It’s Travel Thursday and your girl Nelle is back. Yes, it’s weird talking about myself in the third person. But y’all love it. This week I am sharing 11 ways to survive long layovers.

I know exactly how you feel. Layovers are the worst. That use to be the old me. Until I had a 36-hour layover in San Francisco about four years ago. I was flying back from one of my favorite countries and got stuck. 

As it turned out It wasn’t all bad. I fell in love with San Francisco and I have to say it’s a nice city. But despite the fun I had. I did learn a valuable lesson. I learned how to survive a long layover. So now I am sharing my survival tips. These are 11 ways to survive a long layover. 

Set Your Alarm

The first tip I want to share with you is that you should set an alarm. Set the alarm right when you get off the plan so that you know when you need to be at your gate. this way if you plan on leaving the airport you will know when you need to get back. The worst feeling is missing your flight. So before you go on that adventure don’t forget to check your ticket. Don’t just check your connecting flight make sure you set an alarm to know when you need to be at your next gate. 

Explore The Airport 

The second thing you can do to survive a long layover is to explore the airport. If you don’t plan on leaving the airport because your layover is only a couple of hours. Then explore the airport. You will be surprised at how sophisticated airports are nowadays. My trip to London took me through the Philadelphia airport and I have to say I was amazed at how much there was to do at that airport. 

Some airports have museums, and amazing cafeteria, live music, and other activities to keep you entertained. As a person who travels often, I don’t sleep on airports. 

Double-check Re-entry 

As important as setting the alarm to make sure you are back at your gate. Make sure you double-check entry rules at the airport you’re at. This way you know the rules for reentry and what you need to do. 

For example as a general rule of thumb, I don’t leave the airport if my layover is in another country. Mostly because I don’t want to go through immigration more than once. But if you are flying in the states then I suggest you leave the airport because the navigation is easy. If it’s in another country grab some tips from Travel Made Simple. She has some great tips for international layovers. 

Explore The City Around You 

One of my favorite survival tips for long layovers is exploring the city around me. I love the fact that I get to leave the airport and have a mini-vacation. Even if it’s just for a short period. 

I suggest you leave the airport and grab a map and find out what fun things are around for you to do. There is always google so you won’t be lost. This way you can plan accordingly even before your layover. Planning for everything to ensure that you succeed.  

People Watch 

Have you ever taken the time to slow down and watch others around you? You would be very surprised at what you see. One of my favorite things to do when I have long layovers is people watch. It is a process that forces me to slow down and be in the moment. But it also allows you to reevaluate your own life and notice that others around you are living a life of their own. It is a great feeling. 

Make New Friends

 That long layover is a perfect opportunity for you to make new friends. I know it may sound strange but some interesting people are traveling with us. And those long layovers are perfect for you to meet that new friend. Or better yet step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. Find out their stories and learn about who they are. You never know what might happen. 

Get To Work 

Do you know what long layovers are good for? Working on your stuff. Besides exploring a new city one of my favorite things to do during a long layover is work on my blog. I get a chance to catch up on my blog posts. And edit new ones. It is a great time for you to do what you have been putting off. I mean what else do you have going on?

Watch A Movie 

I am a movie lover. Mostly because I love fantasy and the writer in me loves a good story. So whenever I have a long layover one that does not allow me to explore the city I like to log into the airport Wi-Fi and search for a movie. Sometimes I download my movies in advance and watch them while I am sitting around waiting for the plane to come. 

No matter what your preference is. You can catch up on your show and watch that movie you have been too busy to watch during those long layovers. A little trick is to make sure that you download them from Netflix or Prime before you go to the airport. Just in case the airport you are at doesn’t have internet or bad Wi-Fi. 

Charge Your Electronics 

Yes, you will look like that person in the commercial. You know that person. The one who sits on the floor and charge their electronics. In my book that is okay because your electronics devices will not die because they will be fully charged. 

Long layovers allow you the time to find the perfect outlet or charging station. This way you are not rushed or feel like you are taking up too much space. But you can take your time to charge your items and then be on your way. Especially if you are using them to watch those movies. 

Read A Book 

I don’t know the statistic of how many Americans read a book a week, month, or year. But I do know that long layovers are a perfect time to read that book you have been putting off. I love reading because no writer should write without reading. And I don’t often have the time I would like to spend on reading. But during a trip when I know a long layover is coming. I take my book with me. And I read it. Not only is that a great way to pass the time but you get to finish that book you have been attempting to read for the last week. At least you’ll get to start it. 

Sleep

If and when all else fell and you just don’t feel like doing any of those suggestions. You can always sleep at the airport. I know it sounds crazy but your girl slept at an airport once. And it was not bad. I have my jacket my headphones and turns out in the middle of the night no one is at the airport. It was very comfortable. But if sleeping in the open in public is not your thing. Check out this site SleepinginAirports.net. It has all you need to know from booking hotels to airport rooms that you can get. 

There you have it, folks. 11 ways to survive long layovers. If you have other suggestions don’t hesitate to share them with us.  Keep up with me the one and only, Nelle, on my blog here, and more travel posts, here.