Travel Tips

10 Secret Strategies to Love Your Long Layover

By Elizabeth Thorn August 6, 2023
10 Secret Strategies to Love Your Long Layover

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Everyone hates getting the news that they booked the trip of their dreams only to find out they have long layovers on connecting flights.

While yes, layovers can be annoying and tiring, they don’t have to be. There are ways to turn the hours of idleness into adventurous experiences. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of a long layover.

Explore Nearby Attractions

Los Angeles Street

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Sightseeing and snapping pictures in front of famous landmarks never has to be done only in your travel book or on the internet during a long layover. Many airport have secure storage where you can temporarily store your carry-on luggage. This will allow you to venture into the city where the airport is located. Most airports are conveniently located near the center of a city offering visitors to the airport plenty of attractions and sites to see. iconic landmarks

Feast on Local Delights

Woman Eating Pizza

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Local cuisine can be a more exciting way to pass time if you are bored of eating food in the airport. Many airports are surrounded by food markets and restaurants so the options to dine and experience new mouth-watering and delicious foods are endless. You may even walk away with new favorites foods that you never expected!

Create an Airport Challenge

Couple at Airport

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Layovers can definitely be fun if you put your mind to it! If some of your friends are traveling with you, you could organize a mini airport challenge to pass the time. Go order some cards from your nearest UNO store and get ready to play some fun games. Or if you prefer trivia, the airport itself will be the perfect place for you to have your fun trivia game.

Unleash Your Inner Shopaholic

Duty Free Shop

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During a long layover, you can get a little retail therapy to ease those layover blues. Make sure to visit the duty-free store along with the boutiques in the airport to find some unique souvenirs or even a nice piece of clothing to treat yourself.

Indulge in Airport Lounge Luxuries

Airport Lounge

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If you want to escape the busy part of the airport, you can buy access to a private airport lounge. At the lounges, travel can feel luxurious — even on a layover. You can enjoy the provided services as well as snacks and drinks, and of course, sit in the comfy seating.

Embark on a Photo Safari

Kids at Airport

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If you want to get creative and make some memories, you can do a layover photo safari. You can find a bunch of unique, neat, and hidden spots in the airport, or even in the city if you decide to explore. If you’re traveling with kids, you can make a photo safari checklist before the trip. This can even become a scavenger hunt to keep kids occupied.

Find Your Zen

Meditating

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One of the best ways to find your zen is to use the yoga and meditation rooms scattered throughout the airport. These areas can help you regain your peace and quiet, and help you to stretch when you start to feel stiff from a long layover.

Discover Local Culture

Man in Front of Eiffel Tower

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Get to know the culture and heritage of the city where you have you layover. Go to the museums! The art galleries! And local events! Many cities have day trip tours that are just a few hours and they can help you find what makes the city tick. That is, unless you have a short layover. If you have a long layover, go to the city and do a walking tour, bicycle tour, or go to a food truck feast!

Take a Shower

Public Shower

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Most free airport showers are available at large international airports, including those located in Istanbul and Melbourne (we have used both airports and recommend them). If there are no public showers at the airport, you should consider buying a day pass to an airport lounge where you can shower, get some sleep, and have a drink or two.

Plan Your Next Trip

Trip Planning 2

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Use your layover time as an opportunity to plan your next big trip. Look for ideal travel spots, schedule what you’ll do at your destination, and allow your desire to travel to inspire you to pick a new goal. You can even ask other passengers at your gate for recommendations if you are stuck on ideas! dream destinations

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Luray Caverns

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Malibu CA

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Daytona

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Murrells Inlet

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