Layover Adventures
December 20, 2009 at 7:14 pm 2 comments
No one enjoys long layovers. You nestle into that uncomfortable plastic seat with a book in one hand and an over-priced (stale) coffee in the other, hoping to get a few minutes of sleep without anyone else noticing. And you finally manage to doze off, until that sneaky trickle of drool makes you jump up, wide-awake. Guilty.
What so many people fail to notice is the opportunity layovers present. Why wait miserably inside an airport when you can venture out into (relatively) unexplored territories? The first time I “ventured” was daunting, but I’ve never looked back since. I now find myself planning my layovers just as earnestly as the trip itself.
Some of my layovers have honestly been just as (if not, more) exciting than the actual destinations. If it hadn’t been for these long layovers, I would never have sipped authentic Italian espresso in Milan, walked through a beer festival on the streets of Frankfurt, or seen Madame Tussaud’s in London.
And all this in a few, luggage-free hours!
Note: Be sure to check for visa restrictions and reliable transport options beforehand. I’d also suggest heading back to the airport at least 2 hours before departure.
Entry filed under: Floating. Tags: layovers, Travel, writing.
1.
sarahbaram | December 20, 2009 at 7:23 pm
For layover like that, overseas, wouldn’t you have to go through the long lines of customs to get out? And only to come back in to do it all over again? Include something like that, maybe. It cannot be as easy as you make it sound! Great writing though!
2.
Lorena | December 20, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Thanks for your comment Sarah
Actually, I haven’t had any trouble with the customs so far. Usually I take the train right from the airport and back, and there aren’t any lines, surprisingly!
I would check the countries visa regulations beforehand if you were considering doing it. With an American passport, you shouldn’t have much trouble..
Cheers!