Often enough, when you have to travel, whatever mode of transport it may be - you find yourself waiting and often in the need to pass time. While most people resort to sleep or bored eating, if you are a frequent traveller: you know that this isn’t exactly fun. You’re anxious, your eyes are at the information board that displays the departure timings. While we can’t help the delayed flight reach you on time, how we can help you is by giving you 11 creative and useful ways to pass the time, while you’re waiting to board your flight to your onward destination.
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11 Things that you can do at the airport
- Exercise: This figures at the top of the list because everyone tends to ignore the bit about their own muscles. When the human body is resting, the muscles are not being put to use, and while at the airport, we often tend to sit in one place, unmoving for hours at a stretch. Make use of your precious time by taking a brisk walk or by doing some basic neck exercises.
- Rejuvenate yourself: Many airports, especially the hub destinations are blessed with various spa options. Opt for a simple back massage or a foot massage to soothe those aching nerves.
- Strike a conversation with a co-traveller: There’s nothing like making a new friend while you travel; so why must you stop yourself at airports? Smart tip: Begin your conversation by a simple complaint about the delay of flights. The opposite person will automatically agree with you and want to continue the conversation. There’s something about finding comfort in common discomfort.
- Read something: If you don’t have you own reading material, simply walk over to the nearest book stores (almost all airports have book stores), and let yourself wander in the land of books. Keep a ear and eye out for your flight announcement though, books can be fairly distracting!
- Start writing: Inspiration comes to the best of us, in the most weirdest of places. For most of us, singing whilst in the bathroom is an exhibition of our inner talent. While at the airport, you can try your hand at writing. Start small with a four line poem, or story. Or if the writer in you has been away for a long time, let him return, and let the words flow in their own rhythm.
- Try your hand at photography: While you must steer clear of places that are not supposed to be photographed (look for signages that warn against photography), most airports are incredibly designed and looked after. There may be a dozen of interesting portraits and pieces of art around the airport; take your time to absorb it, and then take your angle on it.
- People watch : The best stories are made up in silence. Find a perfect position in the corner of the airport. Watch people from there and try to conjure up creative stories by the way they walk, or handle their luggage. Now try idea number 5 on this list.
- Watch a different movie: Try a new genre. Or if you’re feeling a little crazy, try watching a popular movie of a foreign language.
- Make your own playlist: Segregate your music into sections, and make a separate one that will keep you pumped up for the long wait hours at the airport. Steer clear of sad melodious tunes, lest you fall asleep without setting an alarm to wake you up!
- Take power naps: Most airports have massage chairs. Sink into one, and let your body take the rest it deserves. You have a long journey ahead of you, so the maximum rest you give your eyes, the better it will be. But see to it that it doesn’t contradict with point number 1 of this list, exercise. Nobody would like to drag themselves out of massage chairs, straight out of a good slumber and start running towards the departure terminal with only 15 minutes to go!
- Plan for your next trip: This one is fairly simple and enjoyable. All you have to do is pull out your calendar, and chalk out the next long weekend, or the next possible month when you can treat yourself to a holiday. Once that is done, find a book store and scourge for travel guides.