Short line at security? Flight delay? Layover? Don't let extra time you have at the airport or on the plane go to waste. Whether you want to sleep to regain energy, make new friends and contacts, catch up with your sister on the phone, or complete your work tasks, there are various things you can do to stay productive and still have an enjoyable flight. View traveling as a blessing in disguise to do things you wouldn't normally have time for or to cross tasks off of your to-do list. Have safe and productive travels!
1. Read Magazines or Books
Catch up on magazines you have been wanting to read all month. Finally finish that last chapter. Reading on the plane or during a layover is a great way to escape the stress of traveling.
2. Journal
Always bring a notebook with you so you can jot down your thoughts, travel experiences, or the things you are grateful for.
3. Network
If you sense that the person sitting next to you at your gate or on the plane is willing to having a conversation, ask him or her how they are. You never know who you'll meet on the plane, and it can be a fun way to get to know people from around the world.
4. Organize Files and Photos
If you brought your computer, organize files and photos on your computer. No WiFi necessary to complete this task!
5. Write Your To-Do List
Now that you have a lot of time to think, write your to-do list for the week or month. When you are out of your normal work element, you might have a better sense of what needs to be done. Better yet, use this time to get some of those tasks completed and crossed off!
6. Watch a Documentary
Pre-download a documentary on your laptop or see what movies the flight has to offer. Now is a good time to watch a movie you didn't have the chance to see in theaters, or to learn about a cool new topic.
7. Call a Friend or Family Member
If you're feeling chatty, call up a friend you haven't talked to in a while. Your mom might also enjoy hearing from you.
8. Take a Walk
Depending on the airport, there can be some pretty great stores or cafes and restaurants that you can browse. Walk around and see what you can find. It can even be entertaining to circle the newsstand kiosks to people watch or see what's out there. If you really have a lot of time, you can walk the lengths of the terminal to get some cardio in before you have to sit for a long time.
9. Get Your Meal at the Airport
If you have enough time, sit down for a meal or snack. Even if you need to grab your meal to go, it's better than airplane food. Don't forget to pick up a bottle of H2O!
10. Write Letters
The art of the handwritten letter is making a comeback. Take 15 minutes to write a friend a letter.
11. Complete Your Work
Now's a great time to focus on homework or work that you need to complete. Finish up a blog post, draft an email, or finalize that strategy you've been working on for the past couple of weeks. These are all work items that don't need WiFi.
12. Sleep
Sleep deprived? There's no better time to catch up on your zzz's. Tip: sleep on the plane and not in the waiting lounge. That way you don't have to watch your stuff or worry about anyone snatching your backpack. Also, don't forget your eye mask -- it's a life saver when people are walking past you or reading with the overhead light on!
This post was written by Lauren Jessen. It was originally published on Carpe Juvenis: Seize Your Youth, a youth empowerment lifestyle website and resource for interviews, advice, and inspiration. You can follow Carpe Juvenis on Twitter and Facebook.