Travelling is a wonderful thing to do, but there are times when it’s not so great, and those times are usually layovers and delays. Of course, they’re just a part of travelling, and you have to deal with them when they come up (and your destination will generally be worth it), but at the time, they can feel like the worst thing in the world.
The good news is that these things don’t have to be frustrating or terrible; they can actually be a lot of fun if you know what to do and go in with the right attitude. With that in mind, here are some easy ways to keep entertained during layovers and delays; read on to find out more.
Read A Good Book
Reading a book is a great way to pass the time no matter where you are or what you’re doing, so of course it’s also going to be ideal in the airport as well. You’ll probably have a book with you for the flight or train ride, so that’s a good place to get started, but if you don’t have one or you finish the one you’ve got, there will usually be a bookshop or newsagents to buy another one from, so you should be fine.
If you want something a bit more lightweight, what about using an eReader and downloading eBooks or perhaps try an audiobook instead. That way, you’ll always have something to entertain you, even if you prefer to travel light.
Play Online Games
If you’re looking for a low-effort way to keep your mind engaged and stop yourself from getting bored while you’re waiting, what about playing online games? They’re a fantastic way to pass the time, and you can choose anything from classics like spider solitaire to action-based games, hidden object games, and so on. Whatever you’re into, you can find a game to play based on it.
If you’re travelling with friends and family, what about going for a multiplayer game so you can all get involved? It’s a nice way to bond, and whether going on holiday or returning from one, doing things together when you can is a great idea.
Explore The Airport
If you’re tired of sitting around and you know roughly what time you need to be back at your gate, you could go and explore the airport and just see what you come across. Many airports offer loads of things to do, including restaurants, shops, entertainment zones, viewing areas, and even places for prayer if that’s what you’re looking for. You might even discover a great new cafe or shop that makes your time waiting a lot more enjoyable.
To make the exploration more of an adventure and a bit more fun, don’t google what’s at the airport in advance – just go for a walk and see what you can see. Of course, you’ll need to keep an eye on the time and you’ll need to know how to get back to your boarding gate, but if you’ve got those things in hand, you can explore to your heart’s content.
Catch Up On TV Shows And Movies
Thanks to streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney Plus, you don’t have to rely on in-flight entertainment if you want to watch a film or the next episode of the TV show you’re into. You’ve got it all right there on your phone or tablet, so as long as you’ve got access to Wi-Fi (and there should be free Wi-Fi in an airport), you can catch up on your favourite entertainment and that’s sure to make the time pass really quickly during layovers and delays. Of course, you mustn’t forget your headphones, as the last thing anyone around you wants is to have to listen to whatever you’ve chosen to watch; it’s an obnoxious thing to do, so don’t do it!
And while you’re watching, you could also be downloading. As we’ve said, there’s going to be entertainment on the flight, but there might not be the entertainment you want, so you could download a few extra episodes or a couple of movies (as well as some music and podcasts, for example) so you can be sure you’ll be able to watch something good when you’re in the air. Remember, you’re not going to be able to download them once you’re on the plane (unless you pay extra for Wi-Fi), so get them ready in advance.
Treat Yourself To A Nice Meal
If you’ve suddenly got some extra time on your hands, why not turn that waiting period into a chance to really treat yourself? As we’ve said, you’re sure to find plenty of restaurants and cafes in the airport, so instead of getting food from a vending machine or grabbing the first thing you see (or even waiting until you’re on board – plane food is never all that appetising), take some time to wander around and read all the menus before you choose something.
The great thing about this idea is that a leisurely meal can take up a lot of time and it can give you a break from the busy airport, which can feel chaotic and overwhelming at times. Plus, food keeps your energy levels up (ideal for a long delay) and it can improve your mood (again, ideal for a long delay!).
Catch Up On Emails Or Work
This idea definitely isn’t going to work for everyone because not everyone is going to be happy to work when they’re meant to be on holiday, but if you do have some work to finish or some emails that you could answer, and if you don’t mind doing it during layovers and delays, then why not?
This can be especially useful if you’re self-employed because you’ll be able to keep your business running even when you’re not there. The best thing to do is find a spot with an outlet and a charging port because the last thing you’ll want is to run out of battery when you’re halfway through something; that’s just going to make you feel more stressed, especially if it’s going to be a long time before you can finish the work.
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