Most people are wanderlusts at heart. They desire to travel the world and witness differences between cultures first-hand. They want to expand their palates by having a taste of the unique flavors from every cuisine in existence. And they dream of creating memories from the adventures of their lifetimes.
But traveling costs money—money that not everyone has. That’s why some people can only live vicariously through the travels of their wealthy friends and favorite celebrities. Indeed, having the ability to travel for leisure is a privilege reserved only for those who belong to the upper class, or at least, it was.
The new developments in the tourism industry made traveling more affordable and accessible to everyone. From the airplane tickets to the accommodations, there are so many options made for every kind of traveler. This means that anyone with a passport and budget can travel to their heart’s content.
Besides, traveling isn’t about staying at the most expensive five-star hotels, flying first-class to get to your destination or any of those high-end luxuries. It’s about exploring a foreign country, immersing yourself with the locals, and experiencing what it’s like to be a tourist in another man’s land.
So, you have to learn how to be practical with your money, especially because you don’t have an unlimited supply. Rather than go for expensive hotels, try looking for more affordable accommodations near the vicinity. Plus, here are three reasons why you should choose a flight with a long layover instead of booking a non-stop or direct flight:
You Can Score Cheaper Flights
The costs of non-stop and direct flights can’t even begin to compare to the costs of flights with long layovers, so if you’re traveling on a budget, this will be your best bet. That’s because long layover flights tend to be cheaper than the average costs of non-stop and direct flights, but they can also be seen as an inconvenience.
If you were on a non-stop or direct flight, you wouldn’t have to worry about switching planes halfway through your journey. You also won’t have to spend a lot of idle time waiting for your next flight, especially because you can spend that time exploring your actual travel destination. That’s why most people stay away from long layover flights.
However, that minor inconvenience can save hundreds of dollars in the process, which means more money to spend on your activities and souvenirs when you get to your destination. You’ve already waited all this time to travel, so what are a few more hours of waiting in an airport? That’s nothing.
You’ll Have More Time to Explore
You may think that taking a flight with a long layover is impractical because you’ll have nothing to do inside the airport. But in reality, there’s an endless list of possibilities of what you can do inside airports today. This is because most airports compete with one another in proving that they’re the best worldwide.
Take, for instance, Singapore’s Changi Airport, which has been named the world’s best airport by Skytrax for eight years in a row, right before losing its crown to Hamad International Airport in Qatar this 2021. Changi offers a wide range of activities for both passengers in transit and the locals hanging out at the airport.
If you’re an avid shopper, you’ll enjoy the amazing shopping experience at Changi Airport. And if you have more than five and a half hours to spare in your layover, you can take part in the free Singapore city tours offered to passengers in transit. Most airports today have unique activities like these that travelers can take advantage of to explore the city before moving on to their original destinations.
You Won’t Need to Rush Everywhere
One of the biggest disadvantages of non-stop and direct flights is that you’re going to be sitting for quite a long time. And it’s not like you can walk around or exercise on the plane if you’re feeling restless. But by getting flights with long layovers, you’ll have enough room to take breaks and stretch your body in open space.
Plus, you won’t have to keep rushing everywhere with your carry-on bag in tow because you have the luxury of time to walk at a comfortable pace. You’ll even have time to plan your next trip for the future, which may or may not include visiting the country where you had your layover.
Sure, long layovers aren’t the most practical option when you’re running against time. But if you’re not in a hurry to get to your destination, consider opting for long layover flights instead of nonstop or direct ones because aside from their lower price, you’ll also have more control over your time during your travels.
Bonnie is always on the road with some amazing adventures ahead. Her favorite continent is South America and she’s passionate about culture-focused traveling and ethical and sustainable tourism. During her time in university as a research assistant for a sociology professor, she realized she can’t fully understand cultures from a safe distance. She quit her job to become a full-time “voluntourist,” which brings her to places where she can immerse in local communities and support their causes. On top of writing, one of Bonnie’s priorities is offering women advice on how to stay safe while solo backpacking.