Dubai

On Location in Dubai with Yahoo

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Enjoying a non-alcoholic cocktail and a stunning view.
Enjoying a non-alcoholic cocktail and a stunning view.

13 Years Ago…

Travel back in time thirteen years and you’ll find a very different Aussie on the Road. No beard, full head of hair, no passport, and nary a kiss to his name.

Fresh out of high school, this 18-year-old wallflower lived in a world where Yahoo was king.

In the days before you Googled things, you’d use Yahoo search to find them. Each day I’d log into my Yahoo email account (the shameful inches_72@yahoo.com) to check my emails before jumping on Yahoo Messenger to chat with friends from school and further afield.

It was surreal, then, when I received an email from Yahoo asking me if I’d like to travel to Dubai as part of their Hidden Dubai campaign in partnership with Emirates. The opportunity to work with my favourite airline and a global brand that played such a huge role in my formative years?

Where do I sign up?

The Hidden Dubai Project

Hidden Dubai is a joint initiative between Yahoo, Emirates, and Dubai Tourism to highlight elements of Dubai beyond the five star hotels and glamorous shopping. There is more to the city and its surrounds than could possibly be covered in a brief stopover between flights, and myself & a number of other bloggers from around the world were charged with experiencing that for ourselves.

My irreverant pics and various bold activities in the past put me in good stead to come on board as their adventure blogger, while I was joined on location by Luxury Travel Mom (covering culture) and Hungry Hungry Panda (covering food). Kim-Marie and Fei were only by my side for a single day of filming, but damned if we didn’t have a good time shooting clay pigeons and eating camel burgers together.

Kim-Marie (Luxury Travel Mom), myself, and Fei (Hungry Hungry Panda) at the JA Shooting Club.
Kim-Marie (Luxury Travel Mom), myself, and Fei (Hungry Hungry Panda) at the JA Shooting Club.

Our role in Dubai was a simple one: check out what the city had to offer while Yahoo’s crack film crew followed us around filming every thrill and spill.

It was a strange feeling being a celebrity – ushered to the front of lines while a duo (and occasionally a trio) of GoPro wielding Yahoo employees came after me; dolphins in the wake of a burly, bearded ship.

Meeting the Yahoo Crew

After arriving at 4am and crashing straight into my bed, I was up bright eyed and bushy tailed the next morning to visit Yahoo’s Dubai HQ and liaise with my contacts on the ground.

The view from Yahoo's 48th floor office. Not too shabby.
The view from Yahoo’s 48th floor office. Not too shabby.

Obligatory staring like a yokel at the view complete, I soon met up with Farah, Serena, and Ed.

I’d gone into the whole affair intimidated by the prospect of working with a global juggernaut, so I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they were all young, gregarious, and pretty relaxed people who weren’t just there to film me – but to make sure I had a good time as well.

When we weren’t rushing to different shoot locations, we were listening to Serena’s kick-ass jams as her Jeep cruised the streets or chilling out over a delicious meal. Good times were most definitely had.

The Adventure

I spent five exhausting, wonderfully enjoyable days in Dubai. I did everything from scuba diving with sharks to seeing the sun rise from a hot air balloon, from flyboarding to sunset yoga.

I’ll share each of these adventures with you (as well as Yahoo’s awesome video) in a later entry, but it really does highlight the breadth of activity that there is for an adventure traveler to attack while in Dubai. Even with five busy days, there were things I didn’t get to try such as sky-diving, deep sea fishing, and a sneaky visit to Ferrari World.

I wouldn’t have thought of Dubai as a place with a great deal to offer the adventurous at heart, so I was pleasantly surprised by how many options there were.

The Luxury

Of course, a big part of Dubai’s appeal is always going to be the luxurious lifestyle that visitors can expect to lead.

Based out of the opulent Gracie Serviced Apartments, I certainly did get used to that big double bed, my balcony view of the city, and the delicious room service I had sent my way whenever I had the opportunity.

I didn't get to stay in the Burj Al Arab, but it sure did get plenty of my photographic attention.
I didn’t get to stay in the Burj Al Arab, but it sure did get plenty of my photographic attention.

