Long layovers used to seem like the ultimate waste in traveling. A family lands in a city they are excited to visit, but before they even get their bags, they are stuck on a plane or at the airport. For hours they sit and wait, bored and hungry with nothing to do. The good news is you don’t have to waste this time; instead, you could make use of it to create a fun adventure for your entire family. By doing some research and thinking ahead, you could create a fantastic mini-vacation experience when normally your only options would be sitting at the gate staring at the departure board for what seems like forever.
Rethinking The Long Layover
The very first thing you need to change is your mindset. Instead of viewing the layover as lost time, begin to view the layover as “found” time. Many experienced travelers search out longer layovers because they know that sometimes you can take two trips and save money on airfare. When you have a long enough layover (in excess of three or four hours), you now have a legitimate opportunity to leave the airport and go into the local area. Travel writers have plenty of clever ideas for making the most of a long layover, from freshening up to slipping out for a proper meal off-site.
Figure Out How Much Time You Really Have
Before you get too excited, remember to be realistic. You will use time getting off the plane, going through customs (if needed), traveling into the city, and then returning to the airport. If possible, always try to schedule a minimum of 30 minutes after arriving at the airport and before boarding your next flight as a safety net. Additionally, depending on where the city is relative to the airport, your ability to see sights may vary greatly. Some cities can take you downtown in 20 minutes, while other cities can take an hour or more. It would help to research how to spend anywhere from four to twenty-four hours in a connecting city so you can match the plan to your window.
Drop The Bags And Travel Light
Dragging heavy luggage all over a city is no one’s idea of “fun.” Fortunately, many airports and surrounding areas will store luggage for several hours. Secure luggage storage options near the airport also exist, which allow travelers to drop their bags and move freely during their layover. With the bags stored safely away, people can now move around without having to worry about their luggage snagging on every curb. Go for a stroll through a park, find something unique at a local food stand, visit a museum. There are so many options.
Keeping the Kids Happy On The Adventure
The true key to making this work for children is simplicity. Only have one thing to do at a time. Do not try to pack five activities into one hour. One good playground, some world-famous ice cream, or a nice walk in a beautiful area are enough. Have the kids’ favorite snacks and drinks close by. Plan in extra time before starting out and plan for flexibility when one of the group members may be exhausted.
Layovers Worth Looking Forward To
When you begin viewing long layovers as potential, rather than roadblocks, then travel days become so much more enjoyable. By making just a few smart decisions, carrying less luggage, and taking things at a leisurely pace, what might have been hours of sitting around can be transformed into some of the greatest memories of your entire vacation.