How to Make the Most of Long Layovers

Often it’s most convenient to get direct flights from one location to another, but it’s not always possible or the best economical decision. If you book flights with long layovers, you’re likely to pay less for your ticket because your total travel time is longer. Before our most recent trip, a long layover sounded terrible, but we wanted to see if we could make it work for us in a way that would enhance our trip, not put a kink it.

1. Location, location, location

Research flights to your destination and be sure to check out the location options of your long layover. We opted for two long layovers- one to New York City and one to Rome. We chose NYC because we’d never experienced Manhattan together, and we chose Rome because neither of us had been there before. Another important factor is to research wether or not the airport which your flying into has a bag-drop service. We paid a small fee to have our bags stored at the airports so that we didn’t have to stress about carrying them around large cities. Plus let’s be honest, extra weight and luggage would have not made the days enjoyable.

2. Time

The next important step is to see how long your layover is. Do you have enough time to get from the airport to your desired location, time to explore, and make it back to the airport in time to pick up your bags and make your flight? We recommend that the shortest amount of time you give yourself for a long layover is 5 hours. We had an 8 hour layover in Rome and did everything we wanted to in the city!

3. Research attractions

So now you know you can make it to your destination and back in time for your next flight, but what are you going to do in the city? Maybe you just like to roam the streets and take in the culture which is a great option, but if you have specific locations you want to see, research them, map them out, and plan your route. One example of why researching your attractions is so important is because when in Rome we wanted to go to the Vatican. Had we not spoken to our friends who had recently visited, we wouldn’t have known about the strict dress code. If we weren’t prepared, we would have been extremely disappointed.

4. Attire

Often times the fastest mode of transportation in big cities in trains and walking. We chose to walk everywhere in Rome. Since Lauren was wearing a long dress, she originally had on cute sandals to match. Right before leaving the airport, though, she opted to change into her Chacos. This was a great idea because we walked over 10 miles that day. Also be mindful that churches you may visit could have strict dress codes, or some attractions may require closed toe shoes. Do your research to avoid disappointment.

5. Attitude

The last thing that will make or break your long layover is your attitude. Look at this experience as an extension or enhancement of your vacation. If you properly plan your layover you shouldn’t be stressed on time, so just relax, take in the culture, and explore another new city before you jet off to your next destination!

Xoxo,

Brit+Belle