Going anywhere this winter holidays? On a budget trip? Well, if you are seriously on a tight budget and is still looking for a way to really save a lot of money (I mean A LOT), try sleeping in an airport.

Actually it is not hard to do so, all you need to do is arrange your schedule so that you arrive at a certain place in the evening and spend the night until the next morning and you could continue with your next agenda on your list. I had personally tried a few airports myself and this is seriously a good way to save money. Well, sorry if you are a rich dude and you prefer your trip to be comfortable and luxurious but I think this post is for those who like to travel the commando-style.

So far, I had slept (why this makes me felt like I had slept with some girl or something) in some of the airports during my previous trip to London. Here is a few tips if you are a first timer. Well, even if you are a frequent airport-sleeper, hopefully this would help you more in your future stay over!

1. Have a backup plan : This is very important even thou most of the time you wouldn’t get kicked out by the airport officials but try to be prepared to answer few questions if you are asked. The best way is to sleep in an airport when you are catching a flight the next day or some other excuses. Think before you act! It will save you a lot of embarassment.

2. The commando backpack kit : Prepare yourself for the stay with books, mp3 player, ear plugs, water bottles, toilet papers, even sleeping bag! I personally brought along a sleeping bag since I knew I was going to spend 5 days of airport sleepovers! Try to make yourself comfortable.

3. Get to the airport early : Well, you can’t possibly find a nice spot too early like 6pm or 7pm, but you would certainly see people filling up spaces after 9pm or 10pm. Be there early so that you can find yourself a nice spot. It is rather hard to get a nice spot if you are late and this means that you might end up with a lot of people waking you up during your sleep and etc. Go for the chairs as the cold airport floor makes it hard to sleep even if you have a sleeping bag with you (personal experience). And besides that, arrival hall is always a better part compared to departure.

4. Act innocent! Don’t act like a pro when you are going to sleep there like you do it in your every trip. Like the 1st tip, always be prepared when you are questioned.

5. Becareful with your belongings. This is easier if you have a sleeping bag. Just zip yourself up and it is almost impossible to get to your wallet without waking you up. But if you do not have one, make sure that they are kept in a safe place like your jacket pocket and with you wearing the jacket.

6. Have fun!!

Seriously, this is not a bad option. You have free clean toilets, sometimes even free internet! And nothing beats the experience.

If you are curious about where to sleep and how is the sleeping condition in that airport, you could visit http://www.sleepinginairports.net/airports.htm to get some tips. It is a site where all the airport sleepers share their experience and preferences. Personally, I think the tips and descriptions given are really true and practical. They even rate the airport by their conditions!

If you designed this properly, you could easily save up a lot of money. Imagine each night of 20Euros become free. Of course, you gotta have a commando’s spirit to pull this out and still enjoy your trip to the max.

I personally choose to bring along a sleeping bag and check out all those airports before deciding on staying in the airport or not. The sleeping bag is very useful and it makes the night comfortable and can give me some sense of security. Well, waking up in front of hundreds of busy people in an airport is seriously a special experience!

*Author had experience in London Stansted airport and Riga airport. If you have any experience to share, feel free to post in the comment box!