While very good, the staff at AirTreks knows that not every complex itinerary can be as smooth as a silk nightie. They are perpetually at the mercy of the airlines’ unyielding schedules, incomplete route networks and the overall imperfect nature of the universe. Hence, you may sometimes find yourself in the middle of a long layover. It’s a fact of travel life.
Here are some suggestions on how to make the most of this most dreaded itinerary hiccup:
Get some sleep:
Often not an easy proposition but if you’re stuck on a huge layover the best way to pass the time is to catch some zees.
Of course there’s a website devoted specifically to this practice, so take a look. Their top airports in which to sleep: Singapore and Seoul. The worst, Paris and JFK.
Take a city tour:
If you have a half-day or more why not take the opportunity to get out there and tour the city? Information booths can give you the lowdown on what’s available departing from the airport or how to get to the city center. Some offer a half-day tour for free (Singapore) or cheap (Seoul, Amsterdam).
Be careful as some countries will require you to have a visa to exit the airport, they also might give you one at the passport control. Double check with your local visa service if you have a long layover on your itinerary.
Art Galleries:
Many airports have spaces set aside for art browsing. Find the airport map or search the airport’s website to see if yours has one to check out.
Wi-Fi:
An increasing number of major airports offer free Wi-Fi service throughout their terminals. Here are two great guides for airport wi-fi and how they cost.
Shopping:
International airports have a wealth of first-class shopping. While not cheap, browsing is a sure-fire time killer.
Some of the best world airports for shopping:
- Hong Kong: the Airport Skymart is a shining shopping jewel
- Dubai: never closes!
- Singapore: 160 shops
- Paris: pick up one last handbag before you leave
- London Heathrow (terminal 5)
Meditate:
As odd as it seems it’s actually an amazing way to recharge and shoulder off the stress of the situation you’re in.
Some airports have meditation or prayer rooms. If not, find yourself a halfway secluded spot, empty gates work well, facing the window. Sit up straight, feet on the floor or crosslegged, whatever feels most comfortable, put your hands in your lap, close your eyes and empty your mind. Do this by concentrating on your breathing. After 15 or 20 minutes you’ll feel much better than you did before you started.