Perhaps the biggest treat for a lifetime economy passenger was the opportunity to fly home with Emirates in Business Class. I think it might have ruined me for future economy travel, but damned if I didn’t soak up as many experiences (and delicious cocktails) as humanly possible on that flight home. I didn’t even sleep, so intent was I on getting as much from the experience as possible.

————————————–

My time on location in Dubai with Yahoo was, without a doubt, the highest point that I’ve managed to soar to as a travel writer. To have been recognised by brands as big as Yahoo and Emirates was both humbling and gratifying, and I’ve got a whole bunch of exciting tales (and videos) to share with you in the coming weeks. I can’t wait!

Your Say

Have you been to Dubai? If so, did you get off the beaten track and try something a little different?

If you haven’t been to Dubai, what comes to mind when you think of the city?

Australia, Sydney, Travel Tips

10 Aussie Bucket List Items

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An Aussie Bucket List

As I’ve hinted at elsewhere, Aussie on the Road’s already popular bucket list is soon to be expanded by an arbitrary 323 items to a more round 1,000. As part of that process – and perhaps to inspire myself to explore my own back yard while I’m based in Australia – I’ve compiled a list of ten activities worthy of any Aussie bucket list.

I’ve made this list with an eye towards items for a first time visit to Australia, but I’ll revisit the idea in a couple of weeks with a few more off the beaten track suggestions for those who have already done most or all of the below.

Consider this the iconic Aussie bucket list, and the one to come will be for those looking to live a little bit more dangerously.

#10 – Visit Wine Country

Myself and Roaming Required on a wine tour in Broke Fordwich. Photo by A Wine Tour in Broke.
Myself and Roaming Required on a wine tour in Broke Fordwich. Photo by A Wine Tour in Broke.

Australia might be more famous for its beer, but Aussie wine is rapidly gaining an international reputation for excellence that can no longer be ignored. And while you’re now forced to pay for your wine tours in the famous Napa Valley region of California, most Aussie vineyards are still entirely free for those wanting to sample a bit of the local grape.

The more famous Barossa Valley in South Australia is very accessible from Adelaide, but consider looking at the Margaret River region of Western Australia or the conveniently close to Sydney Hunter Valley for your wine escape.

You can read all about the Hunter Valley’s many charms in my Wine Virgin’s Guide to Broke.

#9 – Travel Across the Nullabor

People often forget just how large the Australian landmass is, and no journey makes that quite as evident as the long and lonely stretch of mostly desert that exists in the country’s heart.

Whether you choose to drive it or take the more luxuriant Indian Pacific to get you there, the trek across Australia’s red centre is something to behold. The harsh landscape is broken up occasionally by quaint and distinctly Aussie towns and villages, giving you a window into a side of Oz far removed from the glitz and glamour of Melbourne or Sydney.

#8 – Work up a sweat on an Aussie farm

If you’re looking to spend more than a year in Australia, doing a little bit of farm work is essential to extending your Working Holiday visa by another year.

While you’ll never find this lazy and entitled Aussie out toiling in the sugar cane, cotton, fruit, or grape fields for his supper – my experiences speaking with backpackers who have done farm work or WWOOFing have painted an intriguing picture of the experience.

Sure, it’s hard work – but the bonds formed working in the fields and then collapsing into a boozy pile together at night’s end speak of a kind of camraderie that you’ll speak of for years after the sweat and dust have been washed off.

#7 – See the sun set and rise over Uluru

A stunning pink sunset over Uluru. Photo by Mark Wassell.
A stunning pink sunset over Uluru. Photo by Mark Wassell.

At the heart of Australia lies Uluru (sometimes called Ayers Rock) a massive, red monolith that only gets more beautiful as the sun rises or sets over it. While this sacred Aboriginal site can no longer be climbed, there’s something moving about the silence and serenity of this ancient icon.

#6 – Visit Kakadu

Also in Australia’s Northern Territory is Kakadu; a national park of river canyons, crocodile infested wetlands, ancient Aboriginal cave art, and some of the most stunning waterfalls you’ll find in Australia.

Photo by Charles Strebor.

For those who still see Australia as it was portrayed in Crocodile Dundee, a visit to Kakadu and its surrounds is about as close as you’ll come.

You can read more about the Northern Territory and all it has to offer in my Travel Daydream: Northern Territory piece.

