Traveling is an exciting adventure. It’s going to be fun, it’s going to be busy, and your days are going to be fast-paced as you try to check things off your itinerary. Probably the only downtime you’ll have throughout your trip is your time at the airport as you wait to board the plane.
While some travelers embrace the downtime as an opportunity to relax before things get too hectic, others find it a nuisance. Waiting times can be long, whether it’s because of a delayed flight, a layover, or you simply arrived too early.
If you’re one of the latter, then you’re probably looking for ways to make the most out of airport downtime. Here are some activities to keep you productive while you wait for boarding.
Catch Up on Reading
Once you get to your travel destination, you’re going to be so focused on seeing new sights and immersing yourself in a new culture that you’re probably going to do zero reading for the entire trip. So what better time to get your pages in than when you’re waiting at the airport?
Pack a good paperback with you or load up a new book on your Kindle. Use your downtime to get lost in a story. If you want, you can even read up on the place you’re visiting or brush up on travel tips and hacks to make your trip more worthwhile.
Practice New Skills
Visiting a place with a different mother tongue? You could spend your airport downtime learning the basics of their language. Getting familiar with a few phrases, like “Good morning” or “Thank you,” can make a big impact on your experience. Apps like Duolingo or Babbel allow you to get started learning as soon as you install them!
If learning the language is something you’ve already got down to a pat, you can instead use the time to take courses on traveling, photography, etc. — basically anything that will help your trip run smoother.
Meditate or Journal
An airport environment can be overwhelming — true, even studies say so. You’ve got a bunch of people rushing to make their flights, children crying while their mothers get frantic, and you might even come across an angry traveler or two.
If the airport is making you feel a bit uneasy, it’s time to enter your personal mindfulness zone. Find a quiet corner to sit, close your eyes, and center yourself. If you packed some earphones with you, put them on and play relaxing music to help your meditation.
If you’re sitting at the airport waiting to board a plane home, you could also try journaling. Reflect on your travels, i.e., where you’ve been, how you felt, and what you’re looking forward to the next time you visit. It’s an easy way to pass the time and add depth to your trip.
Play Games
Keeping yourself entertained during downtime at the airport can be as simple as playing games on your phone. An RPG or adventure game is perfect for passing the time, but if you want something more interactive, try your hand at online bingo.
Websites like CasinoCompare.ph can help you find the best online bingo platforms to play on your phone, all with the proper licenses that will protect your money. Online bingo is making a comeback as stress-free entertainment that will keep you on your toes — the hours will fly by, and you’ll be set to board before you even know it.
Take a Walk
Who says you have to sit still while waiting for boarding? Absolutely no one. It won’t hurt to use airport downtime to get your 10,000 steps in. In fact, it’s even better for your health than sitting around for hours.
Use the time to stand, move around, and maybe even explore the shops around the airport. You can even do some light stretches to prepare your body for your long-haul flight ahead.
Organize Your Itinerary
If you didn’t get the chance to really sit down and plan your trip days before, airport downtime gives you the opportunity to do just that. Double-check your itinerary, confirm your hotel bookings, and jot down any reminders or important notes.
Every little effort into planning your trip will make it more intentional and help you focus on having fun instead of stressing about your travel plans.
