Layovers are often a necessary part of travel.
When travelers need to make connections and switch planes, they may find themselves with time between flights.
Many people dread spending hours-long layovers in the airport, but they dont have to be boring.
With the right planning, layovers can be fun and enrich your trip.
Others are planning trips to see family or embark on other adventures.
Many of these trips will involve layovers.
Here are 25 great ways to make your layover fantastic.
Some lounges have gourmet meals.
There are several ways to access airport lounges.
Many airlines include access with first-class and business-class tickets.
If a business-class ticket isnt in your budget, there are other ways to gain access.
Some lounges offer daily access by paying a one-time fee.
Frequent fliers can access over 1,700 lounges worldwide by buying an annual Priority Pass membership.
Earning elite status with an airline is another way to get access.
The best example is Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore, which has a butterfly garden and a waterfall.
Istanbul Airport has a museum filled with art and historic artifacts.
Amsterdams Schiphol Airport has an extensive art collection and an on-site art museum.
The airport is a great place to see everything from works by great Dutch masters to modern art.
Choose a layover-friendly airline
Some airlines encourage passengers to spend a night or two as part of their layover.
Icelandair, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines each have stopover programs.
The details vary, but all have perks that make layovers better.
For example, Icelandair allows a stopover in Iceland for up to seven days at no extra cost.
Etihad Airways gives eligible passengers up to two nights in an Abu Dhabi hotel for free.
Take a city tour
If your layover is long enough, book a city tour.
Apps like Viator or GetYourGuide are perfect for finding short tours that fit your schedule, Neugarten says.
You may be able to find a tour designed specifically for those who have layovers.
These usually hit some of the areas main attractions and then take you back to the airport.
Or, choose a shorter tour that aligns with your interests, such as afood tour.
Book spa services
A great way to truly relax is by getting a massage.
Check out the Absolute Spa at Vancouver International Airport or Elemis Travel Spa at Heathrow.
There are also XpresSpa locations in airports all over the world.
Services vary by location but include neck and back massages, manicures, pedicures and heated chakra mats.
Treat yourself to a great meal
Many airports have fantastic restaurants.
Or, check out an airport-based Michelin-recommended restaurant.
Saison in Newark (New Jersey) Liberty International Airport serves croque madame and steak frites.
For example, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has a branch ofWashington, D.C.siconic Bens Chili Bowl.
Some airport shops carry local specialties as well.
Look for local crafts and souvenirs
Airports are a great place to shop for local crafts and souvenirs.
The airport in Istanbul sells a nice variety of traditional hand-painted bowls.
In Reykjaviks airport, pick up socks or a T-shirt embroidered with Icelands famous puffins.
In Heathrow, grab a tote bag from Harrods, one of Londons biggest and most luxurious department stores.
Spend your layover looking for something special from the area.
