Flying around the world is magical. You can go to the airport, hop in a tin can, and eventually end up anywhere in the world you could possibly want to go.
But this is no small feat – and I’m not just talking about the actual flying part. I’m talking about the flight planning part. Flying is complicated!
In fact, NOAA estimates that there are 5,000 planes in the air above the United States at any given time.
There’s a reason why your flight to Michigan from LA might be routed through Atlanta. It’s either the cheapest option, or the only option. We’ve all been there! So, you might as well embrace the fact that you’re bound to spend hours at an airport you’ve never been to before in between flights.
That’s what happened to Sohrab and I when we flew to Frankfurt from LA via Amsterdam. We anticipated a layover in the Netherlands for a few hours, enough to stretch our legs around the airport, explore the shops, maybe grab a coffee, and relax.
But then our plane to Frankfurt didn’t show up. And so our unexpected 24 hours in Amsterdam came to pass. This brings me to my first packing tip:
Be prepared to live out of your carry-on
You never know just how long your layover might end up being. Pack an extra outfit, your daily toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, and hair brush, and, if the city you’re stopping over in tends to call for it, an umbrella. (Hello, Amsterdam!) If you’re going to pack it anyway, and you think you would miss it in the first 24 hours of your trip, it should be in your carry-on.
That way, you have access to it whether the airline misplaces your checked baggage, or they hold onto it despite your 3-hour layover turning into a 24-hour one.
And, speaking of carry-ons…
Make sure you have the best carry-on for the job
After several trips around the country, let alone back and forth between LA and Hawaii, and around the world, I can say one thing for certain: your luggage matters. Whether you’re running across the airport to make a connection, trodding through puddles in Amsterdam, or dancing through cobblestone streets in Munich, you’ll want to make sure your luggage can keep up.
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Stock up on snacks
if there’s one thing that’s universal about travel, it’s that airports are expensive. Save yourself some coin and stay away from the junk food that’s eyeing you near the moving walkway – stock up on some healthy, TSA-friendly snacks for your flight and your layover.
One of our favorite things to do is pack a Zip-loc full of healthy snack bars for the flight, layover, trip in general…
Your wallet and your post-trip self will thank you.
Here we are now, entertain us
Whether you’re looking for something to do between meals on your flight or you just can’t stand another lap around the airport, it’s great to have some shows and movies you’ve been meaning to check off your list in your back pocket.
Or… on your iPad or iPhone.
Of course you can download lots of good options from the iTunes Store – but did you know that you can also download your favorites from Netflix? Game changer.
Fun fact: Sohrab and I downloaded and watched the entirety of Sherlock exclusively on our flights between Los Angeles and Europe. (And we’re obsessed!)
Have local currency on hand
While having your Apple Watch armed with Apple Pay is great in lots of places, you won’t want to get caught at the front of the line somewhere and realize you don’t have the right way to pay. Don’t let a moola mix up get between you and that delicious local food. Prep ahead of time by exchanging some currency a few days before your trip. Not only do you save yourself a headache, but you also save some money, too – exchange rates at the airport can be sky high!
YOUR TURN: What are some of your favorite ways to make sure your layovers are stress-free?
Psst. It’s true. I’ve used a few affiliate links in this post, and I’ll be compensated if you click and buy. But I only link to stuff I use and recommend! <3
Psst! Did you know this is my very first Blogtober? I’m posting a new piece every day this October. Check out the rest here!