What should you do during a lengthy stopover if there’s a significant delay between your connecting flights?
Personally, I prefer having a lengthy stopover over a short one. I even understand how to deliberately book flights with a lengthy layover at this point. While extended layovers may be annoying to some, they allow you to plan your trip and start your journey early.
I’ve put together a fun list of things to do during a lengthy layover, arranged from most time required to least time necessary.
Know the airport.
Do some research about the airport before your layover. It is crucial to be aware of any rules that apply to you as a passenger in transit because every airport has a unique set of guidelines. Additionally, the designs of each airport vary. A little pre-research can help you figure out where things are.
Attend a guided tour of the city.
An organized city tour that leaves from the terminal itself may be available at some larger airports. If possible, do your homework and reserve the tour before you arrive. Although going on an organized tour may save you time figuring out public transit and major site instructions, you will still need to go through immigration and customs as usual.
In Seoul, South Korea, I had the opportunity to participate in a lengthy stopover city tour, which lasted between two and seven hours, according to the airport. Making the most of a long layover was done in a low-stress manner.
Hotel Transit.
It is advised to reserve a connecting hotel where you may sit, unwind, and sleep if your layover is longer than eight or nine hours. You can relax in the hotel rather than going around the airport.
Taste some of the regional cuisine.
Your layover may not be long enough to allow you to venture out and see the city, but there are still many options to experience the local way of life. The easiest and least expensive way to get a taste of a culture other than your own is usually through its cuisine.
Look for the regional food served inside the airport. The immersive experience available to you without leaving the terminal may surprise you.
Airport Lounge
You can use the airport lounge to extend the comfort of your layover. While you wait for your next flight, you can enjoy a variety of services, recreation, and some delectable hot meals and drinks at the lounge.
Give in to the foods that you have been shunning.
Alternatively, take advantage of your extended stopover to reward yourself with a quick-service meal or favourite dish from home that you have avoided while travelling. Acquire the French fries. Track down the Tex-Mex. Enjoy a treat that will help you relax during your lengthy layover.
Give your friend a call.
If you were on the road for any length of time, you undoubtedly made some serious mistakes. We don’t talk to our friends and family as much as we should. Take advantage of your long layover by getting caught up. That buddy you’ve been meaning to get back in touch with? Please give them a call right now.
Shopping.
While you’re waiting in line, you can buy your favourite goods at the airport. Duty-free merchandise is readily available at the airport, allowing you to purchase goods at a reduced cost. Go shopping, explore, and enjoy yourself, then.
Take a shower.
Do you know that a lot of airports have free or inexpensive restrooms? Generally speaking, this is a terrific way to feel refreshed. Ask a help desk or check out the airport gym to find the location of the shower facilities.
For a small fee, the majority of airport shower facilities also provide towels and amenity kits in case you forgot to pack your own.
Many airport lounges offer showers, even if the airport doesn’t. If you want to use the showers in an airport lounge, think about getting a day.
Establish objectives for your journey.
If your vacation begins with a lengthy layover, think about dedicating some time to goal-setting. You can wish to learn a new language, expand your comfort zone, strengthen your bonds with your travelling companions, or unwind more during your holiday.
During your next lengthy stopover, give yourself some time to reflect on your travel (or life!) goals.
Tell us about your encounter.
When you’re nearing the end of your trip, keeping a notebook is a terrific way to pass the time during a lengthy layover. While your vacation experiences are still vivid in your mind, be sure to capture them on paper.
See what’s available on Netflix in that nation.
It’s not particularly meaningful or culturally immersive, but it can be interesting to check out the Netflix offerings in other nations. It may help you remember the language and provide you with an idea of what’s popular in that nation.
Investigate and make plans for your upcoming possible travel destinations.
When you’re on the road, it’s the best time to start dreaming about future vacation locations. Why not pursue World Packers for ideas for your upcoming travel if you have a lengthy layover due to a long connection flight?
Through the cooperative travel group World Packers, you can exchange your services for free lodging, which lets you travel and save a ton of money. Working with schools, ecovillages, hostels, NGOs, and other organizations is an option. This is a fantastic way to experience your place like a local and to travel responsibly.
