Making the most of layovers: travel hacks for turning a boring wait into an adventure
Travelling is fun, but there are times when you can't avoid a layover. Whether it's due to weather or a delayed flight, you may find yourself waiting around for hours before going on with your journey. While these periods of boredom aren't ideal, there are some ways you can make the most of them. The following travel hacks will help ensure that those wait times don't feel like wasted hours:
Find out what you can do at the airport
Look up the airport website. This is a great way to get an idea of what you can do at your layover destination. You'll also be able to find out about any special events or activities that are going on during your stay, which could offer some inspiration for how to spend some free time between flights.
Ask staff members who work at the airport--they're there to help! They may have some suggestions in addition to what's offered on their websites, too.
Ask other passengers if they've been there before and what they recommend doing while waiting around (or ask them if they have any good travel hacks). If someone has already been where you're going and had a good experience with something, it's worth checking out as well!
Look around for maps or signage within the terminal; these often indicate areas where people tend not only wait but also spend time outside of security checkpoints when waiting for flights (in some cases). This could lead one into discovering new places within an airport that aren't necessarily advertised yet offer just as much entertainment value as those advertised ones do--and without spending money either!
Plan your layover around food
Plan a meal before you leave. If you're heading out of town, try to plan a meal at your layover destination ahead of time. You can start by looking at the airport's website to see what restaurants are available and what they have to offer. If there are restaurants inside the terminal building itself (like many large airports), it's helpful to know whether they accept credit cards or cash only--not all do!
Ask around for recommendations from other passengers who've been through this airport before--they may have tips about where to eat that are worth checking out.
Give yourself a break from technology
Give yourself a break from technology.
Now that you have some time to kill, it's easy to get caught up in social media and emailing people back home. But it's important not to forget about the real world around you--and what better way than by taking a walk outside? If your layover is long enough, try visiting the airport bookstore or chapel (or both). Or if you're feeling adventurous (or hungry), go grab some food at one of their restaurants or bars!
Get some exercise while you wait
If you're like me and don't have time to exercise before your flight, then this is a great opportunity for that. A lot of airports have gyms or at least treadmills, so take advantage of that! Not only will it help pass the time, but it can also help you get some rest on the plane--and who doesn't want more sleep?
If there's no gym available and all else fails (or even if it doesn't), try doing some push-ups or squats against a wall in an empty terminal room. You'll feel better about yourself after working out during a layover than sitting around bored and annoyed by everyone else's presence in your life.
Learn about the culture of the city you are visiting
With the help of your smartphone, you can find out how to get a local's perspective on the city. There are several apps and websites that will direct you to nearby attractions and provide information about them. You can also read reviews from other travelers who have been there before as well as look up historical facts about your destination, including its culture and architecture.
If your layover is long enough for some sightseeing during daylight hours, take advantage of that extra time by visiting some of the most popular landmarks in town--you'll have them all to yourself!
Take a walking tour of your layover city
If you're looking for a way to make the most of your layover, consider taking a walking tour of your destination city. A walking tour is a great way to see the sights and get some exercise in at the same time. Plus, it's free! You can learn about history and culture as well as meet locals (who may even be willing to share their favorite hidden gems).
Learn about the history of your destination city
If you're headed somewhere new, it's important to learn about the history of your destination city. This is especially true if you have a layover in an airport that has been around for hundreds or even thousands of years.
For example, if your layover takes place at any one of these airports:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) - Established in 1947 as Boeing Field Municipal Airport; renamed SeaTac International Airport in 1984 after its location adjacent to King County International Airport (KCI). The name change reflected its growing importance as an international gateway into Washington State and Puget Sound region.
John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - Opened June 1948 as Idlewild Airport; renamed JFK on December 24th 1963 after President Kennedy was assassinated earlier that year...
Don't let short layovers be boring.
If you're flying, you don't want to waste time at the airport--especially if it's a short layover.
That means no more waiting in line for a slice of pizza or staring at the same old people moving through security.
If there are any sights worth seeing in your destination city (or even just interesting things), don't waste time on those either! If not, get some sleep so that when it comes time to fly again, all systems are go.
We hope these tips will inspire you to make the most of your next layover. Traveling is about the journey, not just the destination. Use these hacks to turn those boring waits into an adventure!
