If you've ever been stuck in an airport for hours, you'll know it's not exactly the highlight of travelling.
Between the endless security lines, overpriced sandwiches, and trying to nap on those unforgiving seats, airports can feel more like endurance tests than gateways to adventure. I've definitely had my share of good and bad – from a blissful 6-hour layover in Singapore where I got a massage and a swim, to that time I was held like a prisoner in a USA airport (yes, really).
But over the years, I've realised airports don't always have to be dreadful. In fact, if you know how to make the most of them, they can be surprisingly enjoyable. There's something oddly freeing about being in a place where time seems to pause — where you can unwind, people-watch, and momentarily step out of your routine.
In this guide, we'll dive into how to turn even the longest layovers into mini adventures, from hidden airport gems to creative ways to pass the time. Think of it as your ultimate guide to beating travel boredom before your next flight.
8 Things To Do Before Your Flight
1. Having The Right Mindset
When it comes to the question, “Can airport layovers ever really be fun?” — the answer honestly depends on your mindset. Once I stopped treating layovers as a frustrating interruption and started seeing them as part of the travel experience, everything changed.
With a bit of planning, acceptance, and curiosity, even the most chaotic transit stops can feel less like a hassle and more like a mini adventure in between destinations.
I used to be the kind of traveller who rushed through airports, constantly checking the clock and worrying about delays — classic first-time travel mistakes. But over the years, especially as I've learned to travel slow, I've come to appreciate the quiet pauses between flights. Now, I treat layovers as a chance to recharge, explore, or simply enjoy being in motion.
In Singapore's Changi Airport, for instance, I once spent an six-hour layover wandering through the butterfly garden and catching a free movie in their theatre — it felt more like a bonus day out than a delay.
In Doha, I indulged in a long shower and a spa session before finding a quiet corner to journal and people-watch. And during a long overnight layover in Dubai, I found myself tucked away in a 24-hour café, sipping coffee and chatting with fellow travellers swapping stories of missed flights and spontaneous adventures.
If you've ever struggled to survive long travel days, mindset makes all the difference.
Airports are treasure troves if you look closely — art exhibits, yoga rooms, nap pods, and even city tours for those with longer layovers. Or sometimes, simply curling up with a podcast, a good book, or even watching planes take off while munching on snacks is all you need.
Layovers are inevitable, but boredom and frustration don't have to be. The secret is to stop wishing the time away and embrace it instead — because often, the moments we least expect end up becoming some of our most memorable travel stories.
2. Guilt-Free Time To Enjoy Hobbies
If you have a stop at an airport layover planned, the chances are, there will be nothing else on the itinerary during this time. In the modern age we rarely get this time, when we don't have to think about work, chores or family commitments, and it seems the world wants nothing from us.
Times like these are so hard to come by, and rather than complaining about being bored, we could change our mindset and instead take the time to engage with our hobbies. Of course, you are limited by what you can bring with you into an airport, but there are still multiple ways you can keep yourself entertained.
Read, Write, Reflect
I love starting my layovers by opening a book or jotting down my thoughts from the trip so far. Airports like Changi and Incheon have cosy corners that make reading a quiet pleasure, while journaling helps me avoid first-time travel mistakes and travel more intentionally.
Sometimes I write about random encounters or lessons I've learned while travelling slow — moments that would have slipped by unnoticed otherwise.
Digital Entertainment And Light Gaming
Casino, Palm Springs, California, USA
If I'm not reading, I'll usually turn to some light digital entertainment. I always download a few podcasts, offline shows, or mobile games before my flight — perfect for those in-between hours when Wi-Fi is spotty.
Many major airports now have an area full of slot machines similar to any casino online, providing the perfect exciting and engaging entertainment to any gambler who finds themselves waiting at an airport for another flight. It reminds me of the time I visited a casino in Palm Springs.
Savour The Slow Moments
Above all, layovers remind us that travel doesn't always have to be about constant movement. Grab a coffee, stretch your legs, and just watch the world go by. There's something oddly peaceful about people-watching in airport cafés — everyone's coming from somewhere, going somewhere, each with their own story.
These slow moments between destinations are often when I recharge the most — and that's what helps me survive long travel days with a fresh perspective.
3. Explore The Airport
Airports are often seen as a means to an end — a place we rush through on the way to somewhere more exciting. But if you stop and look around, some airports are destinations in themselves.
From sprawling terminals filled with art installations to rooftop gardens and cinemas, exploring an airport can actually become one of the most interesting parts of your trip.
Take Denver International Airport, for example — famous for its quirky architecture, massive art displays, and even conspiracy theories that make wandering through it oddly fascinating. There's even a virtual golf game setup that's perfect for a quick round if you're looking to stretch your legs in between flights.
