15 Ways to Enjoy a Layover
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Long layovers can be a blessing or curse, depending on how you approach them and whether you do some easy preparation.
While it might seem like an inconvenience, a well-planned layover can turn into a memorable part of your journey. Rather than spending hours bored at the airport, you can use this time to explore, relax, or even be productive.
In this blog post, we'll explore 15 fun and productive activities to make the most of your long layover.
These ideas are great for all kinds of trips, whether for business (I spend far too much doing this considering I’m not in sales) or for a big vacation abroad alone. I will note that this is targeted to adults and not traveling with children.
1. Take a walk.
This is a sneaky extra workout while keeping you entertained. Walking around the airport and looking at people is a really efficient way to use your time!
I particularly lean on this for cardio when I’m doing a lot of work travel. I tend to take morning flights and am a type-A person, so I (almost) always have at least a half hour in the airport. Why not make the most of your time?
You can spend a half hour scrolling through your phone and trying not to fall asleep, or you can walk around the airport.
This is why I cannot possibly recommend a FitBit enough (this one is only $55!).
It tracks your movement and heart rate when you aren’t at the gym, which really adds up. If I can walk fast enough (which usually I can because it’s not too crowded in the morning), I can get my heart rate up into the cardio zone. And if I can’t, I can still get a solid amount of steps in!
Plus you get to people watch, which is one of my favorite pastimes and keeps you from being bored. In big airports, you might find some really interesting things (like art installations, local shops, or yoga rooms, mentioned next).
2. Sneak in a workout.
Increasingly airports – mainly international hubs – are offering things like yoga rooms.
(This blog post has a great overview for gyms in big international airports.)
But with a long layover, you have time to leave the airport to go to a nearby airport hotel gym.
For example, the Hilton at O’Hare allows you to purchase a day pass. Yes, you have to leave security, but if you have hours, you should be able to get in a solid workout then back through the TSA line with plenty of time to spare.
For airports without a fitness facility, here you can search hotels with gyms near airports in the US and Canada (with international options coming soon).
Something that helps is a carry on tote that has space for gym shoes and sweaty workout clothes.
3. Get a transit hotel room.
THIS IS MY NUMBER ONE SECRET FOR PREVENTING JET LAG.
Transit hotels, also often available at international hubs, are weird in principle – you are getting a hotel room by the hour. However, in practice, this is a blessing to weary travelers.
These rooms have a bed and a bathroom – getting a 2 hour nap and a shower can go a LONG way to making you feel human and refreshed. Even better, I usually like to squeeze in a quick workout in there (so this option replaces my last suggestion).
If you want an easy barre routine you can do in a half hour in a transit hotel room with no equipment, get my go-to one here!
4. Visit an airline lounge.
This is more realistic when you land earlier in the day. You can buy a day pass if you don’t already have a membership or a credit card that provides you access.
The reason earlier matters is that day passes are first come, first served, so they often run out by mid-day. Also, there are usually showers in lounges, and those shower lists go even more quickly.
I once had a 5 hour layover starting at 6:30 AM in Frankfurt. I went directly to the Lufthansa lounge, spent less than $40 on a day pass, got the first shower slot, then took a nap on a comfy chair before breakfast. It was the best way to spend that layover.
When choosing between this suggestion and a transit hotel, it all depends on time of day, how much privacy you want, and availability of options!
One of the things that makes a long layover easier is if you have all your things with you (i.e. you don’t check a bag).
If you shower or take a nap, for example, you have all your skin care, a change of clothes, etc. with you.
I have been able to travel the world with just a carry on so can assure you that this is possible! Read more how to do that here and sign up for my carry on packing checklist!
5. Watch a movie. A full movie.
Or an entire season of a show. These days airports have free wi-fi, so use that time frivolously! I have a hard time watching TV at home and doing nothing else – I’m always multi-tasking. There’s something that feels really frivolous and indulgent about just watching a movie.
Also use this time to download movies and shows to your iPad – that’s my best tip for preventing loneliness while traveling solo!
