At the Airport

• 1). Locate any lounges or sleep areas that the airport offers to travelers. Large, international airports often have these accommodations for businesspeople who fly frequently. Most of these are frequent flier or "elite" flier based, but are often available to all travelers for an additional fee. Some lounges are equipped with work space, showers, and meals so that you'll feel at home.
  
  
• 2). Pack a board game in your carry-on luggage bag and find others who have an overnight layover. If you're a people-person, this is a great way to pass the time and talk with strangers about your travel experiences.
  
  
• 3). Grab a meal at an airport restaurant that features location-specific menu items. That way, you'll have the experience of the local culture without going out on the town. Airport food can be pricey, but if there's something you've never tried or can't get elsewhere, it might be worth it. You may have to buy this meal before the restaurant closes for the night, which varies by airport but is usually around 10 p.m.
  
  
• 4). Stretch out across waiting area seats and sleep through your overnight layover in a quiet corner. It won't be the most peaceful sleep since the airport can be quite a noisy place, even at night, but even a few hours at a time can leave you feeling well rested for the day of travel that lies ahead.
  
  

Leaving the Airport

• 1). Check out a directory of local nightlife attractions and choose one to visit while you have an overnight layover. Don't try to plan a stacked itinerary. Instead, decide upon something that's easy to get to by taxi or public transit and remember to dress accordingly. Carry as little luggage with you as possible to ensure that it's an easy expedition.
  
  
• 2). Make sure you understand public transit hours and schedules before you decide to leave the airport during an overnight layover. The last thing you want to do is get stranded somewhere and miss your departing flight.
  
  
• 3). Avoid purchasing large or precious items during your layover if they'll slow you down when it's time to go through airport security. This includes large volumes of liquids. You should especially avoid carrying agriculture if you'll soon be crossing country borders.
  
  
• 4). Book a room at a nearby hotel if you'd like to have a full night of rest. You'll have to pay the price of the room plus transportation back and forth to the airport, but if you have a full itinerary ahead of you, the overnight layover could be your best chance to catch up on sleep.