A little planning ahead and some smart packing will go a long way to making the most of your layover.

While flying directly to your destination may be the most ideal way to travel, there are several compelling reasons one could end up with a connecting flight and a layover. Not only are these flights more affordable, but they may also be healthier, particularly for long-haul flights.

But a break along your travels shouldn't be seen as a hindrance; instead, it should be experienced as an oppurtunity. A little planning ahead and some smart packing will go a long way to making the most of your stop  and ensuring that nothing gets in the way of you living a Life Well Travelled.

Here are some suggestions to make the best of a layover.


2 Hours

pexels-photo (1).jpg(source)

A 2 hour layover isn’t much of a layover – in fact as far as transit points are concerned, you would want at least 2 hours between flights to give for some breathing room, in case of delays. In a smaller airport you could quickly scan most outlets for a quick bite or shopping, but in a larger one, you may just have to grab-and-go.


4 Hours

pexels-photo-30964.png(source)

The limbo layover – not too long of a stop, but not long enough for you to explore the city you’re in. But the 4-hour layover gives you the opportunity to leisurely explore the terminal, which, in airports like Hong Kong International Airport could offer plenty of things to do. Apart from a laundry list of places to dine  and shop, there is also the Aviation Discovery Centre and an Imax Theatre.  Alternatively, you could pack a book, and maybe a travelling game to help pass the time.


6 Hours

pexels-photo3.jpg(source)

For a 6-hour layover, you may finally be able to leave the airport, but keep in mind the travel time from the airport to wherever it is you’re going. Hong Kong International Airport, for example is about 20 to 30 minutes away from the city; double that for your return trip and you have your safe window. Do your research before you arrive and waste little time in heading to your preferred shopping, food or sight-seeing location.


8 Hours

pexels-photo-109917.jpg(source)

Making the best of an 8-hour layover will require preparation and planning. Research the city you will be in and list down the things that interest you as well as the most convenient way to get there. Time isn’t too much of a worry here, so go about your business leisurely – stroll the city streets, get a massage or visit a spa. Alternatively, you could consider booking a short tour before-hand, and leave it to them to sort out your moving around.


12 Hours and more

pexels-photo-211051.jpg(source)

The 12-hour layover is an opportunity to squeeze out a mini vacation on your travels. Don’t forget to look into any visa requirements because you will not want to be stuck in the airport. Book a half-day tour and visit as many sights, eat as much of the local foods, and squeeze in as much shopping as you can. If your layover is overnight, get a hotel room to rest and recharge comfortably. You could also keep up with your exercise regime so be sure to pack the necessities like running shoes or yoga mats in your carry-on luggage.


Cathay Pacific  and Cathay Dragon believe that travelling well is an important part of living well. With this enduring philosophy at the heart of everything they do, they continuously strive to enhance the overall travel experience to ensure that every trip becomes more memorable, more meaningful and more rewarding. Discover what #lifewelltravelled means to fellow passengers and see how Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon enable you to travel well, here.

(Photos: Pexels)

Family vacations are always on the horizon, so here are 3 cities perfect for 3-generation family vacations.