Hello educational travelers!
I hope everyone is having a good week and ready for the weekend because I know I sure am! Is anybody planning on traveling to a new destination or a well-known favorite? If so, I’d love to hear about it so leave me a comment.
In the meantime, educational travel season is in full swing here at EA Tours!
As anyone knows, when traveling by air, you’ll more than likely find yourself facing that dreaded layover or worse layovers before arriving at your destination. While they’re never ideal and sometimes can’t be avoided, due to the airlines’ schedules or nature herself, they don’t have to mean you staring at the clock for hours on end.
Have no fear because today I’m sharing with you my tips to make your layover fast and easy so you come out on the other side feeling relaxed and ready for the next leg of your educational tour.
Read on for how you can survive this travel hiccup.
- Refuel!
Right after exiting the gangway, venture over to the nearest shop to pick up some nutritious snacks and drinks. These few necessities will give you the energy to survive the next few hours. Better yet, if you have enough time try finding a good restaurant and fueling up there.
- Hydrate!
Going with what I said above pick up some water or refill your reusable bottle if you travel with one. I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated while flying. It’s good for your skin and lips as they won’t become dry or cracked and you’ll feel instantly refreshed!
- Shop!
This can be a fun distraction while you’re passing the time. Numerous international airports offer a wealth of first class and duty-free shopping in their terminals. This is a perfect way to pick up any last minute souvenirs before your student tour officially comes to an end. My favorite airport for a little retail therapy has to be Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. It’s seriously amazing!
- Explore!
Go for a walk and get to know the airport you’ll be spending your time in. Not only will you get your blood flowing, but you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find. Many airports nowadays have chapels or meditation rooms and even art galleries for you to enjoy.
- Sleep!
This is the absolute best way for the minutes to pass, and we all know sleeping on an airplane can sometimes be somewhat difficult. However, I only encourage you to do this if you are with your student group, family, or friends.
- People watch!
Do I even need to write anything for this?! Airports are fantastic places to people watch because there’s a mixture of people and different cultures from around the world in one building.
- Step outside!
If time allows, why not venture outside the airport with your fellow student tour participants and have a mini educational student tour within your student tour. This is a great way to get a taste of a city that you may someday want to come back to.
- Read!
Again, this is a great way to pass the time. Maybe there’s a book you’ve been dying to read but haven’t had the time. Well now you do! Whip it out and prepare to get sucked in and get lost in your surroundings.
- Use the internet!
Surfing the web is another great way to make your layover easier. Nevertheless, I encourage you to be cautious of overusing it. Sometimes the first hour is free and then you’re charged an insane amount. Just be mindful.
- Talk!
Talking with your fellow student travelers is also great! Share what you’re most excited for or your favorite memories from your educational tour. If the person next to you looks friendly and open to talking, strike up a conversation with them. Airports are full of interesting characters from all over the world that have wonderful stories to share. Just be careful to not give away any personal information such as where exactly you live or where you’ll be staying on your educational tour among other things.
- Games!
Nowadays numerous companies have made it easy for you to bring along some of your favorite board games while traveling. These travel-sized games take up barely any room and are a fun way to get lots of people involved. Such examples include Bananagrams, Scrabble, Chess, Yahtzee, and Checkers among others.
Just remember that while layovers can be frustrating, try to make the most of your time. Use them to your advantage and something good may come from them. They’re part of the travel life so why not embrace them. Before you know it, you’ll be boarding your plane and back on your way to your educational student tour destination.
Until next time,
Kate.