Airports are some of the busiest places in the world, with thousands of people going in and out of these structures every hour. However, not everyone is in such a rush, more often than not, you’ll spend your time in an airport waiting to board your flight. According to one source, you could spend up to three hours and twenty minutes just lounging about the terminal.

Although you could spend this time just listening to music or just sitting there, here are five alternatives activities. Each one is equally rewarding and can help you relax before getting on your flight.

Double Check Your Essentials

Although this is ideal before you leave your home, it’s wise to double-check all your belonging when you get to the airport. Make sure that you have everything you need for your trip, such as the following items:

• All essential travel documents such as your passport and ticket details
• Essential electronic devices and accessories, like your cellphone and laptop charger
• Location-dependent clothing and equipment, for example, bathing suits for tropical vacations or cold weather gear for ski trips

If you find out that you’re missing any essential items for your journey, you can head down to the many shops located inside the terminal and buy what you need.

Enjoy the Food

Why not see what delicious offerings the restaurants the airport has in store for you? Many of the most beautiful airports in the world have a variety of dining establishments, ranging from casual eating options to first-class restaurants. For example, the dining options in Changi’s airport are astounding, with steakhouses and fast-food restaurants all in one place. Expand your culinary experience and explore whatever food the airport has to offer.

Drop by the Bookstore

You’ve probably heard the term “airport paperback” slung at books as an insult, but the truth is reading is one of the best things you can do while waiting. If you haven’t packed your own reading material, airports nearly always have at least one bookstore. You can peruse the paperbacks and magazines on their shelves and select your preferred reading material. Your purchases won’t just give you something to do in the airport but can also provide you with entertainment during the flight itself.

Make New Friends

You could keep to yourself in the hours you spend waiting in the terminal, but why not form meaningful connections with your fellow passengers? Exchange travel tips and get recommendations for activities you could do during your trip. You might even make new friends for the duration of your flight or even your entire stay.

Be sure to take sensible precautions while talking to fellow passengers. Never exchange crucial information such as anything on money or the exact details of your accommodations abroad.

Treat Yourself

Finally, you can just kick back and relax. Instead of staying on one of those cramped benches, look for luxurious establishments where you can be pampered. Modern airports can have facilities like spas and salons where you can enjoy getting massaged or get a nice haircut.

Staying for prolonged periods in an airport doesn’t have to be a harrowing experience. If you explore and keep an open mind, you might find that those three hours and twenty can be some of the most rewarding time you’ll ever have.