Romanticizing the Layover: Little Ways to Make Every Trip Feel Like a Main Character Moment

By: McKena Pennington

I used to think layovers were the worst part of traveling. The long, weirdly cold terminals, the fluorescent lighting that makes your skin look like it hasn’t seen the sun in weeks, and the

overpriced airport food that still tastes like cardboard. But something changed. Maybe it’s the playlist I have perfected for travel. Or I have finally nailed down my perfect airport fits where cute, comfy, and mysterious are all combined. But I realized: layovers don’t have to be boring, if you treat them like a moment instead of a delay.

The Art of the Airport Fit

First rule of any long travel day is finding the perfect outfit. In my mind I am dressing for the

life I want, not the TSA line I am about to stand in. I'm not saying you need to wear heels, but a good travel outfit changes the vibe. Oversized blazer, slick bun, sunglasses. Or maybe a cute matching set that makes you look completely together to others, but for you it's the most comfortable thing you have ever worn. You are not just in the airport, you are a traveling girl with a bucket list to check off, dress accordingly!

Build Your Main Character Soundtrack

A good playlist can seriously change the whole vibe. If I’ve got an iced latte in one hand,

AirPods in, and music that fits the mood, I’m good. Walking through the airport doesn’t even

feel stressful anymore, it’s actually kind of relaxing. It sounds silly, but it really puts me in a

good headspace. I just zone out, vibe, and pretend the flight delay doesn’t exist.

Make Peace With the Pause

A layover is a weird little pause between the life you just left and the one you’re about to step into. That’s kind of beautiful, if you think about it. You don’t have to be anywhere or do

anything except exist. It's rare to get hours with no real responsibilities besides catching your next flight. So journal. Romanticize the strangers around you. Start a random Notes app entry about what you’re learning. Finish up some work you have been putting off. Sit with yourself, even if it’s uncomfortable. Especially then.

Upgrade the Small Stuff

If you’re gonna be stuck somewhere, you might as well live it up. Grab a croissant and call it

breakfast in Paris, even if you're in Newark. Buy the lip balm at the Hudson News that costs too much. Find a hidden corner, do a face mask, read a few pages of that book you keep carrying but never open. Create rituals out of the nothingness.

You’re Not Just Waiting, You’re Becoming

It sounds dramatic (and yes, I am), but layovers have kind of taught me a life lesson. Sometimes the in-between moments are where we figure the most out. Not rushing, not arriving, just being. And if you can find a way to enjoy those hours in Gate A23, mascara smudged, suitcase full of regrets, you’re already growing.

So the next time you’re stuck at the airport with time to kill, don’t stress. Take a breath. Enjoy

your overpriced snack. Text someone you miss. Walk slow. Let yourself just be for a second.

You don’t have to be productive, you just have to be present.

Honestly, that’s enough.