Whether you travel by boat, train, car, bus, or plane delays and layovers happen. Ergo, surviving a long layover is inevitable. Depending on where in the world you’re located they should be expected. As a digital nomad, travel has become a consistent character in the book of my life’s journey.
Living an on-the-go lifestyle, I have managed to become one with logistical setbacks. I wasn’t always so capable, but we live and learn life. This meant changing my way of thinking too. So, I began viewing layovers (expected or un) as an opportunity vs. a frustration.
Would you like to know how to do it, too? As a travel blogger, living a life that often feels as if I am a permanent tourist provides me with the opportunity to contribute a unique narration on the mundane of traveling.
You, dear reader, get to reap the rewards by way of these useful travel guides. Keep reading to unlock suggestions from your favorite Bag Lady, Meredith San Diego, on how surviving a long layover with a mindful approach can do wonders for your psyche.
Basic Tips for Surviving a Long Layover
I am convinced that a mindful approach to long layovers can manifest the unseen beauty in even the most commonplace of movements. This subtle shift in thinking can paint a masterpiece of exploration as you travel, by default, exposing the wonder in the wandering itself.
Of course, there are the overtly obvious tips to surviving a long layover. All of which fall into the self-care category:
- Bring a book/magazine to read: Got a Kindle or tablet? Download a few of each.
- Netflix and chill: Download your favorite series to help pass the time.
- Check/answer emails: Get caught up on communications using the free wifi.
- Surf the web: Most airports offer free wifi for your social media addictions/cravings
Now that the basics are out of the way, let’s get to the juicy bits.
3 Tips For Mindfully Surviving a Long Layover
Depending upon one’s perception, implementing a few mindful activities when forced to cope with external forces is a positive. When unexpected delays or layovers happen, try shifting your mindset to one of mindfulness. Try these tips:
1. Talk to people
I typically go into autopilot when inside of an airport; I’m positive I am not the only one. The environment is so familiar to me I fall into a routine of behaviors and pleasantries. The environment itself is so formal and by default, my behaviors respond accordingly.
Soon, I began to take a more mindful approach to my time in the airport. Especially in line for security check and/or at the boarding gate waiting area. Once I decided to make a conscious effort to strike up a conversation with a stranger.
I once had an intense conversation with an elderly man traveling alone in Indonesia. He was on his way to meet his wife in Java. In his prime, he was part of the White House elitist and claimed to know the truth about who assassinated Kennedy. He could’ve been exaggerating or even lying, but it was an entertaining exchange of energy, which provided a richer experience.
You never know who you’re sitting next to. My next suggestion for surviving a long layover is to…
2. Shop the Dutyfree
When you’re backpacking or on a budget, this isn’t an affordable suggestion. It is, however, an opportunity to spruce up your travel funk with fancy fragrance and hand lotion samples. Oftentimes Dutyfree provides the timeliest means of grabbing a bottle of traditional liquor or sweets as a thank-you to my next host(s).
Although controlling my inner shopaholic can be tricky, my thriftiness typically always wins out. I find the duty-free shops creatively stimulating. It’s a unique backdrop to people-watch and offers the largest variety of candy, so for me, it’s a win-win.
3. Go Exploring
All airports are not created equal. There are those establishments that are more than a cut above the rest offering an abundance of activities. Like what, you ask? Indoor bowling alleys, movie theatres, and even cloud forests—some of these airports in Asia are no joke y’all.
The majority of airports, however, will barely have enough seats at the boarding gate to accommodate the number of people boarding the plane. Instead of plopping yourself down in the first available seat —or some cases the floor— take a stroll.
Pay attention to the little things like the decor, the uniforms of the staff, and spices you can smell in the air from neighboring food kiosks/restaurants. Attempt to activate each one of your senses in a unique way one at a time.
Ready to Keep Adventuring?
Each of these suggestions should be taken as guidance and not law. There are undoubtedly dozens of more mindful approaches to this type of circumstance. I find this approach to be inspirational in addition to a sound means of experiencing time vs passing it.
These suggested activities can be done separately although one will typically give way to another. With enough time one can achieve all three and board your delayed flight with balanced energy, a smile, and childlike wonder in your heart.
Want more travel advice from Meredith? Try these Backpacking Beauty Hacks for travelers!
