How to survive long haul flights to Europe

I'm flying from the US to Europe next month for a two-week vacation, and it's my first time taking such a long flight. I always struggle with getting comfortable on planes and usually arrive completely exhausted and jet-lagged. What are your absolute best tips for surviving an 8+ hour flight without losing my mind?

First off, invest in a really good neck pillow—not the cheap foam ones, but a memory foam or wrap-around style that actually supports your chin. Also, download a bunch of offline movies and podcasts so you aren't relying on the plane's Wi-Fi. Once you land, try to stay awake until local bedtime; it helps reset your internal clock much faster!

Hydration is key! Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks on the plane because they will dehydrate you super fast and make jet lag feel ten times worse. Drink tons of water instead. Before you go, you might want to check out some advice on how to travel Europe on a budget to save some cash after you land.

Compression socks are an absolute game changer for long haul flights. They keep your circulation going so your ankles don't swell up. I also bring my own noise-canceling headphones, an eye mask, and some melatonin to help me get at least a few hours of solid sleep.

Dress in loose, breathable layers. Planes can go from freezing to boiling hot in a matter of minutes. Wearing joggers and a soft hoodie makes a massive difference when you're trying to get comfortable in economy seating.

Try shifting your sleep schedule by an hour or two a few days before your flight so the time change isn't such a brutal shock to your system. And if you're traveling with kids, definitely read up on how to plan a family holiday in Europe without losing your sanity for extra sanity-saving travel hacks.

Get an aisle seat if you can! Being able to get up, stretch your legs, and walk to the back of the plane every couple of hours without having to climb over sleeping strangers is worth every penny.

Pack your own snacks! Airplane food is usually pretty underwhelming, and having your favorite protein bars or nuts on hand keeps your blood sugar stable when the meal service is delayed.

Set your watch to your destination's time zone as soon as you board the plane. It sounds silly, but it really helps trick your brain into adjusting early. Good luck and have an amazing trip to Europe!