We’re traveling to Europe this summer and have a six-hour layover. Whether you’re heading abroad or just hopping between states, long layovers can be a challenge. Many travelers opt to leave the airport to explore a new city, but for this trip, we’re staying put. Instead of trying to squeeze in a quick sightseeing adventure, I prefer to use this time intentionally to rest, refresh, and reset before the next leg of the journey.
Why Not Leave the Airport? Why Time Block?
As tempting as it might be to dash off and see the Eiffel Tower, I know that for me, that would be more stressful than enjoyable. My goal for this trip is to arrive at my final destination feeling as refreshed as possible—not exhausted from trying to cram in a whirlwind city visit.
I also know my limits. I get very sleepy at night, and adjusting to a new time zone can be tough. So, I’m using this layover strategically to help beat jet lag and prepare for the trip ahead. A well-planned layover can set the tone for the rest of your journey, allowing you to hit the ground running rather than dragging your feet.
Here’s my simple time-blocking plan to make the most of our long layover—keeping things productive, restful, and stress-free!
8:30 AM – Refresh & Refuel
The exact time will vary depending on when you land, but the first thing on my list is a little refresh and a bite to eat. Even though we’ll be served breakfast on the plane, I always find that a good coffee and a small meal help reset my energy after a flight. And since we’re in Paris, a croissant seems like the perfect choice!
After landing, my plan is to take a short walk around the terminal—stretching my legs, finding key spots like restrooms, charging stations, and maybe even a cozy seating area. This quick stroll helps me get a feel for the airport and shake off the stiffness of the flight. Plus, it’s a great time for a bathroom refresh before settling in for the layover.
9:30 AM – Rest & Recharge
Now that I’ve stretched my legs and had a light breakfast, it’s time to slow down and recharge. This is my designated rest period—a chance to get cozy in that comfortable spot I scoped out earlier.
If I’m able to, I’ll take a short nap. Even 20–30 minutes can make a huge difference in how I feel for the rest of the day. If I don’t feel like sleeping, this is a great time to unwind with a book. I’ve been considering getting a Kindle for this trip—while I love the feel of a real book, the convenience of having multiple reads in one lightweight device seems perfect for travel.
Alternatively, I might flip through a magazine or simply people-watch. Airports are fascinating places, and sometimes just observing the energy of travelers coming and going can be entertaining in itself. The key here is to rest without fully dozing off for hours—just enough to feel refreshed for the journey ahead.
Link: Kindle
10:30 AM – Move & Explore
Time to get up and stretch! After resting for a bit, I like to make sure I’m moving again, especially since there’s still a long flight ahead. Airports are great for walking, and Paris Charles de Gaulle has plenty of shops to explore.
Even if I don’t plan to buy anything, I love browsing airport shops because they often carry unique, location-specific items. Just like how airports in Arizona might sell cactus candy and southwestern souvenirs, Parisian airport shops might have beautiful French skincare products, local chocolates, or even chic fashion accessories.
This is also a great time to grab any last-minute essentials—maybe a travel-sized lotion, a refreshing facial mist, or an extra snack for the next flight. The goal here isn’t just shopping; it’s about stretching my legs, keeping my energy up, and enjoying a bit of leisurely exploration before settling in again.
11:30 AM – Buffer Time & Final Plans
This is my flexible, go-with-the-flow time. Since I haven’t traveled to Europe in a while, I want to allow extra time in case deplaning takes longer than expected, or maybe I’ll need a little more rest. If we end up lingering in a cozy corner a bit longer or taking our time exploring the shops, this buffer ensures we’re not rushed.
I also plan to use this time to review our arrival game plan. After a long travel day, the last thing I want is to step off the plane feeling unsure about what’s next. Whether it’s figuring out transportation, confirming check-in times, or just mentally prepping for our first day, this is a great time to get organized.
12:30 PM – Lunch & Refueling
We’ll have lounge access as long as it’s not full, which is a nice perk for grabbing a comfortable seat and enjoying a good meal. Even if you don’t have lounge access, this is still a great time to sit down for a proper meal or snack before the next leg of travel.
Depending on the airport and your layover time, this meal might look different—maybe a light lunch, a hearty snack, or just another coffee to power through. The key is to eat something satisfying but not too heavy, so I still feel good when we arrive at our final destination.
1:30 PM – Freshen Up & Final Prep
Before boarding the next flight, I want to take advantage of the time to freshen up. If I have access to a lounge with showers, I’ll definitely take one—it makes such a difference after hours of flying. If not, I’ll do a quick refresh in the bathroom: washing my face, reapplying skincare, brushing my teeth, and maybe a little deodorant or dry shampoo.
I’m also planning to change clothes so I’m comfortable and ready to hit the ground running when we land. A fresh outfit always makes me feel more awake and prepared for whatever comes next. After that, it’s time to gather everything, do a final check, and get ready to board the next flight!
Conclusion
So this is my plan for making the most of our long layover, helping me arrive at our final destination feeling refreshed and ready to go. Of course, the exact times can be adjusted depending on when your layover happens. If you only have three hours instead of six, you can easily condense this by skipping one of the meal breaks or shortening the rest time.
Lately, my layovers have either been super short—or, on the flip side, I’ve had unexpected overnight stays due to canceled flights (which might be a blog post for another day!). But when I do get a long layover, I try to be intentional with my time, balancing movement, rest, and good food.
What about you? What’s your favorite way to spend a long layover? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips and experiences!
Other Blog Links: Women’s Packing For Norway, 10 ways to feel refreshed when coming home from vacation.
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