#5 – Learn to surf

Surfing may not have originated in Australia, but the sport has become synonymous with Australian beach culture and the image of a nation of suntanned beach bums who live and breath the ocean.

While not all of us surf, it’s safe to say that the sport is something of a national pastime and that there’s no shortage of places where you can learn. I learned to surf in Sydney, but in a country with plenty of coast – you don’t have to look far to find a lesson.

#4 – Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Alongside the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge is perhaps Australia’s most well recognised landmark. It’s also Australia’s most climbable landmark, and the view from atop the bridge has to be seen to be believed.

Myself and some friends enjoying the best view in Sydney.
Myself and some friends enjoying the best view in Sydney.

You can catch the sun rising or get to see the Harbour City glittering by night (or anything in between), and the relatively easy climb is a wonderful way to take in the city and bring home a fun story for your friends & family.

Read about my own Harbour Bridge climb experience.

#3 – Drive the east coast

Is there a better way to see a country than by driving its width and bredth? I certainly don’t think so.

Australia’s east coast – stretching from Melbourne in the south up to the backpacker haven of Cairns in the north is one of the most drivable stretches of road you’re likely to find on earth, littered with quaint beachside towns and the occasional night life rich city to keep you occupied.

Pick up what locals call a ‘paddock basher’ or buy a campervan for your Aussie road trip, and let the road and your whims design an unforgettable itinerary for you.

#2 – Visit Lord Howe Island

Mount Gower Lagoon Beach Lord Howe Island
Just… wow. Photo by sydneydawg2006.

I think I manage to squeeze in a Lord Howe Island mention virtually every time I write a piece about Australia, but it’s one Aussie bucket list item that I am still positively itching to check off my own list.

This stunning World Heritage listed island has to be seen to be believed, and is a haven for bird-watching, hiking, and water sports such as diving and fishing.

#1 – Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef

See it before the Australian government inevitably destroys it. The Great Barrier Reef, the largest living organism in the world, might not be there for future generations – and that makes seeing it and sharing your love of it all the more important.

Stretching up most of the Queensland coast, there are plenty of places from which to launch your own scuba experience – and most scuba companies also allow snorkelers along for the ride so that they too can see the wonders that exist beneath the waves.

I was lucky enough to learn to scuba dive on the Barrier Reef, and it’s ruined me for other dive sites.

man scuba diving giant clam
Hanging out with a friend.

Your Say

What would be on your Australian bucket list?

Obviously, I’ve written this list for a first time visitor; but if you’ve been before, what would you suggest as Aussie bucket list items that are a little bit more off the wall?

Travel Writing
nomad grad

Travel Blogging Crushes – 2015 Edition

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nomad grad
It’s here! It’s finally here!

A few years back, I was killing time at my boring desk job and came to the sudden and pants stirring realisation that there are a hell of a lot of attractive travel bloggers out there. No wonder I can’t find a beautiful girl for me here in Australia; they’re all out exploring the world and being awesome as far from me as humanly possible!

What resulted from this idle admiration was the Travel Blogging Crushes list. In 2011 and 2014, I published my Travel Blogging Crushes to mostly positive feedback. Those included felt a mixture of flattery, awkwardness, and amusement, those excluded bemoaned my poor taste, and a good time was had.

What better way to launch the sexy new look for the site than with a list of 39 of the sexiest bloggers out there?

Disclaimer

I cannot stress enough that the comments below are meant as light-hearted fun. Consider me an actor playing the role of insufferable cad. I’m going to say some things that might offend your delicate sensibilities, but I’ll be back to self-loathing, introspection, and tales of excitement from all over the world soon enough. I’m not in love with you. I’m not going to write further entries about you.

Relax. As those bloggers who have met me can attest, I’m perfectly harmless.

Of course, they said that about Jeffrey Dahmer as well…

Boyfriends (and fiances and husbands): calm down. If you’re that insecure that you think my comments are going to lure your lady fair away from you and into my hairy arms – you’ve got bigger fish to fry than my little ol’ list. If you think she needs you to defend her honour, you’re probably missing the point.

