How to Survive Airport Layovers and Delays with a Smile.

In this informative and uplifting travel journey, we unveil expert strategies and practical tips to help you navigate layovers and delays with grace and a positive attitude. We would also unveil insider secrets on transforming airport waiting time into opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and even productivity. From exploring airport amenities to indulging in self-care activities. Taking hold of these tips, we would empower you to turn those frustrating delays into memorable experiences. Are you ready? Let’s get into it right away!

Number 1, Watch some Netflix.

Downloading some of your favourite TV shows or series and getting lost in them might just be what you need to make your layover less boring.

The interesting thing is that different countries have their own selection of programs and movies on Netflix. This makes sorting through movies quite interesting as you get to discover something new which you probably wouldn’t normally have access to. You get to learn more about cultures through Netflix. Sounds good, right?

Number 2, Try out the local cuisine.

Many people do not really see this as exciting but I tell you, trying out the local cuisine of your location could be the most exciting thing ever! It is the most direct way to get a feel of the place’s culture.

Find that local cuisine located within the airport and grab a meal. Most times, the meals will cost you just a few bucks. Even if it’s a bit expensive, at least, it’s almost always worth it.

Number 3, Book yourself into a transfer hotel.

Many airports have transfer hotels where travellers can rest their tired heads. These hotels can mostly be booked by the hour or half-day and this helps you keep you within your budget as someone that just wants some rest.

Number 4, People watch.

Instead of indulging in strenuous activity, you could sit back and watch people. It’s one little activity that I do a lot whenever I find myself stuck and it can be really therapeutic.

Seated there, you allow your imaginations to run wild. Where could these people be heading to? Where are they from? Why are they in such a rush or in some cases, why so relaxed?

If you can find a new friend to strike up a conversation with, that would be nice but just meditating and watching people go about their activities is just perfect.

Number 5, Phone some friends.

You’ll probably need no reminder for this because if your journey is a really long one, chances are that you’ve been travelling for a long time and haven’t really kept in touch with family and friends as you should.

Even if that is not the case, don’t you think it’s an opportunity to ring that friend you’ve been meaning to call back? That friend that you’ve been too busy with work to catch up with? Yes, do it. It could be a video call even but give them that call.

Number 6, Tour the city.

If the layover is long enough, it’s time to explore the city you find yourself in.

Many airports offer free airport tours. If this isn’t the case with the airport you find yourself in, then you can escape the airport on your own to explore the city.

I have 2 tips to help keep yourself safe though.

Firstly, be aware of your time and secondly, don’t hesitate to ask locals for help if you ever need it.

And no, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never thought about touring the city. Trust me, even if it’s not on your bucket list, you’ll find something interesting about it.

Give the city a chance to impress you.

Number 7, Improve your drawing skills.

You remember when you were still a toddler. You used to draw irregular shapes on paper and the rest, right? Well, an airport layover is the perfect opportunity to fine-tune your craft. Who knows, you could be the next Picasso!

I would have suggested taking photos of random people but then, this could cause them to feel uncomfortable and awkward. So what to do?

Draw out your notebook or sketchbook, a pad and sketch away. It could be the little kid sleeping peacefully on the mother’s lap. It could be the old guy lost in thoughts. Simply draw.

Number 8, Devour some fine pieces of literature.

There are so many great books and you’ll be treating yourself to a swell time if you could read one. It could be a hard copy but if you’re not with one and do not want to spend money purchasing any, there are several online platforms where you can get ebooks which are usually free. It is a great way to survive a long layover, trust me and the craziest thing is you can even finish the book at a go!

Number 9, Grab some sleep.

The magic that sleep will do to your body is that it will rejuvenate you for the remaining lap of your journey. This is the reason why some travellers always pack a travel pillow to make their journey a little less uncomfortable.

Nothing beats good sleep truly.

However, there are two impediments to this particular method of passing time.

Firstly, airports are quite noisy so catching some good sleep will be pretty difficult.

Secondly, you have to keep one eye open, literally, for thieves. Resting souls in airports are always easy targets for thieves. In order to avoid waking up to your luggage missing, consider attaching your belongings to yourself and keeping your passport and boarding pass somewhere safe.

What do I mean by this? You can sleep with your backpack still very much strapped to your back. Your sleep might be a bit uncomfortable but at least, you’ll not wake up to missing items in your luggage.

Just don’t forget to set an alarm too!

And now, I want to thank you for joining us on this exciting journey through the world of airport antics, where we’ve learned to navigate layovers and delays with a smile.