How to Make the Most of Your Long Layover

Introduction

A long layover doesn’t have to mean wasting away in the airport! If you have the time for it and plan appropriately you can explore a whole new city! In this post I’ll outline everything you need to know in order to plan the best layover.

Why You Should Make the Most of Your Layover

A layover can be the perfect time to explore a city you’ve never been before. I personally look for flights with a long layover, they are typically cheaper than direct flights and allow you to take a mini-trip within your trip! If you are flying long distances it can be nice to break up your travel time with a bit of exploring. This past year I’ve had 24 hour layovers in Istanbul, Athens and Beijing! I did some bucket list things like the visiting the Great Wall of China and the Acropolis. Without these layover I wouldn’t have done any of these things.

Know the Details of Your Layover

Check the Layover Duration:

I don’t like to leave the airport if I don’t have more than 8-10 hours (of course you can but this is my personal preference). I want to enjoy my time and I know I will be anxious about having to rush back if I’m in a time crunch. It’s important to remember most airports are not close to the city center and can take over an hour to reach. It can also take over an hour to go through security and get your baggage. Also, extra time considerations if a visa is needed. It is also recommended to be at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight takes off. So, keep in mind a layover can sound quite long on paper but in reality that time will be eaten up quite quickly.

Check Layover/Flight Times:

Your layover may be during the night, so there’ll be no reason to leave the airport. Or the time difference may be quite severe and you could too jet lagged to want to leave the airport. So try to choose layovers that land at a good time so you have time to explore. If your layover is 24 hours it’s best to arrive late at night, so you can have a good sleep and have the next day to explore, or early in the morning, you can explore all day and get a nice sleep that night.

Research the City’s Proximity:

As previously mentioned, some airports can be quite far from the city center. Luckily, many airports offer efficient transport like a bus or train that will take you right to the center. You can also always get a taxi or check if the city you are heading to uses uber, grab or another ridesharing app. Do some research on the city you are flying to. Check the distance to the main attractions, city center and downtown.

Visas:

Be sure to check visa requirements before your layover. Some countries you may need to apply in advance and others may require a visa even if you aren’t planning on leaving the airport!

Some countries also offer a short-term visa if you will be there for a few hours. For example, China has a 24 hour temporary visa that is perfect for a layover. Check your official government website to get all the information on what you need.

How to Plan your Layover Adventure

Be Realistic:

The harsh truth is you won’t have time to see everything. I see so many blog posts recommending you do upwards of 10 things in 24 hours! I find these posts pretty unrealistic and can lead you to having really high expectations of what your layover will have in store. If you want to breeze through place after place be my guest but, I think it just leaves you feeling rushed and it doesn’t give you the time to really appreciate what you are seeing. I try to pick one thing that is my must-see sight/activity. I’ll have a few other things on my list but I know that I won’t have time for all of them. If I put too many things on my list I’ll just be disappointed I missed them. So prioritize what is most important to you!

Plan Ahead and Choose the Right Activities for your Layover

I love being spontaneous when I travel. But, I like having a firmer plan while I’m on a layover. Plan the activities or sights you’ll go to. Check if you need tickets in advance or research if there are typically long lines. You don’t want to plan to go somewhere you’ll spend hours to get into!

Don’t look for activities or sights that are far out of the way. They may be really cool but not a practical activity for a layover. It can be helpful to look if there is an area in the city with multiple sights close by. This way there isn’t much travel time between spots.

Some cities even offer sightseeing tours specifically for layovers. For example, in China they actually offer free tours from the airport for people on a layover of over 8 hours. This can be a great option as it is pre planned for you and catered toward tourists on a layover. It’s so important to do research ahead of time so you can make the most of your time!

How to Pack for a Layover

Pack Light

Pack everything you need in your carry-on size bag. You don’t want to be lugging around lots of stuff on your layover. Pack everything you’ll need ahead of time so you don’t have to rummage through your suitcase/backpack in the airport. Be sure to have chargers, a change of clothes and any important documents!

Luggage Storage

You have a few options when it comes to luggage storage on your layover. Of course it’s dependent on the length. If you are staying overnight somewhere you can store it in your hotel, hostel or airbnb. Even before check-in most accommodations will let you leave your bags there.

If you are on a connecting flight you may not even need to collect your baggage. However if this isn’t the case a lot of airports will offer luggage storage. You can use the airport’s official website for more information. 

If your airport doesn’t offer luggage storage you can use online luggage storage services like LuggageHero or Bounce. You can use the website or app and search for the city you’re heading to see what they have available.

Final Tips

Eat Local Cuisine

One of the best ways to soak in the culture is through food. You won’t have time to eat everything so try some of the most popular local dishes. Research ahead of time or ask locals what and where they love to eat!

Pack Snacks and Water

Bring a few snacks with you and water. You want to stay hydrated and well fed so you can feel your best!

Bring a Portable Charger

I think having a portable charger is essential. Having a dead phone in a new city can mean you’re lost (especially if you are as reliant on google maps as I am). And you don’t want to have to waste time charging your phone inside. Carrying a portable charging is the best way to ensure your phone stays alive. 

Buy a E-Sim

Having an e-sim already downloaded on your phone can make your life so much easier! I always use an e-sim when I travel. I love Airalo and JetPac, but for a layover I would probably go with JetPac as it’s usually the cheapest.

Be Flexible

As much as you plan in advance, sometimes things happen you can’t avoid like a delayed flight or long lines. Be flexible with your plans because it’s likely they’ll change. Just enjoy the moment and try to make the best out of your situation.

Conclusion

Long layovers can be a really fun and exciting way to explore a new city! As long as you know the details of your layover, plan realistically, plan in advance and choose the right activities. It’s important to be flexible and open to new experiences. I hope you have a great layover!