Anyone have any travel tips that they can share for flying to Europe?  We are going to London and Amsterdam in a few weeks.  Our flight leaves Newark, NJ around 8pm and arrives in London around 8am their time.  Any help on how I can get some sleep so we can hit the ground running would be appreciated.  As would, recovering from change in sleep as quickly as possible to be able to enjoy the full vacation without feeling tired.  Lastly, any help on recovery when we get back to the East Coast from Amsterdam would be appreciated too.  Thanks in advance to those that may be able to provide some helpful pointers.

Never been to Europe, so can't help much there.
Jet lag can be a real PITA.
Maybe some kind of sleeping aid might help for the plane ride.

For cruises I've been on out of country, I've always made a photocopy of my passport.  Ya never know when you might need.

Hope it is an enjoyable trip.  Have fun.

Jet lag is PITA and IMO it is worse coming back.  Going you should be OK with the jet lag the key is to stay awake once at your destination until your normal sleep time (that would be somewhere around 9PM Holland time).As to Heathrow Airport it is big and you will will not have to go through customs if you have connecting flight and your bags are checked thru to your destination.  If you intend to leave the Airport then you will have to go thru customs. Are you staying in Amsterdam or traveling through out Europe.  One place you would want to visit in Amsterdam is the Library and also take a canal tour.  On a side note I just read they are either moving or sprucing their red Light District.  I agree with the photocopies of your passport place one in each suit case and carry on.  We always wear ours around our neck under our clothes.  If you plan on eating at restaurants they have some of the best however I have always found the best food to be wear the locals eats.

Enjoy your vacation

One week in London and five days in Amsterdam.  We are staying near Trafalgar Square in London and in the Museum District in Amsterdam.

Most of the trip is focused on music related historic sites including two guide led walking tours in London and art museums centered around Van Gogh in both London and Amsterdam.  We have tickets for a tour of the original Heineken brewery in Amsterdam followed by a 45 minute canal ride that departs and returns to the brewery location.

If price is not an issue , fly first class . Normally lay down wide seats.

If price is not an issue , fly first class . Normally lay down wide seats.

Unfortunately, that will not be happening.

If not 1st or business class look into the option of premium seating.  It cost a little more however IMO worth the extra cost for the additional leg room

If not 1st or business class look into the option of premium seating.  It cost a little more however IMO worth the extra cost for the additional leg room

That isn't happening either.  Tickets were purchased about 3 months ago.

I have found eye shades and ear plugs to be helpful both on the plane and at hotels for either a nap or an early evening.  Also, as you probably already know, drink lots of water and you may want to take some zinc and vitamin C for a few days before and then during travel or take Airborne.  I have known folks who take Nyquil to help them sleep on the plane, never worked for me.

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is fabulous and you will truly enjoy it if you like Van Gogh.  Hope you also get to go to the Rijksmuseum? I love Van Gogh, but also Vermeer and Rembrandt.

Thanks for the information, Kristin.

Lots of Van Gogh items planned on the trip.  Museums below and places he lived, studied, relatives lived, churches he attended, etc.  I found a few good websites with all kinds of information and built the trip around that.  There are a lot of exhibits this year that feature Van Gogh which is another reason we are going this year.

London National Gallery
Courtauld in London
Van Gogh Museum
Van Gogh and Rembrandt Immersive Experience
Rembrandt House Museum
Rijksmusuem
Moco Museum
Stedelijk Museum
Kroller Muller Museum in Otterlo

Sounds like a great time.  Also, you may want to get neck pillows, inflatable or otherwise.  Helps to keep your head from rolling around so much on the plane.

The Rijksmuseum.  My favorite painter and my favorite painting is displayed there!

The Rijksmuseum.  My favorite painter and my favorite painting is displayed there!

What is it?

The Night Watch!  No photo of it does it justice, it needs to be seen in person to appreciate its complexities!

The Night Watch!  No photo of it does it justice, it needs to be seen in person to appreciate it complexities!

I found this online last night.  Not sure if you have ever seen this.  I didn't get to watch it yet.

https://nightwatchexperience.com/en/