For the first time in my life. I've had to wait at the airport for 19 hours and that's not it. I have 2 more connecting flights before I finally reach home and since I can't get a transit visa to exit the airport and explore the city. I just learnt how to make the most out of this experience and I would like to share it with you'll
This is what happens when you tend to book your flight at the last minute or you choose a flight with a layover since it's often cheaper than direct flights, you actually end up paying more in the airport. The thought of sitting around in an airport for 19 hours between flights gives me the chills now. And why would anyone want to prolong their travel time more than necessary, especially when an oceanfront villa in Srilanka or a sunset cruise awaits at the end of the journey?
Layovers are endless hours of watching the clock and waiting for your vacation to start or end. Here's some fun things that I did to keep me entertained and going during the 19 hours.
1.Eat Like a Queen:
Select airport eateries offer genuine gourmet cuisine, from locally inspired classics to luxurious dishes. There are multiple restaurants that are popular here in Kuala Lumpur, where travelers can get fresh food as served in town and there's also a wide range to choose from, all at one place.
2.Sleep:
Usually travelers think sleeping in the airport is disturbing, while others have no qualms about catching some sleep on a terminal bench. Each one's comfort level depends on a number of factors, from personal experience to conditions in the airport in which you’re staying. Quite a few airports have designated sleeping sections or sleep chairs that make for painless napping. Usually found in major hubs, these airports offer comfy lounge chairs and padded benches on which travelers can stretch out.
3.Get a Room:
If you have the money to shell out and need that hot shower or good night's sleep since your eyes are heavy and you don’t like the idea of dozing off in public. Consider paying for short-term lodging or the Transit Hotel, even if it’s for a layover that’s only a half-day or so. It may be cheaper than you think and well worth the cost.
These hotels offer accommodations within the airport terminals. A standard cabin can be rented for a minimum of four to six hours, and comes with a bathroom-shower, a bed, a fold-out desk and a flat-screen TV (75 square feet). Premium rooms are also available if you want a little more space. To get the cheapest rate at an airport hotel, plan ahead.
4.Keep yourself entertained:
Shop, visit art galleries or butterfly gardens, check the airport map to see what facilities are available at your airport. Load your phone in advance with a few movies or games, which will keep you occupied for a while. Try to interact with your travel companion or a friendly stranger waiting in your terminal and share your travel adventures with them. It's better to engage with a real human being, than being on the phone, it’s a great way to pass the time.
If you have the rhythm in you, do entertain yourself and others around you by packing your instrument and playing some tunes. This will help keep alive the people in the airport 😃.
5.Chat with a Stranger:
When I got into the bus which took me to the flight yesterday. 3 men standing behind me, were talking In the local dialect that I was familiar with, I turned around to ask them if they were from hubli to which they were very happy and it just made us realize how small this world is. Also, chatting it up with an approachable stranger at the airport bar, in the lounge or at a restaurant could lead to a short conversation or a fascinating glimpse into a fellow traveler’s experiences. Talk to someone waiting near your gate; odds are you’ll both be heading to the same place, your chat might just yield a wealth of valuable vacation tips.
