffeine habit and questionable travel choices alive, so thank you in advance!

Introduction: When Sleep Deprivation Meets Wanderlust

You know that dazed, “what planet am I even on?” feeling after a 15-hour flight? That’s jet lag. And let me tell you — it’s responsible for 90% of my most ridiculous travel moments. From awkward encounters to impulsive decisions I’ll deny at family dinners, here’s a collection of the dumbest things I’ve done on the road… and yes, we’re blaming it all on jet lag.

1. Tried to Pay for Coffee with My Hotel Keycard in Prague

The barista just stared at me while I confidently tapped my room key against the card reader like a boss. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work.

Pro tip:
Book a hotel where they actually have 24/7 coffee service through Trip.com.

2. Booked a Flight for the Wrong Month

I once showed up for a flight in March… that I’d actually booked for May. Genius, right? I had to frantically buy a new ticket on the spot.

Avoid my fate:
Use WayAway or Aviasales to find flexible flights you can easily swap if jet lag fries your brain.

3. Rented a Scooter in Rome Without Knowing How to Ride It

In my defense, it looked easy. In reality? I ended up sideways in a produce market.

Travel smarter:
Book scooters responsibly through BikesBooking where they’ll actually check if you know what you’re doing.

4. Fell Asleep Standing Up at a Museum in Tokyo

I literally nodded off mid-tour, only to wake up being gently nudged by a concerned docent. Mortifying.

If you're booking attractions:
Use Tiqets for timed entry tickets — less waiting in lines you could fall asleep in.

5. Ordered $90 Worth of Room Service at 2 AM

Jet lag makes you ravenous and reckless. The steak, cake, and three club sandwiches were incredible, but my credit card wasn’t as impressed.

Better option:
Grab late-night eats nearby using Airalo eSIM to stay connected and Google your options.

6. Took a Stranger’s Taxi in Istanbul

I swear it was my ride. It wasn’t. And yet I sat there like, “Why are you mad, sir?” Luckily, KiwiTaxi and GetTransfer exist now for reliable rides you can book ahead of time.

7. Attempted to Haggle for a Sandwich

I was so delirious I tried to negotiate sandwich prices at a French café. It didn’t work, but the guy did give me a pity discount.

My Favorite Jet Lag Survival Tools:

VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance — covers you when your brain’s on airplane mode
Drimsim SIM card — stay connected globally
EconomyBookings — for cars you won’t forget how to drive
Radical Storage — stash your stuff while you nap safely

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Final Thoughts

Travel’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright embarrassing. But those are the stories you tell forever. Next time you book a trip, grab a nap, book a transfer in advance, and don’t try to pay for your espresso with a hotel key. Or do — just blame it on jet lag.