How to Survive Long Layovers

My first intercontinental trip

Long flights can be exhausting, getting stuck on a seat for hours is not as fun as it seems. My first trip to the US of A (I’m just being dramatic. I meant the USA), I can still remember vividly. I was excited that I was finally traveling to another continent and I literally couldn’t sit still. My mum and I flew together, and our itinerary included some stops which is completely normal.

nfortunately for us, the very first departure from Lagos was not thrilling. There was a thunderstorm and the turbulence was out of this world. The plane was mainly full of Nigerians and (trust us) after the first announcement regarding the incoming disturbance was made, the whole aircraft erupted with prayers from every corner. Each person on the plane was praying. The lady beside me actually grabbed my hand and started praying in tongues (Ibibio tongues,  I think).

Meanwhile, the air hostesses were trying to calm everyone, but you could tell from their facial expressions that they were also freaking out. My mum took my other free hand and at that moment I got really scared. It suddenly dawned on me that it was all real, my mind was reeling so fast. How would I die before even entering the US? I started confessing all my sins; thinking about how much I missed the ground; how I would never marry my crush if I died; and how all the years I spent in school would be useless.

Well, God answered our prayers, and we didn’t crash, but my whole trip was messed up. I couldn’t sleep, and I was too tired to stay awake. So, I was stuck between both worlds, half-awake and half-asleep.

Our first stop

We finally got to our first stop, (this was years ago, I really can’t remember where it was). But I was exhausted and scarred by the first trip, my butt hurt from sitting so long and we had to catch our next flight. Honestly, at that moment I wanted to go back home (but not in a plane of course, maybe through teleportation). We were stuck in the middle of nowhere (well, not literally) and we had to wait hours till our next flight.

I was totally bored, and we couldn’t leave the airport because we had no idea where to go or do, so we had to sit at the terminal. I came up with and played every mental game possible, scanning environment for an interesting scene to occupy my mind. At that moment I couldn’t understand why our flights were so far apart. I wished someone would have told me what to expect during layovers.

How I survive long layovers

Trying out new menus at the airport.

In my opinion, this one of the best ways to pass time, except you get nausea when flying. The airport is home to many restaurants that sell both local and intercontinental dishes, experimenting with local food is a great idea. Because I’m never sure what the food would taste like, the whole experience is new, mysterious and fun.

I love meeting strangers and having those “random conversations”.

Most times, I get so stuck in my own world and hold on tight to perspectives that really have no basis. Having honest conversations with people I know I’ll probably never meet again, helps me express myself without the fear of being judged. It is also a great experience because I get honest feedback from people whose perspectives vary from mine. I have received tons of inspiration from strangers and I have also made friends in the process.

Did someone say shopping?

Most airports have tons of stores that sell a variety of items.  If you’re a shopaholic or a window shopper (like I am), you would have a great time walking through shops. You can even buy amazing gift items for those you love from the airport.

Walks are great for passing time.

I take a tour of the airport when I have long layovers, and if I want to be adventurous, a tour of the city.  To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever taken a tour of a city during layovers. I get too scared the plane would leave without me, or that I would get lost and end up in the middle of nowhere with no working cell phone and no hope of returning home (well I don’t think that’s a bad idea though, but you get the point).

Reading novels; watching videos online (if you’re lucky enough to be at an airport with Wi-fi) and taking a nap; are great for passing time.

What am I saying? You could just read my blog :).

Well, the best way to survive long layovers is to completely avoid them.

The good thing is we are in 2018! Information is everywhere and discovering flights to the places you would love to explore is quite easy. All you need to do is find a reliable website where you can find and select flights with few stops and short wait times.

Cheap Flights To New York and Everywhere Else

Fortunately for you, I came across a website TravelStart where you can search for and book the cheapest flights to places you would love to visit. For example, you can find Cheap Flights to New York, a city I would really love to visit, via this link.  The best thing about this site is its simplicity. You get to pick what airline, route, trip type, and at whatever price you like.

If you’ve had any dramatic flights, please humor us with what your experience was.