Making the Most of a Long Layover
When we think of layovers, either a relaxing break or a dreadful wait usually come to mind. But if you’re adventurous and strategic, a layover can be an opportunity to experience someplace new!
Visiting the city where you have a layover might be more feasible than you think. You just have to think about how much time you have, total travel time back and forth, and how it’ll take to check back in for your connecting flight.
In many travel destinations, five hours or so between connections is long enough to escape the confines of the airport or train station and get the lay of the land. A few cities known for having quick and easy-to-reach airports include Copenhagen, Lisbon, and Berlin.
Instead of sitting around staring at your phone and watching the clock, you could add a memorable little jaunt to a new place, even if it’s just for a little while.
Here are a few ti[s to help turn your layover into a fun little adventure while making sure you’re ready and on time for the next leg of your journey.
Set That Timer!
First and foremost, plan out and keep track of time. Missing your connection would not be fun. Be sure to factor in potential delays, especially if you’re in a city known for traffic.
Put your anticipated return trip into Google Maps at the time you plan to head back to the airport for an initial estimate of travel time and traffic.
Once you do leave the airport, keep track of how long it takes you to reach your destination. That, plus the wait for check-in and security, will be the minimum time you’ll need for the return trip.
Lighten Your Load
Luggage is usually the biggest thing preventing a quick escape. No one wants to walk around with their bags any longer than necessary.
There is an alternative, though. Most stations and airports offer storage facilities so you can ditch the bags and roam freely. Got a layover in London? Pop over to Waterloo Station, where you’ll find a Waterloo station luggage storage location.
Stations in most major cities have similar options where you can check your luggage for the time you plan on exploring. It’s usually pretty cheap too.
See a Landmark or Two
If you’ve got a longer layover you could easily squeeze in some sightseeing. Most of the top landmarks in major cities are pretty accessible. A quick search will likely reveal museums, galleries, or historical sites that are a short ride away.
You could even get on one of those hop-on-hop-off buses. Sometimes they actually stop at airports, but you can otherwise find stops around major train stations. They can be a pretty nice low-stress way to see a city.
Wander Local Neighborhoods
If you’ve got a bit of time to kill, strolling around a lesser-frequented area can be one of the best ways to get an authentic feel for a city.
When wandering residential neighborhoods that are slightly off the beaten path, you’ll experience local life. There may even be some cute cafés or small local restaurants to pop into.
Taste the Local Flavors
One of the easiest ways to get a feel for any new place is by enjoying the local food. No, not airport food, and not train station food either. Even with just a couple of hours, you can slip into a restaurant or even try some street food.
If food isn’t your biggest priority, then there’s no harm in grabbing fast food. Buying from street vendors or local markets is probably a better idea than going to Burger King, but you get the idea!
Next, check out my tips to reduce airport stress.
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