With an increasing number of airports getting busier each day, the voyage from your home to the terminal gate could feel like an endless puzzle, especially if you’re in a rush.
That said, when you’re planning a long-overdue vacation, the last thing on your mind is the flight. However, it should actually be the first thing on your mind. That’s because some airports, like the Los Angeles International Airport, have a delay rate of 20.46 percent. This equates to a daily average of 53 minutes, and that’s more than enough time to find yourself spending unnecessary money just to pass the time.
Fortunately, a long layover doesn’t have to be a painful experience – as long as you know how to make good use of your time. If you aren’t sure what to do, ask someone at the information desk what free activities the airport has to offer, or you can just simply grab your belongings and explore yourself. So rather than viewing a delay as an annoying experience, try viewing it as an entertaining and relaxing experience.
If you’re at the airport and need to kill time, consider the following tips to ensure you relax more while spending less.
Exercise
Exercising not only reduces the chance of varicose and spider veins from developing by circulating blood in your legs, it can also help reduce airport anxiety.
If you’re not shy about doing poses like downward dog in a public area, then pack some yoga supplies if you think there’s a chance of experiencing a layover. Let’s face it, as much as we love traveling, delays aren’t anyone’s idea of a good time. Fortunately, when it comes to exercising, you don’t need a gym or even expensive equipment to squeeze in a workout. Airports have everything you need: space for you to move around, walkways or escalators as treadmills, and of course, water in case you start to feel dehydrated.
All you need is some creativity, and an understanding that you might look a little silly to some travelers. If you can get past that, then you’re golden. So what workouts can you do while waiting for your plane to arrive? You can do squat jumps, dips, arm raises, crunches, and pushups. Do three sets for each exercise that range from 10 to 15 reps per-minute.
Listen to a Podcast
Would you like to learn something new without having to stare at a screen? If so, then podcasts are the perfect alternatives, and now it’s easier than ever to find one that fits every hobby or interest – from comedy podcasts to educational and musical ones. Whatever you’re into, there’s a podcast out there to keep you entertained.
If you aren’t sure what podcast to listen to, try scanning different stations based on categories. For instance, if you prefer the educational podcast, try searching for stations that analyze political debates, new education policies, or that focus on certain subject’s children needs improvement on. Another popular podcast is “Answer Me This.” This podcast allows listeners to call in and share their questions, thoughts, and concerns about the topic being presented by the hosts – Helen and Olly. The best part is that the podcast is both fun and informative, so be prepared to learn about the origins of strange phrases like “Cat Got Your Tongue” and much more.
Sleep
Some travelers think sleeping at the airport is equivalent to sleeping somewhere on the street (especially if the layover requires an overnight stay at the airport); while others have no problem catching up on sleep, which is good considering the fact that a lack of sleep can affect our mental health. How good your sleep is during your time at the airport all depends on your comfort level that might depend on your personal experience to the airport’s conditions, cleanliness, and guests, of course.
Luckily, the majority of airports have designated sleeping areas or special sleeping chairs that recline for painless napping. Airports like Hong Kong International Airport and South Korea International Airport are just a couple major hubs that offer travelers comfy chairs and padded benches — benches that allow travelers to fully stretch out and catch up on sleep.
Write in a Journal
Traveling is a time of growth, new experiences, and getting away. If you’re taking a trip somewhere exciting, wouldn’t you like to remember the experience 10 years down the line? That’s where writing comes into play. Writing in a journal will ensure that you remember everything (even the layovers) while you’re away. This means that you won’t only preserve those memories, you’ll also help enrich your experience by collecting countless memories as they happen.
So although the flight itself might not seem that exciting, it could very well prove to be a lot more exciting in the long run. In fact, if you have enough notes, you could even write up a blog post once you get home. Journaling on the plane can also be a great way to record, plan, and budget your finances. Additionally, journaling can be an outlet for any frustration you might have during your initial travel. There are so many things you can do with writing, like re-evaluating your travel goals or sending postcards to loved ones letting them know how your experience is going so far. If you can’t think of anything to write, then try doodling. This can also act as an outlet down the road.
Traveling doesn’t always have to be a luxury. So once you reach your destination, there’s no reason to stop being conscious of how you spend your money. That said, make financial awareness a lifestyle, whether you’re in a home or abroad, in the air or on the ground.
Author Bio:
Herman Davis loves being active – whether he’s at the airport or at the gym. If you can’t catch him online, you might be able to catch him watching sports or reading up on some of the new gadgets coming out soon. Follow him on Twitter at @Davis241. Thanks!