What could be worse than being stuck in a lame airport for hours on end?
Would you believe that being stuck in an airport could be the best thing that’s ever happened to you? Many travelers are realizing that airports don’t have to be boring. Here are some that you might easily mistake as travel destinations.
Check In To Miami International
What else has Miami got besides beaches? A fantastic airport, that’s what. Miami is also one of the few airports that services a wide diversity of airlines from all over the world — being an international airport. Assuming you know how to use Matrix ITA to get maximum frequent flier miles, you could hypothetically stop in to Miami just to chill without it costing you any extra money for your trip.
The airport itself is part of the city’s Art In Public Places program. It focuses on local artists, taking them out of museums and galleries and inserting their work into the airport. If you’re here on a layover, or this is a final destination spot, you can actually hang out here and enjoy the entire airport, especially the South, Central and North Terminals.
Christopher Janney’s “Harmonic Convergence” is a favorite of many travelers.
Hong Kong’s Amazing Greens
When you arrive at an airport, you usually think about how fast you can get to the baggage claim. But, not here. Travelers often are amazed by the size and space and the fact that there’s so much to do here.
The SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course is just outside the airport terminals (Terminal 2), and here you can play 9 holes of golf. No equipment? No problem. Just rent some — They’ll even hold your luggage for you. Yes, you do have to pay but it’s not much. Since it caters to 56 million passengers every year, the airport keeps the golf course spick and span, and they also maintain a lot of other activities for travelers.
There are 280 different stores for you to shop at in the SkyMart and SkyPlaza. Kids can even enjoy the Dream Come True Education Park where they get to walk around and engage in activities mimicking real-world work.
You can also take in a movie at a real IMAX theater if you have a really long layover, your bags are lost or your flight is delayed, or you’re just looking for a way to kill time once you’ve arrived at the airport.
Finally, stop off at the Aviation Discovery Centre. It’s filled with interactive exhibits and displays.
When you get hungry, there’s plenty to eat too. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if this airport is a resort or a temporary stop.
Sunny San Francisco International Airport
It’s the second-busiest airport in the state, with 40 million passengers flowing through the terminals every year. With so many people to take care of, the airport needed some way to make guests comfortable. So, it offers a 24-hour complimentary yoga room, a reflection room, and a spa where you can get all dolled up with a mani-pedi, and a massage.
Go to Terminals 2 and 3 for great spa services. Overall, it’s one of the best airports in the U.S.
San Francisco International Airport also has more than 80 stores that are flush with just about anything you could imagine.
If you have kids, you can take them to the fish aquarium or go on a scavenger hunt tour around the terminals. Your children will learn about aviation and have fun at the same time. The tour itself takes about an hour to complete.
Amazing Amsterdam Airport
When you fly in to Schiphol, you’re probably looking for something to eat. Well, there are plenty of places in Amsterdam’s Airport. And, you don’t have to stay in the secure area, either. Dutch cuisine is obviously a favorite here, but you can get food from all over the world.
Café Rembrandt, Balcony Bar EAST Bar & Bites, Café Comunal, and Bubbles Seafood & Wine Bar are just a few of the hottest spots here.
When your belly is full, head on over to Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Schiphol. It’s free from 7AM to 8PM, and is home to a vast collection of Dutch-inspired and focused exhibits. If you get tired after your meal, and you’re not up for the museum, take a nap at the in-house hotel, Yotel.
It’s an affordable alternative to terminal seats, with mini-accommodations, bookable for a minimum of 4 hours. They come equipped with all the creature comforts, like a shower and bed, just in case you want to freshen up before getting back on the plane. And, if you have time, stop at the Panorama Terrace observation deck. Out on the rooftop, you can watch people go by and get a unique view of the airport.
Photo Credits
Miami International Airport – by Nicola flickr – Some Rights Reserved
SkyCity Nine Eagles Golf Course – Hong Kong Airport
San Francisco International Airport – by Prayitno on flickr – Some Rights Reserved
Amsterdam Airport – Wikimedia Creative Commons
Guest Author Bio
Ellie Barlow
Ellie Barlow worked as an air stewardess for several years before changing careers for a more settled lifestyle. But she still looks back on those days in the sky fondly, and includes funny stories and travel tips in her articles.
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