I love airports. Not just tolerate, not just kinda like but kid-in-a-candy-shop-I-can't-wipe-this-grin-off-my-face LOVE airports. I actually try to arrive to my flights hours early, partly to prevent having to rush, but mostly to soak in one of my favorite places. How do I find enjoyment in the land of nine hour layovers, endless lines, and hidden fees, you may ask? Here's my breakdown of the top 5 reasons why airports are the best.
1. Duty Free.
You have a long travel day ahead of you. It's time to treat yourself. And what's better than retail therapy? Tax free retail therapy. Justify some of the money you spent on your trip by snagging a good deal on a luxury beauty, jewelry or liquor item.
2. People watching.
This is one of the most underrated parts of travel. Everyone focuses on the diversity of their destination but rarely considers who they might encounter on their way. Airports are one of the only places where you can casually rub elbows with someone who calls a place halfway around the world home. When else are you going to be surrounded by such a diverse blend of people, cultures, and languages?
3. Little kids.
Technically this could fall under people watching, but it deserved it's own category. All throughout airports, are little kids, all adorably in awe of how airplanes work. Combine that with their infectiously giddy excitement for wherever they're going and they're guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Plus their little rolling suitcases. Too. Damn. Cute.
4. Getting your passport stamped.
There is no better feeling than the sense of accomplishment you get when you get a fresh new stamp on your passport. The satisfaction only grows as you fill more and more pages with new ones.
5. Coffee shops everywhere.
You can't go more than a few steps without finding this fuel for weary travelers. Airports seem to be stocked with coffee shops that have supplies to conjure up any combination of flavors for your java fix. And if they don't? Walk 10 steps in the other directions to the next coffee shop. Airports may lead you far from home, but never far from caffeine.
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