Airport layovers don't have to be a waste of time. If you apply a little creativity and do a bit of pre-planning, you can easily implement these 10 ways to avoid boredom at the airport.
1. Get Some Work Done
If you travel with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, there are many productive ways to use the time you spend between flights. You could answer your email, update your to-do list, or take care of other mundane tasks. If you're traveling for business, a layover is an ideal opportunity to prep yourself for upcoming meetings, interviews, or presentations you'll be participating in once you arrive at your destination.
2. Research Your Destination
When you made your initial travel plans, you probably already did some preliminary research about the place you'll be visiting. However, you probably don't know every last thing there is to know about the place. Reading up on it some more could prove to be beneficial, especially if it's a faraway location you've never been to. You could pack a guide book or travel magazine in your carryon bag and educate yourself while you wait.
3. Study a Foreign Language
A layover is a great time to brush up on your language skills, especially if you'll be able to use what you've learned as soon as your next plane lands. Flashcards are one of the best ways to help you learn new vocabulary, and they are easily portable. Flashcards aren't the only possibility for bringing your language lessons along with you, but they do have an advantage over audio lessons. With flashcards, there'll be no need to worry that you're annoying your fellow travelers.
4. Take an Extra Side Trip
Sometimes it works out that your layover lasts more than just a couple of hours. At times like those, you don't need to hang around the airport for hours on end. Instead, you might enjoy doing a bit of extra sightseeing in the neighborhood. If this is your plan, it pays to do a bit of research ahead of time. You could take a shuttle, taxi, or bus to an interesting destination close to the airport; it would be worth researching both the attractions and the transportation options that are available nearby.
5. Knit, Crochet, Sketch, or Draw
Many creative pursuits are portable. If you bring a few simple art or craft supplies along with you, you can indulge in your favorite creative hobby while you wait.
6. Grab a Bite to Eat
Hungry? At most airports, you'll be able to find a variety of mealtime choices, from fast food to upscale regional restaurants.
7. Relax With a Book
Whether you enjoy a good novel or would prefer the latest self-help advice, the airport is a great place to catch up on reading you've neglected. If you're traveling with a digital device, e-books offer you even more possibilities.
8. Grab Some Souvenirs
Airports offer an interesting selection of gift shops in case you want to pick up a souvenir or duty-free gift for a loved one.
9. Enjoy a Massage, Facial, or Other Spa Treatment
You could drop by an airport day spa. Perhaps you'll find a massage therapist who will help you relax or an aesthetician who could give you a facial. You could also have a manicure, pedicure, or other spa treatment.
10. Squeeze in a Workout
Some airports offer gyms or fitness centers you can utilize for quick between-flight workouts.