Dishonourable Mention

Meg Jerrard – Mapping Megan

When she's not excluding ginger bearded men from her count-downs, Megan is busy looking fabulous all over the world.
When she’s not excluding ginger bearded men from her count-downs, Megan is busy looking fabulous all over the world.

This is no slight against Megan’s globe conquering blog or the admittedly very beautiful woman behind it, but a political protest against her beardest Sexiest Male Travelers Alive count-down. While a number of the men on the list sport admirable stubble, there’s not a single full beard to be found. This is an outrage!

While we’re at it, I think there’s a bit of anti-ginger bias in there as well.

I’m sure some of you will make the argument that I’m just upset at being spurned, but I’m not. I swear!

Definitely not sour grapes. Definitely not.

Honourable Mentions

Clelia Mattana – Keep Calm and Travel

Those eyes! I feel like Simba when Nala turns her bedroom eyes on him. Stop watching, Timon & Pumba!
Those eyes! I feel like Simba when Nala turns her bedroom eyes on him. Stop watching, Timon & Pumba!

Last year’s runaway winner has politely requested to be removed from contention this year so as not to hurt the feelings of the other girls, but I’d be remiss to not at least mention the stunning Italian lass behind Keep Calm and Travel makes it bloody hard to keep calm when she’s looking ridiculously good in every photo she posts.

The irrepressible traveler has also been kind enough to help drum up nominees in between her brash flirtation with Ryan from Lost Boy Memoirs.

Ally Toulec – I’m a Finatic

C'est ouf!
Je vis d’amour et d’eau douce. Apparently that is romantic in French.

Ally would be a real contender for the top ten if it weren’t for the fact her blog technically doesn’t exist yet! She’s assured me that I Am a Finatic will be out in April for all of your sustainable travel and aquatic adventure needs.

I had a bunch of inappropriate scuba related sexual innuendo here, but I’m classier than that.

C’est ouf!

The Countdown

39. Agness Walewinder – eTramping

Starting off with a bang. Agness is the gorgeous pocket rocket behind eTramping.
Starting off with a bang. Agness is the gorgeous pocket rocket behind eTramping.

When she isn’t stirring up entire nations complaining about their food, Agness is being a budget conscious Polish beauty who travels the world on $25 a day. Given I spent $25 today on my (admittedly delicious) savoury waffles at brunch, I think I could use her budgeting advice.

I think every guy out there got excited when they found out she wasn’t dating Cez (the other half of her site), but she’s (sadly) spoken for, so I guess I’ll have to continue my search for a woman whose last name is bad-ass enough that I’d totally take it on after marriage.

38. Valeri – Valeri Downunder

That looks like a refreshing and tasty drink she's holding.
That looks like a refreshing and tasty drink she’s holding.

Last year, my (admittedly inappropriate) comments stirred the ire of this American beauty’s boyfriend, so I’m going to play it safe in 2015.

Valeri seems like a very nice, intelligent, and objectively attractive woman. I am sure she has many admirable traits. She also used an Adventure Time image on her site, and so gets 10 times the awesome points.

37. Mimsie Ladner – Seoul Searching

seoul searching

It’s a rare woman who shares my love of South Korea, and my folks seem to love the place even more. With her site dedicated to all things Korean, Mimsie seems like one I should quickly introduce to my parents as soon as humanly possible.

This pretty southern gal has fallen head over heels in love with the country that gave me my start in travel, and I can only imagine her excellent taste will extend to appreciating a good beard.

36. Seattle Dredge – Seattle’s Travels

It's not the fiery red I usually fall for, but auburn is pretty awesome.
It’s not the fiery red I usually fall for, but auburn is pretty awesome.

It’s a crying shame there aren’t more stunningly gorgeous ginger travel bloggers out there, but Seattle from the evergreen Seattle’s Travels more than compensates for their rarity.

She appeared once before as a shared entry with another red headed writer, but gets her own spot this time

35. Melissa Shearer – The Mellyboo Project

Not my usual kind of girl on girl action, but I'll make do.
Not my usual kind of girl on girl action, but I’ll make do.

My favourite Canadian is a three time former Diva Cup winner and just about the only girl I know who would even contemplate letting me use poutine in foreplay, and is also the woman who introduced me to the term ‘top sheet’.

