Here's How To Make The Most Out Of A Long Layover

Here's How To Make The Most Out Of A Long Layover


September 13, 2019 | Eul Basa

Here's How To Make The Most Out Of A Long Layover


Flights with layovers are almost always cheaper than direct journeys. In fact, the most affordable flights may have you stopping two or three times before you get to your final destination. But despite the savings, many travelers are opting to pay more money to avoid the extra time at the airport. Can we blame them? Sitting on a hard bench for hours on end while you nibble on a cold sandwich is hardly an appealing thought–especially when an oceanfront resort awaits. But while direct flights may seem like the holy grail of travel, I've often enjoyed my lengthy stopovers, and so can you. Here are six strategies you can use to not only survive your long layover, but enjoy it, too.

airport departure screen monitorsUnsplash/chuttersnap

Don't forget to check the comment section below the article for more interesting stories!

#1 Get to know the airport

If you only have three or so hours to kill before your next flight, try wandering the airport to fill your time. As soon as you land, find out where your gate will be and go to it. Do this before you do anything else. This way, you get a feel for how to navigate yourself to your connecting flight and, once you know where you're going, you can explore the airport more freely. Wander the duty-free shops, take a good look at all of the weird and wonderful products offered by whatever country you're in, and once you're done, head to a restaurant for a good meal before your flight.

black metal gang chairs on white ceramic flooringUnsplash/jaqueslg

Advertisement

#2 Check out the airport lounge

Most airports will have a lounge or two where you can chill out, take a shower, have a meal and indulge in a few drinks. These lounges cost, but they're usually worth it. The airport lounges in Helsinki's main international airport, for example, cost around 35 Euro ($38 USD) but have hearty meals, juices and beer and wine included, as well as sofas to relax on, a PlayStation to play on and a bookshelf full of books to read while you wait for your flight.

white and brown living roomUnsplash/marklchaves

Advertisement

#3 Leave the airport

If your layover is more than five or six hours, why not leave the airport and explore the area? If you're in a city well connected by public transport (like Shanghai, Toronto, Amsterdam or Seoul), take the day to wander the streets and take in the sights. I once spent 19 hours in Shanghai checking out the lively local food stalls at 11:00 at night and then resting in a nearby hotel. Another time, I spent 12 hours in Manila wandering the streets and eating purple yam ice cream. But be sure to do your research on entry requirements! Some countries do not permit travellers to enter the country without a visa. A layover in Oman was once spoiled by the fact that I had assumed I could enter visa-free.

woman wearing backpack walking on roadUnsplash/airguitarbandit

Advertisement

#4 Get a room

Many aiport hotels offer a range of rates for shorters stays, such as three hours, six hours or a half-day stay. Some, like the Tune Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, even offer a free meal, too. Sure, it may be cheaper to stretch out on a bench in the airport, but sometimes you just need a private, comfy place to rest your head, take a shower and relax. Check out the prices via the airport hotel website ahead of time and book in advance if you can.

gray and black throw pillow on bedUnsplash/niklanus

Advertisement

#5 Buy a book

Reading is a great way to pass the time. If you have a few hours on your hands but you're not keen on wandering aimlessly around the airport, head to a book store (every airport has at least one) and grab the most interesting book you can find. Head to your gate, take a seat and get lost in your book while you wait for your next flight. Treat yourself with a coffee at the same time, put your suitcase in front of you and stretch out your legs. Ah, doesn't that sound nice?

person holding opened bookUnsplash/joaosilas

Advertisement

#6 Sleep

The cheapest and simplest option: Sleep. Sometimes you get to the airport in the early hours of the morning when everything is closed, or maybe you're just absolutely exhausted from your rather uncomfortable flight. Whatever the reason, sleeping is a fantastic—and effortless—way to kill time. Grab some earplugs from the nearest store or put some music on, keep your bag close to you and get some much-needed shut-eye. Just remember to set an alarm for boarding time.

two person sleeping on blue leather sofa inside concrete buildingUnsplash/freetousesoundscom

Advertisement

READ MORE

Finance Guru Dave Ramsey's Best Money Advice

Podcaster and financial guru Dave Ramsey went from a millionaire—to broke in his twenties—and then re-gained his financial status in his thirties. Find out how he did it and how it could work for you by adopting some of Dave's best financial advice.
December 11, 2024 Jack Hawkins

Simple Things You Can Do To Increase The Value Of Your Home

If you are selling your house, or thinking about selling your house—these are some of the simple (and often for very inexpensive) things you can do to increase the value of your home and help get the highest offers and the most money you can out of it.
December 11, 2024 Jesse Singer
Internalfb Image

Absolutely Ridiculous Things Purchased By Billionaires

Wealth often brings freedom, but for some, it fuels mind-bending indulgences that defy all logic. Since they don’t worry about the price tag, why wouldn’t rich folks buy whatever they crave, no matter how ridiculous?
December 20, 2024 Alex Summers
Golf

11 Leisure Time Activities Of The World’s Richest People

Apart from business deals, bank accounts, and monitoring the stock market, some billionaires have hobbies that are surprisingly down-to-earth—or outright unexpected. So, what are the richest people’s favorite hobbies?
December 24, 2024 Peter Kinney
Credit Card

Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Fast

Stuck in a credit rut? A low credit score can feel like a roadblock but, hey, it’s not unsalvageable. There are things you can do that’ll boost your score and your confidence pronto.
December 20, 2024 Miles Brucker

The Most Dangerous Jobs in the World

Discover the 15 most dangerous jobs in the world, and how much they pay. Learn about danger pay, PPE, and the risks associated with each job.
December 12, 2023 Allison Robertson


Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.





Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team