If your travel experiences regularly include looking for innovative ways to cut costs on your next journey, the chances are you’ve come across layover flights before. Flights that include layovers are usually much cheaper than direct flights, but people regularly avoid them simply because they don’t know how to spend the time properly and don’t want to waste those extra hours.
Don’t write off layovers just yet, however. If you want to make the most of an airport layover, there are a number of things you can do besides sitting and tapping at your smartphone for hours on end. For example, try a couple of the following options.
1. Get Some Exercise
If you’re not too shy, you can bring a roll-up yoga mat with you and start an exercise routine in the middle of the terminal. On the other hand, there’s always an option to simply jog around the airport and get rid of some stress, frustration, and maybe even a few unwanted calories. Some airports today are even equipped with gym facilities and meditation rooms that layover guests can take advantage of.
2. Finish Some Work
If you’re a self-diagnosed workaholic then you can make the most of an airport layover by plugging in your laptop, or powering up your tablet and getting some important tasks done. Most airports keep with free Wi-Fi as a way of helping business travelers to stay busy, or simply catch up on their favorite Netflix series. Just make sure that you bring a Universal travel adapter plug if your airport’s in a different country.
3. Just Rest
While it might not seem like the most comfortable option, sleeping at the airport isn’t the worst thing that you can do – particularly if you have a long flight ahead of you. Sometimes, the best way to make the most of an airport layover is to find a good cushion and grab some shut-eye. Some airports even supply accommodation within the airport terminals to individuals who are uncomfortable sleeping in public.
4. Start a Conversation
If you’re sitting around during a layover waiting to board your next flight, the chances are that there are people around you in exactly the same position. If you spot someone else waiting for a flight, try chatting to them. Layovers are one of the best opportunities to make some international friends during your travel experiences. Put aside your anxiety and try to have some fun!
5. Read a Book
If you are a workaholic or a dedicated family man/woman, then the chances are you don’t get a lot of free time in your daily schedule. Most of us spend our downtime in front of a television series or movie rather than turning to a good book these days, so make the most of an airport layover by trying some new literature.
6. Explore
This last option is a little tricky because you’ll need to do some research before your flight. There are airlines that don’t allow you to leave the transit area, but if yours does, then you might be able to check out some of the closest parts of a new city during your layover. Just be sure you know everything there is to know about whether you need a visa, how much time you have to spare, and what you need to do about security checks.
