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In all the excitement of booking your tropical vacation, you might have forgotten the mind-numbing boredom resulting from a long layover. Unfortunately, the price you pay for cheap airline tickets is that you might have one or more long stays in the international terminal. Luckily, we have a list of things to keep you occupied in the airport limbo between holiday and home.
Get Out And Explore The City
Check the quarantine laws in your layover city; if you have longer than a 5-hour layover and you are vaccinated it might be worth it to get out of the airport. Stretch your legs, take in the local sightseeing and taste some of the local food. Just make sure that you are back at the airport with plenty of time to check in to your next flight! With current regulations, we recommend being at the airport at least 3 hours early.
Freshen Up Before Your Flight
Although flying tends to leave most people looking and feeling like they’ve spent the night in jail, it doesn’t have to be that way. Almost every international airport offers an array of shopping opportunities, especially for cosmetics and skincare. Take a walk and test out some samples of luxury products. Most stores have an abundance of salespeople who are happy to help you find just what you need to feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Hit The Shops
While you’re browsing around, you might as well do a bit of duty-free shopping. Although airports are known for their expensive food and souvenirs, they can actually be a great place to buy certain products. The term “duty-free” means that the country’s import taxes are waived on the sales of these products. This is especially convenient if you’re looking to buy tobacco, alcohol, cosmetics, or perfume.
Get Moving
If you are struggling to get comfortable in the awkward airport seating, or just can’t seem to sleep, try standing up and getting your body moving. After long hours spent in a cramped airplane seat, your blood tends to settle in your legs, and your muscles get stiff. Your body will need some gentle movement to get back into its usual groove. Try taking a walk around the terminal, or find a secluded spot to do a little gentle yoga. If you happen to be in the San Francisco International Airport, they actually have a specialty “yoga room” for this purpose!
Check Out The Attractions
Many international airports offer fun activities to occupy your time between flights; check out the information desk in your terminal to see what your airport has to offer. Most have a movie theater or playground, but some go above and beyond. If you are lucky enough to be at Singapore Changi Airport, you will find out why it is known as the best in the world. This international airport offers multiple indoor walking gardens, a treetop trampoline, a four-story slide, the world’s largest indoor waterfall, and more!
Make Yourself At Home
For extra long layovers, consider taking a shower and a nap to keep you feeling fresh. Many international airports offer showering facilities and sleeping pods which you can rent by the hour. The international airports in Munich, Dubai, and Sydney all offer free showering facilities while others cost more but offer amenities such as fluffy towels and specialty shampoos. The average airport sleeping pod costs between $12-$40 / hour and comes in a variety of sizes and shapes – usually for one person at a time. Yotel is a popular provider of both amenities in airports around the world. In the London Gatwick Yotel you can rent a private cabin with wifi, TV, and shower for only $59.50/4 hours.
Read More:
‘New Normal’ in Travel & Airport Hospitality According To Travelers
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2021
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.