Layovers are an inevitable part of travel and rarely cause joy. why? Because they can afford a large period of time that they often sit and wait, or they only sprint across city-sized airports at Olympic speeds, and board their next flight.
Sometimes it's a debate whether it's enough time to pass through customs, leave the airport and explore, then return and pass through security again. Occasionally, you are fighting a nasty 12-hour stretch that may or may not be a great opportunity to explore the city, depending on whether that stretch falls in the middle of the night.
But what if it was possible to turn them into part of a vacation instead of a horrifying layover? Something, perhaps, you are looking forward to it too? Read on to learn how to turn your next layover into a real vacation.
Why extend layover?
Given how much vacation most Americans aren't spending, it's not always possible to extend a layover. However, if you can budget in a few more days, the benefits of turning layovers into your own vacation will no longer be to simply look at another city. Considering the cost of flights, being able to do two trips per flight eliminates the need to book a second future flight to a layover destination.
Also consider the benefits of mitigating jet lag. If you are traveling internationally, you probably don't want to spend a fair amount of money on your trip and waste your first few days sleeping from your jet lag in your paradise. When flying around the world, jet lags can be hit hard. Multi-day layovers allow you to start adjusting to the time lag before reaching your destination.
(Related: Jet Lag doesn't have to ruin your trip, this is what you can do.)
Select the destination for the layover
Price is a factor in choosing a layover destination, both in terms of how affordable the flight is and how expensive Labour City is. Many European flights have stopped off to Zurich, Switzerland, but even if you find a cheap flight through Zurich, you know it is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
The same applies to Singapore and Iceland. This is a two great labor destination that is very expensive. However, while layovers can be expensive, this is still a more affordable way to visit any of these destinations rather than making a dedicated trip.
If you only have a few days to stay, think about how quickly and easily you can explore top attractions. For short layovers, it makes sense to visit somewhere with a dense attraction, so you won't spend all your time by car or bus.
For very short layovers, consider booking a tour with a company like Toursbylocals. The company offers a few hours tour with a guide that allows you to pick up you (and your luggage) from the airport and return it to the front of the connection.
The timing of your trip can also help you determine where you need or shouldn't schedule a layover, such as the Caribbean, during hurricane season. Furthermore, knowing that important religious, cultural, or seasonal activities are taking place can affect where you decide to spend extra time.
Amsterdam
A large number of international flights (including US airlines such as Delta, United and JetBlue) fly directly to Amsterdam before moving on to Africa, Asia and the Middle East. These stopovers include long layovers, ranging from 16 to 22 hours. This is enough time to explore some of the major attractions without booking another ticket.
Almost every best tourist spot in the city (Van Gogh Museum, Ann Frankhouse and board a canal boat) is located in the ultra-water-inundated city centre for efficient exploration. Many of the top museums here sold out a few months ago, so book your tickets as soon as you fly.
Singapore
Singapore's Changi Airport may be better known than its destination. Tourists gather here to visit hundreds of eateries and see thousands of plants that adorn the 131-foot indoor waterfall. In fact, many travelers schedule long layovers here, so tour agents arrange quick city trips from the airport.
Just as impressive as the airport (and its food), there is far more exploration in Singapore. Travelers can spend up to 96 hours in Singapore without additional airfares. Travelers can enjoy free airport transfers and discounts on top attractions and luxury hotels through Singapore Airlines' Stopover Holiday Packages.
New York City
Given the number of direct flights from New York's JFK airport to Africa, Europe and the Middle East, New York City is a very popular layover destination for travelers coming from the West Coast. Also, booking another round-trip ticket from JFK may save hundreds of dollars per ticket, allowing travelers to redirect those savings for their New York holiday.
The same applies to the West Coast. There, many direct flights to Asia have jumped out of Seattle and Los Angeles, with both cities offering the best options for layover vacations.
Dubai
Given the number of direct flights from Dubai to Asia, Africa and other parts of the Middle East, it is also a major layover location. Dubai's hometown airline, Emirates, offers direct flights from 12 U.S. cities, and the Dubai Connect program offers free hotel accommodations for passengers with 8-26 hours of layover, on-ground We provide relocation, meals and visa support.
For longer stays, you will need a separate stopover package, and Emirates Stopover Program offers discounted rates for hotels, experiences, bundled packages and new flight bookings.
Mexico City
Mexico City – often referred to as CDMX (Ciudad de Mexico) – may be one of the largest cities in the world, but it is also one of the easiest cities to explore. Major airlines offer direct flights from almost all major US cities. Once you arrive at CDMX, you can easily jump around the Caribbean or head towards Central and South America.
Or stay for a long time and explore the vibrant culinary scene and the alternative and artistic aspects of Mexico City, where many of the top attractions are conveniently located and conveniently around. You can also head north for an hour to Teotihuacan, home to the world's third largest pyramid.
(Related: Mexico City flavor.)
Iceland
Given the climate in Iceland, the itinerary can vary dramatically depending on when you visit. Several options are available all year round, such as glacier, geyser, and thermal bath visits, but summer is the best time to hike, cycling and puffin spotting, while winter is the best time to see the aurora .
Iceland Air, Iceland's largest airline, is even more appealing with a generous “Icelandic stopover” package that allows travelers to spend up to seven days in Iceland before flying to Europe It is the destination of Labour.
The website is easy to use and the booking process allows you to choose stopovers for one or both legs for your trip. They also offer one, two-day, and three-day itineraries.
