Booking cross-country flights can be expensive—even if you don’t cross international boundaries. For example, a direct flight from Vancouver to Halifax might cost an arm and a leg even if you’re only visiting for a few days. For this reason, many jet-setters choose flights that include layovers.
The farther you plan on traveling, the more likely it is that you’ll face a single or double-night layover. This is also the case for those who face inclement weather or other challenges at the airport. And with delays and missed flights skyrocketing, it pays to plan on spending an extra day or two in an unfamiliar city or town.
These stopovers can throw a wrench into some plans. However, as an inevitable risk associated with long-distance travel, knowing how to make the most of a layover is a great tool to keep in your belt. Want a few suggestions on how to handle layovers of all shapes and sizes? Keep reading below for some examples.
Single-Night Layovers: Get One Last Game In
One of the toughest layovers is the single-night stop. Oftentimes, travelers will depart the airport around 7:00 pm or later. This gives them just enough time to head to a hotel and get some shut-eye before heading back to the airport the next morning. It’s one of the most awkward time slots to try to fill with activities. So, what should you do?
Prioritize your rest and hunker in for the night. Along with ordering a quality meal, also consider the next leg of your journey. If you’re heading onto a remote backpacking trip, then this might be your last brush with technology. For many, this means getting a little bit more time gaming. With traditional console and PC games out of the question in a hotel room, a popular option is blackjack.
Online platforms offer different variations to explore, including premium and classic options. Because the game challenges the mind, it’s a great way to pass the time while also letting the body rest. Additionally, blackjack doesn’t include tons of animation or loud audio, which means it won’t be a distraction for sleep. In fact, the game’s emphasis on mental strategy might even help you catch a few Zzs faster.
Single-Day Layovers: Make Any Last-Minute Purchases
Not all layovers will be as awkward as the single-night stay. Another common scenario that travelers face is a single-day layover. This usually includes one night in a hotel, followed by a later flight the next evening, leaving plenty of time to get out and explore.
But what should travelers focus on? Oftentimes, this is one of the most wasted opportunities to handle last-minute needs. Instead of sticking to the hotel and playing a game or FaceTiming, travelers can take inventory and see if they need any repairs or smaller items. These might include sunblock, a mini first-aid kit, or even a top up for their phone minutes.
This doesn’t have to take up too much time, either. If there’s a landmark or tourist site you’d like to see before your connecting flight, then set aside some time in the morning to thoroughly go through your belongings. It’s almost inevitable that you’ll realize you’re missing something important.
Two-day Layovers: Do as the Locals Do
Facing a two-day layover? Thankfully, you’ll get all the benefits listed above along with an exciting adventure. If you face a two-day layover, you might arrive at your hotel in the early afternoon and have a full night and the next day ahead of you. In this case, stick with the above plans—then expand.
Spend time resting in the hotel. Make those FaceTime calls and try your hand at a card game. Then take inventory of your suitcase or backpack, making sure to identify any last-minute purchases that will take your trip to the next level. From there, do as the locals do.
This means targeting restaurants where they like to eat and pass the time. It also means asking for a few tips from the concierge at your hotel—they probably know of some hidden gems and how to get there.