Based on my one previous European trip, I'm in agreement with Rick's advice for jet lag (stay awake outside until the evening on that arrival day). However, on our 4th night, we will be at a music festival that won't end until 2AM. There is also a good chance we will spend 1-2 of the previous nights out late at a jazz club or other musical event (though not the first night). Anyone have any experience with a schedule like this? Is it maybe better to get an afternoon nap and just go for late nights all around early in the trip? Any tips, opinions or advice are welcome, especially from anyone that's had to deal with such a schedule. For what it's worth, we don't really have to get an early morning start until our 8th day, and are deliberately keeping things relatively unplanned the first few days.
Posted by
Newport Beach, CA, USA
769 posts
Read a bit further down - as there was a whole dialog on jetlag last week. But - yes - many recommend staying up later with the locals and run around all day so you can really sleep and get acclimated quickly. Wake up a bit early and have a coffee/pastry with the locals (if you need a short siesta in the mid day - make it short!) have fun!
Posted by
Chandler, AZ, USA
112 posts
Your question is more about daily activity versus getting rest, not so much how to deal with jet lag upon arrival. That topic's been addressed ad nauseum.
I tend to travel for a minimum of two weeks, and freely take naps. By mid afternoon, I am probably ready for one after lots of walking and visiting sites. I like to be a night owl, and can often spend my nights up to midnight or later. Yet I still want to be up and out the door by 8, or down for breakfast by then if it's provided where I'm staying. So I'll go all morning, possibly have lunch early afternoon around 1 or 2, and then take a nap for a couple hours, maybe more. I'll head back out after 7, maybe grab postcards and write them in a cafe. Late dinner, as it's common to eat late in most of Europe, and then to a pub, concert, music club, or some kind of show. That's what I do basically. :)