She wasn’t kind enough to demonstrate it, mind; but she gets points for expanding my vocabulary and inspiring me to put item #249 on my bucket list.

Of course, she’s since coupled up and moved on to bigger and better things, but I sure am glad I kept in touch with this brilliant (and buxom) brunette.

34. Audrey Bergner – That Backpacker

Audrey already has herself some ginger arm candy, but as a theatre student I've played understudy before.
Audrey already has herself some ginger arm candy, but as a theatre student I’ve played understudy before.

I’ve got a lot of time for any girl who can acknowledge the greatness of a bit of ginger, and Audrey committed fully to the ginger cause when she married Nomadic Samuel. Together, the two world travelers and ESL teachers are forging something of a travel blogging empire.

I know which way the winds blowing. I’d rather be with them than against them.

33. Lyndsay Anne – Discount Travel Blogger

The lovely Lyndsay Anne
The lovely Lyndsay Anne

I am absolutely dire when it comes to budgeting, so I’m hoping that I can get the self-professed discount travel blogger to teach me a few things about how to travel without running up my credit card for the fourth time.

She’s taken mahout training in the past as well, so I’m hoping that the transition from one large, unpleasant smelling mammal to another won’t be too difficult. Just as long as she doesn’t use the bamboo stick too often.

P.S. My safe word is pineapple.

32. Lebawit Lily Girma – Sunshine and Stilettos

Lily_Sunshine&Stilettos
A Lily by any other name…

A beauty out of Africa who went from solving legal problems to traveling the world, the multitalented Lily is a gifted photographer whose work has been seen in such publications as the Guardian and Lonely Planet, as well as being the official photographer from a number of Caribbean tourism boards. This is a girl who is going places, and there’s nothing quite as attractive as talent and passion.

31. Christina Ka’aloa – Grrrl Traveler

Putting the grrr in Grrrl Traveler.
Putting the grrr in Grrrl Traveler.

As if being a stunningly talented solo female traveler and video blogger wasn’t inspiration enough, Christine from Grrrl Traveler is also a fellow thespian.

I’m not going to go into who is the more successful actor (I’ll have you know I was in an unproduced Chinese sitcom, young lady), but can you imagine the raw talent our (hopefully in no way resembling their father) babies would have? They’d take the world by storm!

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Travel Writing

Check out Aussie on the Road’s sexy new design!

 5 Comments

Well hey, how are you? Haven’t seen you in a while? Have you lost weight? You look good!

New Look!

Aussie on the Road is back, baby!

Back and better than ever!

Not content with redesigning the site, I've also got a new look.
Not content with redesigning the site, I’ve also got a new look.

Thanks to the wonderfully talented (and infinitely patient) Bobbi from Ready to Blog Designs, Aussie on the Road has taken a few days off and returned with this sexy new look. There’s a new logo and colour scheme, you’ll also notice that the site looks a lot cleaner and offers up a much more responsive web and mobile experience.

That big, manly picture of me on the front page certainly won’t hurt my traffic either, which would be great for a poster design!

You’ll also notice over the coming weeks that everything is being recategorised into one of four categories: travel tips, travel writing, destinations, and love & life on the road. The latest post from each of these categories will appear on the front page, and you can click the links at the top of the page to get to more content.

New Features!

It’s not just aiming to be eye-catching and pretty. Bobbi has also been working overtime to get three new features up and running that I’m super excited about. One is already up and running, one is a work in progress, and the last of them is a couple of weeks away pending my ability to remove my thumb my butt and do some writing.

  • New Destinations page (Done!)
  • The Great Big List of Links (In progress)
  • 1000 Things to do Before You Die (Coming soon!)

If you take a quick wander over to Destinations, you’ll notice a nifty interactive map has taken the place of clunky drop down menus. Looking for something on Australia or Fiji? Click on the Oceania map and prepare for a full fledged facial of Oceanian content. You’re welcome!

A nifty, interactive map in Aussie on the Road colours. Next... the world!
I take over this nifty, interactive map in Aussie on the Road colours. Next… the (real) world!

Someday South America and Antarctica will eventually get their own pages, should they ever be so gracious as to invite me to their shores.

