Layovers are a good way to save some money when booking your trips and sometimes it’s just a requirement for your itinerary. Many travellers consider long layovers as one of the worst things possible. But let’s face it, a long layover is not the end of the world and here comes the question: what to do during a layover ?
Next time you’ll find yourself wondering for a way to make the time go faster before your next flight, here’s exactly what you should do so that before you know it, it’ll be boarding time.
Best Things To Do During a Layover
- Sleep
- Exercice
- Play some games
- Research your destination
- Do some work
- Catch up with family and friends
- Enjoy the airport activities
- Explore outside the airport
Sleep
Well, this one is pretty obvious, but it really is the best option (at least for me) for making time fly while getting some rest. Because, yes, travelling IS exhausting.
Of course, airports are far to be the most comfortable places to take a nap. But you can make it work by using a travel pillow for example.
And then comes the safety question of your belongings. To avoid any troubles, I recommend to keep a hand or foot on your bags (or use one as a pillow) and use a luggage lock.
Remember, whether you are traveling alone or with a partner, it is your responsibility to make sure that all your possessions are safe during your layover.
Last point, but a very important one: don’t forget to set up some alarms to be sure not to miss your flight.
Enjoy your nap!
Exercice
Some airports offer fitness center on the premises but it will cost you a bit of money.
But exercising can be as simple as having a walk throughout the airport. It is generally what I do to kill some time.
And trust me, when your layover is in a big airport, it will burn enough energy to tire yourself out for the next flight.
Play some games
A good way to keep your mind occupied, while you wait for those long hours before your next flight, is to play some games.
It can be just downloading some apps on your phone or real life travel-size games that you picked up before you left for your trip (card games, Scrabble®, etc…).
Another classic I like is “I Spy”. An airport is generally a busy place and offers many opportunities to play this game. If you’re creative enough you can also invent some on the spot.
Research your destination
When you’re having a long layover, the most difficult part is to deal with the excitement of arriving in a new country.
Why not doing some more research on your destination to channel this enthusiasm ?
If you haven’t done so already, search the internet for activities ideas, find how to take public transportation, how to reach your accomodation and locate any supermarkets near it.
What if the long layover is on your way back home? Just research for your next trip instead !
Do some work
Digital nomad or not, so many people these days can do their jobs from anywhere. Long layovers are the perfect time to get some work done on your laptop.
Lounges are the best place to relax even if you have to pay for it since they typically have better Wi-Fi than what’s available in the public areas.
Use your layover to take care of any and all of the work hanging over your head that need your attention, such as answering emails you received on your previous flight.
Catch up with family and friends
This is also the best time to send e-mails to friends and family or to catch up with them on Whatsapp.
What you shouldn’t do though is go on speakerphone or do a loud video chat. Respect everyone else’s space!
Enjoy the airport activities
Big airports always provide good entertainment to ease travelers layovers. It includes a wide range of activities from fitness rooms to pools and movie theater for the bigger ones.
Most of the time, those activities cost money but sometimes just wandering around is enough to be entertained and it’s free !
Explore outside the airport
Can you leave the airport during a layover ?
Yes. If your layover is considerably long (longer than a few hours—anything shorter is too much of a time risk) and you’re feeling brave, go out of the airport and see what you can discover.
Some airports such as Taipei, Tokyo, Seoul and Istanbul offer layover tours if have enough time for.
However be careful and remember:
- Some countries need a valid visa to enter. If you don’t have one you won’t be able to go outside the airport so make sure to check beforehand;
- You’ll have to pass through security again when you return, so make sure to leave plenty of time for that.
