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sleep anywhere
howto...
OFF to DREAMLAND
Get some sleep wherever you are
with these tips from frequent traveler
Amanda Kendle
Red-eye or canceled flights,
missed buses or trains, or fully
booked hotels and hostels
can mean you end up without
a bed for the night. These
tips will help you get the best
possible night’s sleep when you
find yourself at an airport, train
station or other unusual spot
without a blanket and pillow.
FIND A SPOT
Sleeping somewhere
unusual during your
travels is an adventure,
not an annoyance — or
at least it works out
better if you think this
way. Some airports
have chairs resembling
poolside loungers
where you can stretch
out reasonably well.
Others have pay-
to-enter lounges or
massage kiosks where
you can sneak in some
shuteye. Traveling alone?
Make sure to curl up next
to people who are waiting
for the same plane or train
as you are. Eliminate the
creepy factor by offering
a smile or at least making
friends with them first.
GET COMFORTABLE
Cover yourself with a towel
or sarong or even clothing
from your luggage (always
keep a light sweater in your
carry-on, even if you’re headed
somewhere sunny), especially
if you’re sleeping somewhere
heavily air-conditioned. You
can also use your backpack as
a pillow. Wear a sleep mask
to block out the glare of
fluorescent lights typical of
airports — studies show you
get a better-quality snooze
when the lights are out.
Remember to set an alarm.
STAY SAFE
Keep your belongings as
close to you as possible (and
your passport and money
under your shirt). If you can,
padlock your stuff to the
furniture. In a public space
like an airport, find a spot
that’s visible to other people,
such as the area near a
service counter or shop.