Of course, not every airport has that same buzz — some are quieter, smaller, or simpler — but that doesn't mean there aren't hidden gems to uncover. I've stumbled upon peaceful reading lounges, surprisingly good coffee corners, and even small cultural exhibitions tucked away behind departure gates.
4. Shop
Picking my ordered items at Changi Airport Terminal 4's departure
Airport shopping has become one of my go-to ways to unwind during long layovers. There's something oddly therapeutic about wandering through duty-free aisles, browsing perfumes, sampling local chocolates, or hunting for last-minute souvenirs.
Perhaps one of the greatest perks of airports is duty-free shopping itself — where perfumes, alcohol, and sweet treats are exempt from local taxes, making them far cheaper than anywhere else. If you know you've got a long stopover ahead, it's worth holding off on your regular shopping and saving your splurge for the airport instead. You'll find countless bargains while also passing the time in a fun way.
Some of the bigger airports go above and beyond when it comes to retail experiences.
Changi Airport, for instance, makes shopping incredibly convenient with iShopChangi, where you can pre-order your favourite products online and collect them right before your flight. It's perfect for travellers who prefer a seamless, hassle-free experience.
Even if you're not planning to buy anything, airport terminals themselves can feel like mini adventures. Between luxury boutiques, souvenir shops selling locally made items, and quirky pop-up stores, you never know what you'll stumble upon. I've even discovered hidden gems like indoor butterfly gardens and rooftop swimming pools during long waits — experiences that completely change how you think about layovers.
So next time you're stuck between flights, skip the boredom and go exploring — you might just find your new favourite travel ritual among the duty-free shelves.
5. Learn About The Country You're In
Layovers are strange. Often, when we arrive at a layover airport, it's the first and only time we'll ever be in that country, and yet we rarely leave the building. With that in mind, if you have got time to kill while waiting for your next flight, why not take some time to learn about where you've found yourself?
Some airports will have museums, exhibitions or at the very least, information boards about the country, its culture, and its history. Others will sell information books in their stores that can act as the perfect introduction to the country itself.
If all else fails, you always have the internet. Do some research, make Pinterest boards, and learn about the country's history and its current affairs. Look at what tourists regularly visit, and learn about which religions are practiced there. You never know what you learn about might spark an interest that will lead you to visit this country properly sometime down the line.
6. Watch The Planes Take Off And Land
Most of us don't get to see planes close up very often, and since inside the airport is really the only place we can watch them take off and land from a good vantage point, you may as well make the most of it.
There is something thrilling about watching them hurtle down the runway as their engines get louder and louder before that moment of weightlessness as they ascend into the sky.
Some airports even have dedicated lounges, where you can make yourself comfortable, settle down with a drink and some food, and watch the planes while you wait for your own departure.
7. Eat And Drink
One of the best things about airports is the endless choice of food and drink. Whether you're craving a proper sit-down meal or just want a quick coffee before your next flight, airport dining can easily turn a boring layover into something enjoyable.
After hours of travelling, there's nothing quite like finding a cosy restaurant or café, ordering your favourite dish, and just letting yourself relax.
Many airports offer local delicacies unique to their country — a perfect chance to sneak in one more taste of the region before you leave. I've had some of my most surprising meals in airports, from steaming bowls of noodles in Bangkok to rich pastries in Paris.
If you're planning your Europe trip, don't overlook airport dining as part of the experience. Some European airports, like Amsterdam Schiphol or Munich International, are practically food destinations on their own, featuring everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to beer halls serving local brews.
And honestly? In airports, time doesn't exist the way it usually does — it's completely acceptable to sip on a morning cocktail or enjoy a pint of beer at 3 a.m. without anyone batting an eye. Whether you're celebrating the start of your holiday or winding down after a long flight, grabbing a bite or drink can make the whole travel experience feel a little more special.
So next time you're faced with a long layover, skip the stress and treat yourself to something delicious — after all, every great trip deserves a great meal, even in transit.
8. Get Some Rest
Travelling is tiring work. Not only are there airports and security to navigate, gates to be found, planes to be boarded, and often uncomfortable flights to sit through, but many of us face long layover waits in airports we've never been to before.
One of the best ways to pass the time while waiting for your next flight is to get some rest. Again, airports are places that are free from a lot of society's usual expectations, and, because of this, no one is going to judge you for curling up on the floor and falling asleep with your head on your luggage.
Alternatively, you could invest in a travel pillow. A lot of airports sell these, and they have the unique ability to help us fall asleep while sitting up.
If you're lucky, your airport might have reclining seats or even private sleeping pods that you can rent for a few hours—perfect for catching up on rest between long-haul flights. Just be sure to set an alarm (or two!) so you don't miss your connection.
If you're planning a multi-city trip, look up each airport's facilities in advance. Some offer shower rooms, nap zones, and even capsule hotels, which can make a world of difference during long layovers. Others have lounges that sell day passes, so you can relax, charge your devices, and freshen up before your next flight.
