Packing for a Summer Trip to The Philippines - 12-Hour Layover in International Airport
Fewer things are more exciting than vacationing in a country you’re visiting for the first time. The cultural experiences, the food, the music, the people, the beautiful locations—all of these things are incredibly rewarding during your travel experience. However, when you're flying to a far-off destination, you’ll need to anticipate long travel hours—and possibly long layovers, too. In this post, you can prepare for your trip to the Philippines (and the long layovers) with this handy travel guide!
Outfit Your Carry-On With All The Essentials
When it comes to long layovers, it's always a good idea to pack some essentials in a backpack to maximize comfort. Some items that may come in handy during a 12-hour airport layover include:
Comfortable Clothes: Sitting in an airport for hours can be tiring, especially after a long flight. Make sure to wear your comfiest clothes—think loungewear items like leggings, soft t-shirts, and hoodies. Additionally, consider packing an extra pair of underwear and socks to change into at the airport after a long flight. Having spare undergarments and even a secondary change of clothes will come in handy if you have a layover in an airport where you have the option to shower.
Entertainment: Having your tablet all charged up so you can binge your favorite Netflix show or a riveting book in hand will certainly help pass the time.
Snacks: Airport food can be expensive and it isn’t always the best quality, so pack some snacks to avoid hunger pangs, especially if you have dietary restrictions. Bring easy-to-pack items like trail mix, protein bars, dried fruit, and beef jerky to sustain you while you wait.
A Refillable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key when traveling, especially by air. Bring an (empty) refillable water bottle that you can immediately fill up at a nearby water fountain after you pass through security. During your layover, be sure to drink a large bottle of water as you will be more susceptible to dehydration after a long flight. The best part is, you can avoid paying exorbitant amounts of money on airport drinks!
A Travel Pillow and Small Blanket: If you plan on napping during your layover, consider bringing a travel pillow and a small blanket for added comfort. A neck pillow or small, inflatable travel pillow will help you relax when napping on the flight or in the airport (plus it will protect your neck from injury and discomfort). Along with a pillow, plan to bring a small blanket if you have room in your personal bag or carry-on. An alternative to a blanket is a large scarf that can double as a cozy layer to keep you warm.
Chargers: Don't forget to pack phone chargers and other electronic device chargers to keep your devices powered up during the wait. If you plan to “camp out” in a certain location in an airport, look for a spot close to a charging port.
Pass The Time in Creative Ways
There are several ways to make the most out of a 12-hour layover in an international airport. In fact, you may even end up enjoying the experience. Here are a few things you can do:
Explore the airport: If you rested well on the plane, consider stretching your legs by taking a long walk around the airport. Many airports have shops, restaurants, and lounges that you can check out during your layover. You can also take a walk around the terminal and see if there are any interesting exhibits or displays. If possible, research the airport before your layover. Check the airport website for a directory of shops and restaurants and create a little itinerary for your time there. This will help pass the time and give you something fun to look forward to. Think of it as a vacation within a vacation!
Go on a city tour: Some airports offer city tours for passengers during their layovers. Check with your airline or airport website to see if this option is available.
Squeeze in a workout: Many airports have gyms or fitness centers that you can use for a fee. This is a great way to pass the time, stay active, and feel refreshed while waiting for your next flight.
Connect with other travelers: Strike up a conversation with other passengers who are also waiting for their flights. You never know who you might meet or what interesting stories you might hear while you wait at the terminal or an airport bar.
Pack for Your Destination
The Philippines is known for its beautiful coral reefs and marine life, so if you plan on doing some snorkeling or scuba diving, consider bringing your own gear and packing it in your checked luggage to save on rental costs. Because the Philippines is a tropical country, it can rain at any time, so you’ll want to pack a light women's rain jacket or poncho to keep you dry in case of unexpected showers. Additionally, if you plan on swimming at the beaches or exploring waterfalls, it's a good idea to pack cute women’s swimsuits as well as water shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks or debris. Finally, download a language app so you can communicate easily with locals and learn more about the culture. Many people in the Philippines speak English, but having a way to communicate with residents in their language will make the trip an even more rewarding experience.
Make sure to pack light and only bring what you need for both your trip and your layover. The Philippines is a beautiful and diverse country, so leave room in your luggage to bring back souvenirs and memories!