A Flight Attendant of 18 Years Shares the 10 Things Smart Travelers Always Do During Long Layovers

"Long layovers have a reputation for being the ultimate travel buzzkill-the fluorescent purgatory between where you've been and where you're headed. But if anyone knows how to turn that in-between stretch into something restorative, it's a flight attendant. After 18 years in the air, Aura E. Martinez has learned that those hours don't have to feel wasted. "I've had my share of long layovers," she says. "And with the right mindset and essentials, they can actually become some of the most restorative and productive parts of the trip.""

"That's where smart travel essentials come in-from staying hydrated with an Owala water bottle to keeping germs at bay with Purell hand sanitizer. Ahead, Aura shares the 10 items she relies on to make every layover smoother, calmer, and a little more enjoyable. Best Flight Attendant-approved Long Layover Essentials Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle A long layover basically doubles as a hydration hazard, and Aura swears by keeping water within arm's reach. "Hydration is non-negotiable, especially when you're traveling through multiple time zones," she says. "Most people may not realize how dehydrating being on the plane, especially for many hours, can be." The Owala FreeSip is leakproof, easy to refill at airport water stations, and has a covered spout so you don't have to stress about mystery germs making contact with your drink."

Long layovers have a reputation as fluorescent purgatory between destinations. Long layovers can become restorative and productive when reframed as personal time and supported by preparation. Practical activities include slow walks through terminals, playlist breaks with noise-cancelling headphones, and jotting thoughts in a journal. Key essentials address hydration, germ protection, and comfort—insulated leakproof bottles, hand sanitizer, skincare to combat recycled cabin air, and compact comfort items. Hydration is critical across time zones and long flights. Framing layovers as built-in breathers and packing targeted travel essentials make the hours smoother, calmer, and more useful.

Read at Travel + Leisure