The old links page is gone and has been replaced with the new look Great Big List of Links. My favourite links are already up for all to see, but over the next few weeks I’ll be adding a whole bunch of other great blogs – travel and otherwise. If you’d like your blog to be included in these hallowed halls, contact me and we’ll hook it up!

The last new feature is the one I’m most excited about: 1000 Items to do Before You Die.

My occasionally inappropriate bucket list currently numbers at a relatively meager 323 items, but I’m going to be expanding that to a massive 1000 items in the next few weeks. There’ll also be a great new design to help you navigate through my shopping list of life experience or submit your own.

New Posts

I’ve been a pretty shitty friend to ya’ll of late.

I’ve been so busy with studying (I’m actually studying!), partying, and my recent Dubai trip that I’ve let this site fall by the wayside a bit.

Oh sure, I’ve been whoring up Facebook & Instagram like you wouldn’t believe, but I haven’t done a lot of writing. Part of that was being busy, and part of it was (if I’m being completely honest) absolutely hating how the old site looked and felt.

It wasn’t quite as bad as the dog’s abortion that was my very first website, but there were probably GeoCities sites that I liked the look of more. That’s not a slur against the very talented guy who did the work for me – he was only following my requests. Mea culpa, guys. #ifuckedup

That changes now. Bobbi has worked her wonders and now it’s my time to shine. There’s a barrage of posts coming your way that includes the ever popular, often controversial travel blogging crushes count-down.

To work up your appetite, you can check out the 2011 Travel Blogging Crushes and the 2014 Travel Blogging Crushes lists.

nomad grad
Spoiler Alert: The stunning and talented Hilary of The Nomad Grad again features.

There’s also a bunch of other stuff to get excited for:

  • 10 Aussie Bucket List Items;
  • The complete scoop from my week on location with Yahoo and Emirates in Dubai;
  • Shark diving in the Dubai Mall;
  • Learning to fly-board in Dubai;
  • Hot air ballooning (in Dubai);
  • 10 Things I’ve Learned Being Back at Uni;
  • Learning to surf with the Burj Al Arab;
  • Sunset yoga

Oh, and about 1000 new posts to go along with the 1000 item bucket list. You didn’t think I’d just make a list and leave it at that, did you? There’ll be a blow by blow (literally, in one item’s case…) of everything I’ve achieved so far, as well as posts about how you can check off the items that appear on the list.

I’m going to have some major league carpal tunnel.

Your Say

As I said, the new site is still a work in progress and there’s bound to be a couple of kinks to iron out. Bobbi is working hard behind the scenes to get things ready for me to inevitably fuck them up, but I’d love your feedback in the interim.

Perhaps more importantly, I want you to have a greater say in what direction we go in from here. What do you want to read more about? What kind of posts resonate with you?

I’m all ears, guys.

Guest Post, Travel Tips

How to Survive an Airport Layover

 6 Comments

The airport layover inspires different reactions depending on who you talk to and where their layover happens to be. Me? Unless I’m touching down in the dog’s abortion that is Guangzhou’s Baiyun Airport, I’m usually pretty excited for the opportunity to stretch my legs, spray on some deodorant, and eat something that doesn’t come shrouded in tin foil.

This week, as I’m off in Dubai risking life and limb in the pursuit of a story, Jess from Tripelio has a few handy suggestions to make a layover bearable even if you aren’t in the layover heaven that is Dubai or Singapore’s Changi Airport.

How to Survive an Airport Layover

Let’s face it, sitting in an airport during a layover is not the most fun part about traveling – but it can be! These tips and tricks will help you have fun and get through that nasty layover and have a few more stories for when you arrive to your destination.

Relax, relax, relax!

Relax
Photo from Elitechoice.org

This is probably a no brainer, but there are plenty of relaxation methods that people don’t know are available in airports. Most airports have a VIP lounge for you to relax in. There are typically better bathrooms here as well as comfier seating areas. Some places even have beds and showers. If you have an extended layover, then take a nap in one of these fine lounges across the world.

Typically, if you travel a lot, you can pay an annual fee for the amenities these lounges offer. But if you’re on the go and don’t travel by plane often, you can also pay a one time daily fee for most lounges. After you grab something to eat or drink, why not go watch some Netflix and take a nap? If your destination is outside of the US, you may need to unblock it, as there are geographical restrictions. Lounges are like hotels attached to airports – how fun!

