Touring the world is exciting, especially with travel-related needs constantly upgrading. You’re not just limited to a few accommodation options, for example, but a range of choices to match different tastes and budgets, from budget-friendly hotels in Thailand to 5 star hotels in Osaka. Because there’s no such thing as teleportation, reaching your destination can be fun or exhausting. One thing that will make your journey less enjoyable are long layovers. The good news is that you can power through this “fun” part of the travel experience.
Take Advantage of Special Layover Programs
Airlines like Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Emirates offer various programs to help make layovers tolerable.
- Qatar Airways’ stopover packages offer discounted rates for hotels, and you can go on a city tour while you wait.
- Emirates lets you choose plenty of activities, accommodation, and even an option to create your own itinerary.
Arrange Accommodation When Needed
Yes, it’s an added expense, but if it means you can rest comfortably while waiting for your flight, you should grab that chance. You may be able to sit and wait at the airport for four hours, but you should seriously reconsider if you have to wait longer.
- Check if there is accommodation in the airport or nearby that you can book. Your options might be limited, depending on your flight schedule, but you do have options.
- Contact properties and ask if they offer specific rates for layover needs. It could be a day rate or for several hours.
- Adjust your trip to make the most of your layover. If you have time to kill, why not make it an overnight or two-night stay instead? The beauty of tailored travel is that you can travel at your own pace.
Consider Lounge Passes
If you must wait, then wait in comfort and with access to different amenities.
- See if there are airport lounges available, which you can use for free or with a fee. Find out what you need to buy a lounge pass.
- Check if your airline offers an option for a lounge pass. If it’s offered with great value, grab the chance to enjoy the amenities.
- Find out if your credit card offers access to airport lounges. American Express, for example, has the Global Lounge Collection.
Freshen Up
After a long-haul flight, make it your mission to freshen up. Doing so can make a huge difference.
- Keep a toiletry kit in your carry-on, complete with essentials like a dental kit and facial cleanser. Just be sure to pack according to TSA rules to avoid problems.
- See whether there are showers at the airport or lounges. Nothing beats a refreshing bath to restore your energy and make the wait tolerable.
- Change into a clean set of clothes or even just a shirt so you can feel clean and fresh.
Make the Wait Productive
This is the part where you make the most of your layover.
- See if you can go on a free city tour.
- Explore the airport and make it an opportunity to stretch and move around.
- Fill up, but don’t eat anything that may cause bloating, which can lead to discomfort.
- Get some work done or write an entry in your journal. Anything to keep boredom at bay.
Long layovers can be a nightmare if you don’t know what to do. By following the tips above, your journey to Osaka will be exciting through and through. Looking forward to an ultra-comfortable bed upon arrival? Book your stay at Swissotel Nankai Osaka.
