Flights with long layovers are usually somewhat cheaper than the direct flights but these layovers can sometimes either be very hectic or very boring. However, most times you can enjoy your free time to the fullest and have some real fund while you’re at it! Try to think of your airport layover as a positive expect of your travel as it will allow you to explore a new place and socialize with new people! While layovers can be really exhausting, you can make the most out of them. Here are 11 ways to beat the boredom on your long airport layovers:
- Explore the places close to airport
If you have a long layover in a city which you wish to explore then this is a great chance to get a glimpse of what the city has to offer. Make the most of your time and explore the attractions close to the airport. You can ask the airport staff about the places which you may visit in such a short time. Don’t worry about your luggage as there are lockers in most airports for this purpose. Just make sure that you have permission to leave the airport with your passport. After all you wouldn’t want to get stuck!
- Shop at the airport
Well, we all know that airports always have shops or even malls for the passengers to explore. You have the option to shop at duty free where you’ll find everything from makeup to wine, and plenty of other things that could be location specific. Also, every airport has some souvenirs shops from where you can buy something to take back to home, even if that is not your main destination. If you’re one of those people who might get a little carried away, and spend your travel money, you don’t have to buy anything, just enjoy doing window shopping to beat the boredom.
- Do some reading
If you don’t want to go anywhere but still need something to pass your time then reading is a good option. You can bring a book from home, buy a new book or magazine from a bookstore in the airport or hop online and do some surfing. It will keep you pretty busy.
- Catch up on some sleep
If you are like me and cannot sleep in plane, layover time is a good option to do this. Some airports have sleep rooms or spaces you can rent, I have done this a couple times and they are quite peaceful. If you don’t want to pay for any rooms, then use your airport lounge space and catch on some sleep.
- Enjoy delicious meal or snack
Airport restaurants offer plenty of food variety to the visitors. If you don’t want to eat food in airplane, then visit any restaurant or café in airport and enjoy a delicious meal. While airport food can be somewhat expensive I have found this to be my personal favorite pass time.
- Freshen Up
You probably would want to freshen up after a long flight. If you have layover at airport, you can wash your face, comb your hair or do a little touch up of your make up. You’ll not only feel fresh after doing this, your time will also pass until your next flight. That being said, make sure the items you would need to do this are in your carry-on and not your checked baggage. You can learn more about what you should to keep in your checked bag here.
- Get a Spa treatment
Majority of the airports around the world have spa arrangement for the visitors. If you are jet lagged and wants to relax before your next flight, get a spa treatment or get your nails done. There is nothing like treating yourself with hot massage to kill your time between flights, getting ready for the next destination.
- Visit the airport lounges
Many airports offer lounge facility to the travelers. Some lounges only allow their members to enter while there are a number of airports offering pay-per-use lounge facility to the visitors. You just have to pay a minimal fee to use the lounge. These lounges offer many services to the visitors including delicious meals, shower rooms, comfortable sitting, massage and workstations.
- Socialize with people
We usually end up making one or two friends while traveling especially when we travel alone. You can spend your layover time with your new friends by chatting or hanging around. If you don’t feel like talking to a stranger, talk to your friends or family back home online with the help of airport Wi-Fi, which is free in many airports or in exchange for some good old fashion add watching.
- Workout if you like
You can even work out at the airport. A few minutes of yoga or stretching will make you feel relaxed and energetic. Additionally, you can check if your airport has any fitness area where you can spend some of your time working out. I have found a couple airports that do, though I spend most of my time walking past them. Even if your airport doesn’t have such facility, then use the space available to you for free.
- Enjoy the airport wine
Many airports offer wine tasting to the travelers. It’s a good opportunity to enjoy delicious wines on your airport layover. You can taste wine or buy some of the best wines to take to your next destination. Duty free stores are also a good option for your wine purchases, lots of time they even have free samples! *cough cough*
Airport layovers aren’t really the best part for most travelers, but next time when you plan to travel and have a long layover between your flights, follow the above steps and you’ll be able to kill your time. After all, it’s nothing like going on an adventure on your adventure!