At dealchecker we know that sometimes, to get a bit of a better deal on your flight, you’ll put up with a longer stopover than perhaps you’d like on your way to some exotic destination. And we’re here to solve that “what shall I do?” problem, with top tips for outings you can make from some of the most frequently used stopover airports.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Six Hour Stopover
The centre of Amsterdam is really close to the airport, linked by an efficient and regular train service, so there’s no excuse not to deposit your luggage in a locker and head off in search of a mini adventure! It’s time to stretch your legs in anticipation of more time sitting in an airline seat, so head off for a walk around the southern canal ring – you can jump on it by taking a right from Centraal Station. When you spot the Heineken Museum, veer off to Albert Cuypmarkt for some tasty and cheap Dutch street food, then take the Amstel River route back to Centraal.
Twelve Hour Stopover
You can really make the most of your time by heading onwards from Centraal Station – our pick of the day trips is underrated The Hague, although you could also try Utrecht where the Nintje Pleintje is dedicated to Miffy! The Hague is half an hour away and you can get a great mix of everything good about the Netherlands. Stroll Haagse Bos, the central park, and check out art old and new. You can see Girl With a Pearl Earring and other master works at Mauritshuis, and bend your mind at the Escher Museum where graphical art is king.
Los Angeles International Airport
Six Hour Stopover
There’s only one thing for it on a short stopover in LAX – it’s time to head to the beach! Manhattan Beach is the quietest, so if you’re just after a relaxing time with something nice to eat then this is for you. But to really appreciate a little of Los Angeles’ culture then you can’t do better than heading to the 3rd Street Promenade, which is the beachfront of Santa Monica, or the Boardwalk at Venice Beach, aka Ocean Front Walk. You can get to all of these by bus from the airport, with minimal travelling time.
Twelve Hour Stopover
If you’re a fan of all things Hollywood then you have a tricky choice on your hands. Either the Paramount Studios Tour, or the Warner Bros. Tour. At Paramount you can take the VIP 4½ hour tour, which includes lunch and a chance to nose the archives. Warner Bros. Deluxe Tour also includes lunch, plus a back lot tour and a peek at where they make all the props. If art is more your thing, head to the Getty Center, where there are rotating exhibitions and amazing views over Hollywood and beyond!
Hong Kong International Airport
Six Hour Stopover
It’s really easy to get to the centre of Hong Kong with the express train, and why not get out of the hustle and bustle and head up Victoria Peak? During the day time it’s easiest to take the cable car, but if you’re there a little later then it’s pretty cheap to take a taxi, or you can stretch your legs and walk. Afterwards you’ll no doubt be hungry, so head across the bay to Kowloon for some food. This is where street food rules so jump on in and enjoy a feast!
Twelve Hour Stopover
If you’ve got a little more time, head out to Lantau Island as well. You can get there on the MTR (fast rail) and then jump on the round-island cable car. You will not want to miss the Ngong Ping plateau, where you will find the largest outdoor seated Buddha in the world, as well as a delicious vegetarian restaurant! On the north west coast of the island you’ll find Tai O, a traditional fishing village with stilt-houses, which will feel a million miles away from the shimmering skyscrapers. The ferry departs from here back to the centre of Hong Kong.
Singapore Changi Airport
Six Hour Stopover
Singapore is best known for its Hawker Centre – where you’ll find more street food than you could ever imagine. So if you’re peckish this is the place for you. We’ve not tried them all but we’ve heard that the noodles at Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee and the buns at China La Mian Steamed Buns are both outrageously good! Perhaps you want to build up an appetite first? Head for the canopy walk at Kent Ridge Park. It’s known for its stunning dragonflies in the daytime, and by night it’s all about the city lights.
Twelve Hour Stopover
If you’re going to be there overnight, then the Singapore Zoo Night Safari will make for a memorable few hours. Most of the zoo animals are actually most active at night, so it’s a real treat to see them. You’ll travel around the zoo on a tram, so you don’t have to put in the hard yards. For daytime stopovers why not head out on a kayak tour of the mangroves? You’ll get away from the heat of the city to the cooling rivers, spot some local wildlife and learn about this unique habitat. Tours are six hours long, which leaves just enough time to see the amazing views from 1-Altitude as well.
So now wherever your holiday or long haul flight takes you, if you stopover at one of these airports, you can have a memorable journey too! Not sure where to go? Then check our our inspiration pages!
