Top 7 Coolest Things to Do on an Airport Layover

Airport layovers, much like flip-flop blisters and backpack strain, are one of the small inconveniences travellers have to endure as part of the whole world-exploration package, but they needn't be a chore – especially if you're fortunate enough to be stopping at one of the airports below. Not sold on the idea yet? Check out our top seven and find out how an airport layover can be just as much a part of your travel adventure as the rest of your trip. 

1. Vancouver Airport International, Canada

If you're looking for a bit of culture on your travels, no airport offers art and design displays quite as impressive as Vancouver International. As well as an abundance of artworks and beautiful architecture to keep you engrossed, the airport also has a huge indoor aquarium that houses more than 5,000 marine animals!

2. Incheon International Airport, South Korea

If your travels happen to take you through Incheon Airport in Seoul, you'll have a multitude of fun things to keep you occupied. You could take part in any number of different traditional Korean craft projects in the Cultural Experience zone and make yourself a travel keepsake, sit back and watch the live performances from local mask-dancers and harpists, try your luck in the casino, swing a club on the golf course, or spin a few rounds on the airport's ice skating rink.

3. Nashville International Airport, USA

As home of country music, it's only right that Nashville reflects its city vibes at the place newcomers to the area see first – it's airport. Now with six different performance areas and a huge 17-feet main stage, Nashville International plays a varied schedule of live music throughout the year with well-known acts and local bands all singing their hearts out for the pleasure of airport customers. Expect full light displays and awesome acoustics for the main stage sets, you might even see some famous faces perform while you're here. 

4. Dubai International Airport, UAE

It's no great surprise that Dubai's airport is luxurious, but when you can do your duty-free shopping and leave the airport with a real gold bar, that's something else! Other than outrageously glitzy designer shopping on tap, Dubai Airport also offers a 24-hour gym, swimming pool, Zen Gardens, and even hires out cool and comfortable snoozecubes, for those looking to catch a few z's between flights.

5. Munich Airport, Germany

There are bars and pubs to be found at most airports, granted, but if you're looking to wet your whistle with more than just a lukewarm pint of Fosters, Munich's in-airport brewery and beer garden is a must. Tour the brewery with the brewmaster and check out the brewing process, or simply kick back with a cold one whilst watching the live cabaret. Not a drinker? No problem, how about taking to the waves on the airport's very own indoor surf pool? Yes, really! 

6. Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore

Nature lovers beware – stopping at Singapore Airport might make you miss your connecting flight! With no less than six different garden areas to explore, you'll forget you're in an airport at all. From the rooftop Cactus Garden to the Water Lily Garden, the Sunflower Garden, the Orchid Garden, the Enchanted Garden, and the Butterfly Garden where more than 1,000 butterflies flutter around a 6-metre-high waterfall, the whole airport is a natural spectacle. Looking for something to wake up your senses after feeling all 'zenned-out'? Take a ride on the 12-metre-high twisty super slide!

7. Heathrow Airport, UK

Right on our doorstep, Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest in the world and boasts world-class dining and entertainment, whether you're into your gaming or your shopping. Speaking of which, the airport's huge number of high-end shops also come with personal shoppers to give you that VIP experience. New to the airport in the last couple of years are the EntertainMe kiosks, which you can go to to download the latest films, music, books, and TV programmes to keep you entertained during your flight.