As every budget-savvy traveler knows, one of the most effective ways to save money on flights is to opt for a connecting journey rather than a direct flight. Of course, one of the downsides to this is that you may end up spending several hours in an airport lounge, with little to do other than check your emails and watch the planes trundle along the runway. However, we believe in making the most of every step of the travel experience, which is why it’s time to start embracing your layovers. Here are some ways to truly make the most out of your next travel delay.
Get Out of the Airport
If you have more than a couple of hours to spare, the best way to maximize your layover experience is by getting out of the departures lounge and heading into the city. There is a huge industry built around those looking to do some exploring on their layovers, so do your research to see what experiences await you. One much-feted example is the Free Singapore Tour arranged for layover travelers at Changi Airport. You’ll get a visa to allow you to leave, and a free guided tour of the city’s hotspots. Ticking off another destination from your bucket list during your layover is a true pro-traveler move.
Wine and Dine Yourself
Long gone are the days when airports were simply places to sit in one place with a vending machine lunch and bad WiFi. Many airports these days have restaurants run by some of the most celebrated chefs in the world, so make the most of it by giving yourself a true culinary experience on your layover. The Michelin Guide has an impressive rundown of airport restaurants that can’t be missed, often managed by such gastronomic heavyweights like Wolfgang Puck, Gordon Ramsay, and Heston Blumenthal.
Play Some Games
If you have a cellphone and a decent internet connection, a world of gaming awaits you to make your next layover fly by. Rather than finding a single game to download, you can use online iGaming platforms such as digital casinos to give yourself an unlimited range of games to choose from. These days, you can even browse leading casino review sites to find the smoothest mobile gaming experience possible when searching for poker, slots, blackjack, roulette, and all the rest. This is one way to add a kick of adrenaline to your next layover.
Catch Some Zzz’s
It’s no secret that international travel can be an exhausting experience. If your last 12-hour stint in the air has you feeling groggy and drained, consider booking into an airport hotel room to catch a few hours of sleep in a comfy bed, as well as grabbing a shower and maybe even some room service. If you ask nicely, some airports may even pay for your hotel room, especially if you’re a frequent flyer. Your next layover can be an opportunity to feel refreshed and ready for the next leg of your journey.
Too many people make the mistake of assuming that a layover is just an inconvenience that must be tolerated. Instead, try and view it as an opportunity to explore, be entertained, and recharge those batteries.
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