We’ve all been there before. The in-transit part of any trip can feel like a drag. Long waits, cramped seats, endless announcements—yeah, it’s not exactly the glamorous side of travel. But what if there’s a way to make it not just tolerable, but actually enjoyable? Those hours don’t have to be wasted. You can turn them into something fun, productive, or even a little adventurous. It just takes a bit of planning, a touch of creativity, and a shift in mindset.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you purchase from the links at no additional cost to you.
Plan Ahead For Comfort And Efficiency
Okay, you’re about to spend hours on the move—why not make it easier on yourself? First rule: pack smart. Keep your essentials handy—think phone charger, snacks, water bottle, maybe a book or tablet.
The stuff you’ll definitely need? That goes in your carry-on or personal bag. Nobody wants to be that person tearing through their suitcase for earbuds.
Also, know your stops! If you’re going through a major hub like St Pancras Station in London, for example, look up where you can store your bags.
Trust me, luggage storage at St Pancras Station is a lifesaver when you’ve got hours to kill and zero interest in dragging your suitcase around. It’s little things like this that turn chaos into calm.
Upgrade Your Layover Mindset
Layovers. Ugh, right? But they don’t have to suck. You just need to reframe them. Layovers are a blank slate. They’re potential.
Maybe you’re wiped out from a red-eye flight. Cool—find a lounge or a quiet corner and take a nap. A lot of airports have sleeping pods or lounges with comfy chairs.
Close your eyes, zone out, recharge. Or, if you’ve got a bit of wanderlust in you, why not explore the city if time allows? A long train layover in a place like Munich?
Perfect excuse to grab a bratwurst and stroll through the old town for a couple of hours. Just don’t forget to set a dozen alarms to make it back in time.
Stay Productive While On the Move
Travel doesn’t have to mean pressing pause on life. Actually, it’s kind of the opposite. Those hours spent waiting or in transit can be surprisingly productive.
You’re stuck sitting down anyway—might as well do something with it, right?
Pop open your laptop or grab your notebook. Finish that work presentation, brainstorm new ideas, or even just jot down random thoughts.
Not feeling work-mode? No problem. This is the perfect time to dive into an audiobook, podcast, or even a language app. Just don’t forget to look up once in a while. You’re still on an adventure, after all.
Explore Culinary Adventures
Food isn’t just fuel. It’s part of the experience. Transit is no exception.
Skip the sad airport sandwiches, if you can. Look for something local, something special. Some airports and train stations have surprisingly good food options if you’re willing to hunt for them. Sushi at Tokyo Narita? Amazing.
A warm baguette and coffee at Gare du Nord? Yes, please. If you’re really stuck, though, packing your own snacks can save the day. Bonus points if they’re healthy and won’t leave crumbs everywhere.
Via Pexels
People Watching
You might know this but, transit hubs are goldmines for people-watching. Seriously, they’re like reality TV but better.
Find a seat with a good view of the flow of travelers and just…watch. People rushing, arguing over tickets, laughing as they reunite—it’s like the whole spectrum of human emotion in one place.
If you’re a writer or artist, this is creative fuel. Even if you’re not, it’s endlessly entertaining. Sometimes, the best stories are the ones you see play out while you’re waiting for your flight.
Take Care Of Your Mental Well-Being
Travel can mess with your head. It’s stressful. You’re out of your comfort zone, dealing with delays, long lines, and who knows what else. That’s why you’ve got to take care of your mind as much as your body.
Start small. Maybe it’s a quick series of deep breaths as you clear your mind. Or maybe you’ve got a playlist that instantly puts you in a good mood. Play it. Sit back, close your eyes, and let yourself breathe.
You’re on this trip for a reason. Don’t let the chaos of transit steal the joy of it.
Discover Hidden Gems In Transit Locations
You’d be surprised how many airports and train stations are actually kind of cool. Like, hidden gem cool.
Some places have art installations, museums, or even butterfly gardens. If you’re at a bigger hub, take a few minutes to explore.
You might find something unexpected, like a cultural exhibit or a cozy little cafe tucked away in a corner. Who knew the boring old airport had a secret personality?
Engage With Fellow Travelers
Okay, not everyone’s a chatterbox. So this one might not be for you. But if you’re up for it, talking to fellow travelers can be fascinating.
Maybe it’s the person sitting next to you in the terminal who’s also killing time. Or the backpacker in the coffee line who looks like they’ve seen half the world.
Travel has this magical way of bringing people together. Even a quick conversation can turn into a fun memory—or a great tip for your destination.
Prepare For A Smooth Arrival
The last thing you want is to roll into your destination stressed out and unprepared. Use those final minutes of transit to get your act together.
Double-check your bookings. Look up directions. Do a quick scroll through the must-know info about where you’re headed. When you step off the train or out of the plane, you’ll feel like you’ve got it together—even if you don’t really. Fake it ’til you make it, right?
Transit doesn’t have to be this empty, boring stretch of time. It’s what you make of it. Whether you’re recharging, exploring, or just people-watching, there’s always a way to turn that “wasted” time into something worthwhile. Next time you’re stuck in the in-between, think of it as part of the adventure—not just a hurdle to get over.