6. Get a massage or a manicure.
A lot of big international hubs have quick 15 minute massage booths (I recently saw a chiropractor too!). Nail bars are also popping up too.
Another option is to add on a spa treatment if you head to a hotel gym (per #2).
7. Learn something new.
This might sound weird, but this is free time to you, right?
Have you always wanted to learn Italian? Download Rosetta Stone or Babbel. Start listening in the airport.
Have you wanted to try ballet or boxing? Search for classes near you during a layover. Read reviews, put together a potential schedule, make a list of things you need for your first class.
Curious about all the economic jargon thrown around but are too overwhelmed to think about? Download a good podcast that explains it! ( I love this one in particular. )
This is a great time to finally start something you’ve really wanted to but always falls to the bottom of your to do list. Bonus: you’re keeping yourself entertained and bettering yourself!
8. Work.
This isn’t the most fun, but it can calm you. I really suggest you don’t work on vacation, but if you’re in a crunch, this time doing a little work can help you relax on the rest of the trip because you can tie up loose ends you might not have gotten to before you left for the airport.
And if this is a work trip, don’t discount you garbage time at the airport. You can get a surprising amount of annoying things you’ve been putting off during a layover. (I’m looking at you, Concur.)
9. Go into town.
If your layover is long enough and the airport is conveniently located, consider leaving the airport to explore the city. Make sure you have enough time to return and clear security before your next flight, and be mindful of any visa requirements.
On a layover from Sydney, I had 9 hours in the Vancouver. I took that opportunity to go downtown and look at the views in a place I wouldn’t necessarily go otherwise.
10. Read.
Are you one of those people who often says you want to read more but don’t have time? Fortunately you have nothing but time here. The key here to pack something you want to read, not Moby Dick.
Regardless of what genre you like, make it something interesting (even mindless). And I highly recommend a Kindle rather than carrying a paperback with you! I am one of those people who only carries on, and those books can get heavy and take up valuable real estate!
11. Plan your trip.
If you’re on your way to, use your layover to plan your activities at your final destination.
Search ideas on Pinterest to find blog posts highlighting hidden gems for restaurants, coffee shops, and random local cultural attractions that the concierge might not suggest for traditional tourists.
This way, you'll hit the ground running and make the most of your time when you arrive.
12. Clean pictures off your phone.
This one isn’t necessarily fun, per se, but when else will you do it? It is a mindless activity that is perfect for when you’re stuck in an airport (I especially like doing this during flight delays. When you literally have nothing else to do).
And actually, this can be fun. It’s a little trip down memory lane.
13. Explore the airport in general.
Airports are often more than just transportation hubs; they can be destinations in themselves. Many major airports around the world boast impressive amenities, from art galleries and cultural exhibits to upscale shopping and dining experiences. Use your layover as an opportunity to wander and discover these hidden gems.
14. Call your mom.
Or your college roommate. Or your friend who just moved to Vietnam with whom you have a hard time speaking because you’re in very different time zones in every day life.
Again, you have nothing but time here, so do something that would get pushed behind priority to-do’s during your real life at home.
15. Brain puzzles.
Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, a word search, whatever. These things keep you occupied for a bit but also work your brain.
My favorite brain puzzle is learning the countries of the world. Or their capitals. (I love JetPunk’s quizzes!)
The one you’re probably expecting is to grab a drink. Sure, that’s absolutely something you can do, but since I write substantially about liver health, I didn’t want to add that into the list.
If you do want to grab a drink, a lot of big airports have wine bars and such that offer flights and pairings, which is better than just getting drunk in an airport bar.
Long layovers don't have to be a source of frustration or boredom! With a little creativity and planning, you can turn this downtime into an enjoyable and productive part of your vacation, not a necessary evil.
Whether you choose to explore the city, sneak in a workout, relax with a good book, or even work, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your long layover. So next time you find yourself with an extended stopover, embrace the opportunity to make it a memorable part of your travel adventure.
