How to kill time during a layover

Find wifi
One of the first things to do during a long layover is find Wi-Fi. Most airports offer travellers free access to Wi-Fi. If you’re unsure of the password, ask the nearest airport employee who has probably had their phone connected to the airport’s Wi-Fi since their first day of work. But, we have some better suggestions…

Chat with a stranger
The gates are not just a place to surf, eat and sleep, but also a multicultural gathering of people from all around the globe. Have you ever gone up to a random person and started talking to them, knowing that you’ll probably never see them again? If yes, you are a great adventurer. If no, you still have the chance to become one. Get out of your comfort zone and seize the layover to meet someone new. But be careful, it might broaden your horizons!

Play a game
If you’re travelling with a partner or friend(s), its useful to remember to pack some sort of game, even your traditional stack of cards, so that when you’re waiting for a bus, flight, or just want something relaxing and fun to do in your spare time, you can take it out and play. Also, games are great icebreakers at hostels, when you’re looking to get to know fellow travellers.
Since we usually travel just the two of us, we can recommend some fun games you can play in pairs and not get bored.
Games: Phase 10, Yahtzee (Kniffel), Cortex, Dobble, Quirkle, Hive – these games are all very compact and won’t take up much room in your bag. They usually also come with a travel bag.

People watch
If you don’t feel like talking to any stranger around, you can still be inspired by them. Just take a look around, pick a person and make up a story about them. If you are even courageous, you should go up to them and confirm if you made good guesses or if you are just stereotyping everyone.

Sleep
If you’ve been travelling for a while, most likely through different time zones, you probably haven’t be able to catch some good sleep and chances are it will still be a while before you can. Find an area where there aren’t many people (maybe a gate where the flight isn’t departing for a while) and catch some much needed zzzz’s. If sleeping on an uncomfortable metal seat isn’t your thing (and let’s be honest, who actually finds those comfy?), then splurge on entry to a business lounge. Most of these lounges require you to be a member, but if you’re lucky (and willing to pay), maybe they’ll let you in.