How To Make A Layover Fun

There will be times when you don’t have a direct journey to your final destination. There can be a number of different reasons for this, including the fact that indirect flights are often cheaper, the journey is a particularly long one, and, when it comes to trains, it could be that you need to wait for a connection. When you have a  broken-up journey like this, you’ll have what is known as a layover. If your layover is a long one, what can you do to make it fun? Read on to find out and make it a real part of your trip.  

Explore

Exploring wherever you are is the easiest and most fun thing you can do to pass the time on a long layover. Depending on where your flight is going, some airports offer tours of the closest city when you have a layover of four hours or more. Or, if the flight or train journey you’re thinking about already has a stopover of four hours, why not plan ahead and make it ten hours? In that way, you’ll have time to see more than one place of interest in the city. Even if there isn’t a set plan or tour to join in with, you can always go and see something yourself. 

At the airport or station, you can leave your carry-on bags in lockers or the special luggage storage area. If you are going to another country, check to see if you need any kind of travel documents, like a transit visa, to get into the country. Remember that you will have to go through airport security again when you return to the airport, so plan your time accordingly.

Relax Offline 

Some airports have businesses that offer massages, salon services (so you can finally get that mani/pedi you’ve been putting off), and nap pods or capsules, which are like hotel rooms in the airport that you can book for short periods of time. Research your airport ahead of time, if you can, so you can make the most of your time there to relax and have fun. You might even want to choose your layover airport based on whether or not it’s a place where you can relax and enjoy peace and quiet. 

Get Some Exercise 

Airports have changed over the years, and now some of the bigger ones have gyms where you can work out while you’re traveling. At London Heathrow Airport, for example, there is a center where you can take a class and hire workout gear.

If going to the gym during your layover isn’t your thing, you can increase your steps by walking around the terminal or the airport a few times. You might be surprised to find that you can walk several miles without having to break a sweat.

Treat Yourself

Most airports have where you can save a lot of money on designer items, great places to eat, and exhibits or installations that can keep your attention.

No matter what you choose, use your time to give yourself something you don’t usually get, like an extra glass of wine, a fun dessert, a dream item from duty-free, or even just a few hours of peace and quiet.