Go sightseeing

If your layover is a few hours long, why not take a cab to a nearby restaurant and taste a bit of the local cuisine and culture of the temporary destination you’re in? Instead of staying inside, you can explore the city and be able to tell people you went to a certain place! You may not have time to go see a whole museum, but you do probably have an empty stomach and a craving for a small adventure!

If you can’t get a cab, download an app like Lyft or Uber to catch a cheaper ride from a local resident. You may be able to learn a thing or two from them and where you can get the best food from before your next flight!

Maybe you’re in Amsterdam and have a super long layover that exceeds 6 hours. Check out Amsterdam’s 3-hour Transit City tours and get a glimpse of where you are before you leave.

Burn some calories

workoutphoto

Since you have the VIP lounges at you fingertips, you’re able to get in a workout and a shower before your nap. Thanks to these lounges, many things can be made possible for you during long layovers. Airports are quite large due to the many ports and millions of people who fly ever year. There are also many areas that are wide open and away from tons of people.

Whether you’re power walking a few miles around the airport or you’re doing crunches, sit-ups or push-ups, you’re able to get in your daily workout during your vacation travel time. As most fitness people say, “no excuses!” You have a broad area to work with, so it should be pretty easy to keep on track with your workout schedule. You can use the more empty waiting areas to work out and most people won’t notice you, depending on the time of day.

Play games

This seems weird, but there are an array of different types of games you can play whether they’re on your phone or with other people. If you want to play people watching games there are a ton to choose from!

  • Mad lib

Have you and a friend look at someone having a conversation and try to guess what silly things they could be saying!

  • Where’s Waldo?

Make a list of ridiculous clothing items and try to find people wearing them! It could be a never-ending hunt as you make your way through the airport.

  • Phone games

I love playing games on my phone and I’m a fan of many genres. Top picks for airport layovers are: Trivia Crack, Kim Kardashian: Hollywood, Shade spotter and more! Don’t forget to log your travels in the form of pictures on Instagram!

Conclusion

As you can see, waiting around on a layover really isn’t so boring. Utilize all the time you have on your hands to create the most fun possible. Whether you want to keep it relaxed or have a bit more of an adventurous time, these are all possible! All you have to do is plan your layover – it can be just as much fun as your destination.

Aussie on the Road’s Favourites

In addition to Jess’ tips, I thought I’d throw a few out there as well. I’m no stranger to the long layover, but for the most part I’ve managed to enjoy them.

Except when in Guangzhou. Such a fucking toilet.

Be Productive

I find I’m at my most inspired and my most productive when I’m not around a PC. No problem! If my iPad or iPhone battery isn’t too low, I like to whip out my favourite device (this all sounds very phallic) and tap out a few blog ideas, plot out my novel, or even indulge in a little bit of airport poetry.

If you’re not as tech reliant as I am, it pays to pack a notebook and pen into your carry on. If you’ve got a few hours to kill, you might as well use them on something more productive than navel gazing.

Eat, Drink, and Leech WiFi

I’m going to take a moment here to boast about the fact I’ve lost 12kgs and dropped two jean sizes since I got home last August, but that doesn’t mean I don’t occasionally indulge my inner fat-boy and pig out.

Any airport worth its salt is going to have a few decent restaurant options on offer, and I like to scout out something new and make up for the (usually) horrible airline food I’ve just endured. A couple of beers can be a great nerve settler too.

The biggest reason I dine at the airport, though? Most restaurants have WiFi that you’re entitled to use with a purchase. I bounced between three restaurants in Bangkok Airport, going on a bit of a world food tour while also checking my Facebook and Instagram feeds.

Make a Friend

People in the airport can be a bit crabby at times, but I’ve met and engaged with some really fascinating people in my travels all the same. Once you’re through customs and away from the frantic duty free shopping, it’s easy to spot a similarly bored individual and strike up a conversation.

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I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’ve made any fast friends in the departure lounge, but I’ve met some interesting characters and even managed to get my flirt on a time or two. It’s a fun way to pass the time.

Your Say

What are your tips for surviving a lengthy layover?

Featured image by weisserstier