Tammie
Traveling long-haul can often feel like a marathon of discomfort, but my recent journey from Casablanca back to Australia may have revealed an unexpected trick to arriving refreshed and ready: embrace the long layover.
My Journey Home
Last month, I embarked on a lengthy journey home from Casablanca that stretched over 36 hours, including stops in Turkiye and Kuala Lumpur. At first, the itinerary looked daunting, but it turned out to be a game-changer. Here’s a breakdown of my experience:
Turkiye Stopover: The layover in Turkiye was just long enough to comfortably get to my next gate without stress, which set a positive tone for the rest of the trip. No mad dashes, just a calm transition.
Kuala Lumpur Layover: Here’s where the magic happened – a six-hour layover that allowed me to book a room, take a nap, shower, enjoy a cup of tea, and do some stretching. Yes, the room cost an extra $120 AUD, but the benefits were priceless. I arrived home more rested than I have on any long-haul flight in ages.
Is Making Flights Longer the Key?
This experience got me thinking: could extending the overall travel time with strategic, longer layovers actually be the key to making long-haul flights more bearable? Here’s why it worked for me:
Rest and Recuperation: Having a proper rest in a quiet, comfortable room allowed me to catch up on sleep, something I can’t easily do on a plane.
Refresh and Rejuvenate: A shower and some stretching helped combat the stiffness and restlessness that often accompany long flights.
Mental Reset: The break allowed me to mentally reset, reducing travel fatigue and the sense of being constantly ‘on the go.’
Stress Reduction: Not having to rush between tight connections meant less travel anxiety and more time to relax and enjoy the journey.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. The added cost of the room was a small price to pay for the increased comfort and reduced travel stress. If you have the time and flexibility, I highly recommend considering longer layovers for your future long-haul trips. Your body – and mind – might just thank you.
Tammie CEO VWT xx
