The 8 best stops for a layover while traveling
Vacay, olé. I officially made my vacation to Bali as official as possible yesterday by booking the ticket. Without cancellation insurance (I actually never do that, is that very stupid?), so there is really no way back. Now is a flight ticket to Bali without a layover definitely not very easy to find – the fastest you can go with KLM and then make a short stop for technical maintenance. Personally, I don't mind that much, because a layover is always a nice bonus of the vacation for me. Provided it is at a nice destination, of course. Win-win: this way you see a city/country that you wouldn't come to so quickly otherwise and where the chance is great that you won't be there again soon. And in terms of costs, it often doesn't differ much, it tends to be cheaper than the other way around, which also contributes to that win-win. Are you also Team Layover? Then check out these (layover) destinations that are definitely worth a stopover. Most are also very affordable.
1. Reykjavik
Has been on my bucket list for a long time because honestly: who wouldn't want to go here? I would recommend a layover with at least one overnight stay, because if you have less time, there is a chance you will be disappointed, because you want to see more of Iceland it. It is an expensive country, but you don't have to worry about the cost of the ticket. With Icelandair, you can score incredibly cheap tickets to the US. I flew to San Francisco Reykjavik, but LA, Boston, Orlando and New York are also options. And it really doesn't have to be expensive, with a bit of luck you can get a ticket between three and four hundred euros. For a round trip, yes, really. Just keep in mind that the food on board is not included; so stock up or pay ten euros for the worst pizza you've ever eaten.
2. Oman
Yes, Dubai is of course the most famous layover in the Gulf States (and it deserves a spot, a bit further down the list), but I have been to Oman and found it so nice there that it deserves second place. There's a good chance that Oman will become an exact copy of Dubai within five years, so seize your chance and go now. It is really a beautiful country, still very undiscovered in terms of tourists, very nice people and you have everything there: culture and nature, but also luxury, if you need that. With Oman Air, you can also fly very affordably on to Asia, so the options are quite endless. Oman Air is a budget airline, so don't expect too much luxury. However, the food on board is included and is quite decent by airplane standards.
3. Shanghai
The ideal layover if you're going on vacation to Asia, because you can break up the long flight nicely. And well, a day in Shanghai, who wouldn't want that? Personally, I would spend the whole day dim sum-ing, but there's a good chance that one day here won't be enough. It is a city of over 26 million, so in 24 hours you probably won't even see a quarter. I already mentioned dim sum, but also hitting the rooftop bars here (with cocktails), ticking off all the important sights, going out in the evening or having a very elaborate dinner (dim sum is actually breakfast) is of course possible. A few days here seems just fine to me. Many airlines have Shanghai as a potential layover, so scoring a budget ticket is definitely possible.
4. Taipei
I had this as a layover when I went to Bali for the first time, I flew with China Airlines then. I should mention: we flew with the (then) newest Airbus and it was beautiful. So much legroom, with electric leg support and genuinely good food. That round trip to Bali cost me 380 euros. Seriously. I'm still amazed by it. But anyway, definitely check the offers here, even with a long layover. Taipei surprised me very positively. It is very doable in 24 hours: you can see all the highlights, taste the food and get a good impression of the city. Of course, the 101 Tower (the second tallest tower in the world) is worth a visit, even if you have a fear of heights. If you stay longer than a day, a day trip to the interior is also recommended, Taiwan is an incredibly beautiful country.
5. Kuala Lumpur
This will be the layover during my upcoming trip to Bali. And yes, I'm looking forward to it. I've never been to Malaysia (although Kuala Lumpur may not give a good impression of the entire country), but I have already read up on what you must see in this city in one day. A layover is not complete for me without having eaten somewhere really delicious, so for restaurant tips: contact me, please. Furthermore, the Petronas Twin Towers are of course on the list, the Central Market and especially a lot of walking around. By the way, I'm flying with KLM, which I also find nice and reliable (given my existing fear of flying). And yes, you can fly very affordably to these kinds of destinations, even with KLM.
6. Dubai
I already mentioned this city briefly, because well, when it comes to layovers, this is of course a very well-known one. Personally, I wouldn't want to stay more than a day, but the city itself is really an experience. In fact, the airport alone is a place where you won't get bored. But if you have a few hours (or a day or two), definitely go into the city and marvel at the gigantic buildings. With a bit of luck, the Burj Khalifa isn't hidden behind the mist. Sneak into the only six-star hotel in the world, go snowboarding in the largest indoor ski hall and I could go on for hours. It just comes down to this: in Dubai, you'll have a good time. You can literally find everything there.
7. Changi
On the return trip from Bali, I have a layover here and to be honest: I had no idea. Google told me it was an international airport on the northernmost island of Singapore. Okay, okay, I can work with that. A bit more googling told me that this airport has been voted the best airport in the world for years. Look, now we’re talking. The airport is about twenty kilometers from the center of Changi, which you can easily reach by bus, metro, train or taxi. Spending a few hours at the airport is therefore also really fine, with a free cinema, a Balinese swimming pool and a gigantic (read: ten floors) shopping mall.
8. München
People who know me a bit know that I'm not really into Germany. For them, this will also be a surprise in this list, but I must admit: Munich is just a nice city. Protect yourself and don't celebrate Oktoberfest here during your stopover, as the chance is quite present that you will miss your connection. But a day in Munich is really fun to do: good food, shopping and a bit of wandering around the city. It is also a pretty large airport with connections to many diverse destinations. Frankfurt is another well-known stop, but if you can choose, opt for a day in Munich.
