How to Make the Most of a Long Layover

We can’t ignore the fact that long layovers are not the most exciting part of traveling. If you happen to travel a long distance then you are more than likely at some point going to experience a long layover.

To some travelers, layovers can be a major drag and can make your trip feel like it’s taking forever just to get to the destination. I know the feeling! However, over the past couple of years, I have really learned to embrace them.

They give me the opportunity to move my body, stretch, refocus and maybe even squeeze in a mini adventure before for my next flight. Which is always a bonus.

Read below on how to make the most of your next airport layover!

Leave The Airport

If your stopover is longer than 6 hours then I would highly recommend leaving the airport and do some exploring. I like to research activities close to that area prior to getting there that way you are not wasting valuable time looking up things to do.

It’s amazing what you can fit into a short period of time. You might want to take a bus tour around the city or meet up with a friend. Just remember researching before you arrive is key as you still need to be back at the airport 2 hours before your departure.

Stay In A Day Room

Booking a day room definitely has its advantages, like a shower, a bed and better quality food. A lot of the time you don’t even have to leave security as most airports provide day rooms for people looking for short stays from 5 to 6 hours.

This is something I do quite often as we generally have a long layover going home to Australia. However, chilling out in the airport terminal is certainly a cheaper route but sometimes it’s nice to take a shower and relax before a big flight ahead.

looking up airport hotels ahead of time will give you a better idea of room prices and locations within the airport. I’ve booked a few as low as $35.00 which isn’t that bad in my opinion.

Relax In The Lounge

I have mentioned this in a few of my last airport posts but if you have the privilege to access a private lounge or VIP suite then you already know about the incredible perks they have to offer.

Relaxing for a few hours in the club room definitely makes the wait time less tedious. With that said there are some lounges that are available with a single day pass like using lounge buddy. Or see if the airline you’re flying with allows a single price entry into their lounge. It’s always worth finding out.

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Indulge In A Spa Treatment

I’m fairly new to this world as I didn’t even realize many airports had day spas. Like what have I been doing this whole time! But seriously I will be making the most out of these next time I’m at the airport with a long layover.

Getting a manicure or a massage is a great way to kill time and refresh after a long flight. Have you ever tried the spas at the airport? If you have let me know your recommendations?

Eat As Much As You Can

I’m such a foodie type person and when I get the chance to try something new then I’m a happy girl. Researching restaurants close by and trying different cuisines is a fun way to pass the time.

Let’s face it airport food isn’t that great but some airports do offer more than your typical fast food outlets. Some I’ve experienced like London’s Heathrow have many restaurants that offer gourmet local dishes and fine dining.

Shop At Duty Free

Another tip to pass the time is to shop at duty-free or just shop the airport in general. Or in my case window shop! Duty-free offers great deals on designer items that you may not receive else were.

However, you like to shop sometimes it’s nice to purchase those one-off dream items you normally wouldn’t buy or last-minute souvenirs for the fam. And yes we’ve all been there!

And this brings me to my final tip! Enjoy ALL the time you have. Layovers don’t need to be a drag. If you have the time, get out and explore if you want to. Try and make the most of every layover you never know what exciting adventures you might have.