How To Make Airport Time Fun and Less Crappy
I love to travel. I have done quite a bit of travelling and am still planning on doing more. The world is a wonderful place and it has a lot to offer. I feel that I have yet to explore more of it. Travelling is a great thing to do. At least for me. For some people travelling is a part of their daily routine,others travel to explore the world and see what it has to offer, to gain experience that only travelling can give. Are you familiar with the saying " the world is a book, those who do not travel only read a page." Travelling is worth every penny you will spend because memories last forever. It can be a dream come true. But dealing with airports and airport check- ins make the the dream less exciting.
Some travel experts and bloggers usually say that they hate airports. But they do love to travel. Maybe it may sound unusual but I love airports. The hustle and bustle, the people traffic, passengers scurrying along to make it in time to their gates, airport security walking around with their dogs...these scenes are all too familiar and every person who has had their shares of travelling can totally agree to that. To those of has who have been travelling for a while may remember when heading to the airport was definitely an adventure-watching the planes take off, the food shops and gift shops were not a chore to slog through the gates.
Over the years that I have traveled, I have learned a few hacks here and there to make your airport experience less crappy and more fun.
PLAN TO ACTUALLY ENJOY YOURSELF
The first thing to do if you actually want to enjoy yourself at the airport is to put yourself in the right mindset for it. Think of it as the starting point of an adventure you are about to embark on.If you're on the right head space to enjoy yourself, you will. Try to talk yourself out of the mindset that the airport is a terrible place to be in. Instead, try to look at it as a great place for people watching, or somewhere to try to look for a new restaurant. The more you can, the better off you'll be.
PLAN AHEAD
Give yourself as much time to plan and go through all the obstacles and still be able to relax and make use of the amenities that are available.The more organised you are, the easier life would be for you while you are waiting to board your flight. Make sure that all your travel documents are complete and you have copies of them carefully tucked in your carry on like passport, airline tickets and other important documents you may need like travel itineraries. It will also be helpful if you have already changed your money to the currency of the place you are going to specially if it is an international travel. Knowing that you have that cash on hand when you need to make small purchases inside the airport will make your experience less stressful and you do not have to be going around looking for money changers that will charge you and incredible amount for foreign exchange.
Dubai International Airport, Dubai United Arab Emirates
DRESS SMART
The rule for flights is to dress comfortably, but you also don't want to dress like you just got out of bed. Wear clothes that breathe well and allows you maximum movement to move around but still look good like a pull over or a coat you can wear during the flight and shake out when you get off the plane. The goal is to be comfortable and go through security with ease and still look chic and smart. As much as possible, no belts. no zippers- there's nothing more annoying in a standing in a queue waiting for someone to move past security because the person before you has a bunch of things to remove.
GO THROUGH SECURITY & CHECK-IN LIKE A PRO
If you ask somebody what is the thing they hate most about airports, it's usually security and check-in. Sure, they are actually not the most fun but that does not mean you let it ruin your entire travel experience. I have gone through airport security and check-ins enough that it's already part of the ride for me- kind of like, waiting for your ride in an amusement park. Here are some tips you can do to go through security and check-in like a breeze. Understand your airlines baggage/fees/check-in policies before leaving the house. Seriously, don't look t your bags and say " naah, they'll let me carry it on. " measure it, weigh it. If you are asked to check it in, you should know how much it will cost right away. Personally, I don't like checking in at all, but if I had to do it, I know I am prepared. Next, check-in before you leave the house. Most airlines now allow early check-in and you can do it online in the comfort of your home. This way, you eliminate the hassle of going through lines waiting to check-in..It;s just one thing less you can do at the airport and you can print your boarding pass before you leave,get an electronic boarding pass from your phone, or make in seat or cabin changes way before your departure time. Lastly, be ready for security check point. Have your ID and boarding pass ready. As you get close to the screening line, go ahead and remove your belt, watches and shoes and hold them in your hand. Take off your jacket, grab as many baskets as you need and put everything in place before it's your turn to go through the metal detector. Personally, I think TSA approved luggage, backpacks and laptop bags are a life-saver and worthwhile investments for frequent travelers.
GO AND RELAX A LITTLE
One of the big differences of people who fly frequently from those who don't fly that often is that people who fly often quickly learn that the airport is not their enemy-the clock is. With enough time, your trip doesn't have to be stressful at all., and the airport itself is packed with nice little shops and businesses that make your trip easier and more fun. Airport lounges also offer premium packages for spas and massage parlors, private rooms, cocktail bars and full service restaurants. Take advantage of all these amenities and make your airport experience worthwhile.
Beyond lounges, there are a lot to enjoy in the terminal and near the gates as well. Most airports offer full service restaurants, shops and bars both in and out of the security check-ins. There are fast-food chains, food booths that you can go to and enjoy a salad or a burger while waiting for your departure but if you have the time, you can sit down and eat a proper meal and have something nice to drink. Also remember that you can take your own food inside the flight (usually) if you buy it inside airport security, so grab a sandwich, a snack bar, a bottle of water or something portable.
And one more important tip. Stay hydrated. You'll be happy to grab a bottle of water or keep a refillable water bottle you keep empty as you pass through security. Deep breathing and a glass of water can do wonders in a stressful situations.
XOXO,
Karen