Anokhi Fashion Lifestyle Entertaiment

When planning a trip, the term “layover,” to put it nicely, is a four-letter word. Whether it’s on your way to, or coming from a relaxing vacation or important business trip, time spent in a crowded, noisy airport terminal hardly adds to the excitement of international travel. Next time you find yourself jet setting, consider making the most of your time on the ground in between flights by turning your layover into a mini-vacation. It might seem like an unlikely perk, but when layovers leave you with hours to kill, wouldn’t you rather be stretching your legs beachside than cramping up on a hard bench?

Vancouver

While the hype from the Olympics has come to an end, one of Canada’s most beautiful cities has more to offer than ski slopes and large stadiums. Vancouver International Airport is located in the heart of the city, making it possible to enjoy even the shortest of a stopover. Sandwiched in between the palatial Rocky Mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, Vancouver truly is a national treasure. If you happened to be lucky enough to have a more than a few hours in between flights, exploring the natural wonders of the west coast would not be a poor choice.

The world-renowned Stanley Park, with its majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees, is less than a mile from downtown and is home to incredible natural landmarks, beaches, rocky seashores and an array of wildlife. If getting away from the mainland interests you, take in a game of golf and a view of the mountains just off shore on the beautiful Vancouver Island.

Vancouver’s value lies in much more than its natural beauty, however. As a culturally-diverse city, Vancouver’s downtown offers a plethora of unique districts for you to explore while you walk off your jet lag and remind yourself just why it is you love to travel. Sample authentic Chinese cuisine in the city’s Chinatown. Perhaps stroll the cobblestone walkway and 19th century atmosphere of Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest district. Home to the world's first steam-powered clock, Gastown is a hugely popular tourist destination.

Hong Kong

Interestingly enough, one of the world’s most modern cities boasts an airport surrounded entirely by natural beauty. Hong Kong International Airport faces the ocean to the West and Lantau North Country Park and Lantau South Country Park to the east. With these natural wonders at your feet, it's not hard to imaging spending your layover recharging in the great outdoors. The fresh air offered by a brief nature hike or a stroll along the beautiful and serene Pui O Beach would do wonders for a spirit dampened by the recycled air of a climate-controlled 747.

One of the world’s most spectacular natural harbours, Victoria Harbour is best enjoyed from the water. While in Hong Kong you will have your choice of boat cruises, each of which will afford you a unique view of the Symphony of Light and Sound, which has been named the world's largest permanent light and sound show. Hundreds of laser beams and searchlights are creatively synchronized with music to capture the true spirit of this modern city.

Returning to the airport, you will feel as though you took in the best of Hong Kong in the short time you had.

Amsterdam

Whether you subscribe to Amsterdam’s liberal attitudes or not, time spent in this historical city will make the thought of missing your flight seem inconsequential.

If you are pressed for time but crave the great outdoors—having just been cooped up for too many hours to count—consider stretching your legs at the infamous Keukenhof gardens. Seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths can’t hurt after hours of staring at the back of an all-too-close airplane seat.

If relaxing is more your style, recharge from the cramped hustle and bustle of the airport with a leisurely dinner boat cruise along the illuminated canals. One of Amsterdam’s most famous sights, the canals offer a unique perspective of the city and its famous architecture.

If you're looking for creative enlightenment and have a few hours on your hands, the Van Gogh Museum is easily one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions. Take in the works of the post-impressionist painter whose far-reaching influence redefined the world’s conception of art in the 19th century.

And if adventure is more your style, take a stroll through the city’s red light district and peek your head into one of the cannabis cafes that have become synonymous with the liberal city.

One thing is for certain—you will not forget your brief stay in Amsterdam.

London

What would a list of brief stopovers for frequent high flyers be without paying homage to London’s Heathrow airport? With easy access to the city, Heathrow makes for an ideal short stopover.

If international shopping is something you simply cannot avoid while abroad, then add the U.K.’s largest airport to your list of must visits. Heathrow’s extensive selection of boutiques and designer shops offers more than enough distraction to tide you over if your find yourself with a few hours to kill in between flights. Dior, Cartier, Prada, Escada, Gucci, Hugo Boss and Mont Blanc are just a few in a long list of designer shops you will find waiting for you here.

Listed as the European Union’s busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic, Heathrow is accustomed to catering to worldly travelers. If jetlag and cramped quarters are wearing you down, relaxing in one of the airports luxury lounge's will make your brief stopover less of a hassle and more of a mini vacation. Boarding your next flight well-dressed and reinvigorated, you will remember this layover more for its indulgence than for its discomfort.

Mexico City

If you are planning a trip to Central or South America it is highly possible that you will find yourself coping with a layover at Mexico City International Airport. While past experiences might make you dread any and all things that delay you on your way to paradise, there is no reason to not enjoy your brief stay in Mexico’s bustling and historic capital.

With more than 12 million visitors a year, Mexico City offers endless tourist-inspired activities for the weary traveler. The countless dining options that lie just beyond the confines of the crowded airport are all you need to pass the time between flights. The vibrant chili powder, cumin, oregano, cilantro and epazote common to the local cuisine will awaken your taste buds and rekindle your sense of adventure. After a satisfying meal, it seems only fitting to finish off your mini-cultural experience with a dessert made from the cocoa that plays such a key role in the Aztec history of Mexico.

If your layover allows for more than a meal in between flights, the 150 museums that call Mexico City home will allow you to explore the vast history of Central America without having to spend days trekking through the region’s dense rainforests. The warmth of the city will remind you of how close you are to your final destination but leave you longing to return for a more drawn- out visit.

BY: SHANNON BUSTA / PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 2010 ISSUE 
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOURISM BRITISH COLUMBIA (GASTOWN-TOP); FOTOLIA.COM (HONG KONG AT NIGHT)