We all wish that there was a direct flight between every place we go. In reality that''s just not the case, and you end up facing the "dreaded" layover that can usually be quite boring. This can be a real bummer, when you don't have access to a lounge or if you can't leave the airport to roam around downtown especially during long layovers . Fortunately, the airports which I will talk about will make sure you are not bored in the slightest. Without further ado, let's dive in! (Note: the airports in this post are not being ranked. They are just in a random order despite their uniqueness.)
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS/EHAM)
Let's start off by going back. What I mean by this is that you can go back in time right at the airport by visiting an annex of Rijksmuseum, one of Amsterdam's most famed museums, where you can learn about the city's past and their vintage culture. This is not the only airport museum in the world, but it is the first. The best part is that it is free of charge so that anyone can visit. I have toured around in Amsterdam and been to the airport, obviously unaware about a museum being there! (I wish I started writing this blog earlier...) Anyways, I think it's a nice touch to culminate your trip with some history without actually leaving the airport!
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG/VHHH)
If you are a golf enthusiast, then I doubt you would want to stray far from Hong Kong International. The airport proudly boasts a 9 and 18-hole golf simulator. It even has clubs for rent, so that you don't have to worry if you didn't bring or don't have a club. Regardless of whether you are an experienced golf player or a beginner who rarely plays golf, this is something everyone is bound to enjoy.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR/CYVR)
Fish and sea animal lovers rejoice! Vancouver Airport is home to a 30,000 gallon aquarium. In this vast space of water, you can find myriad sea creatures, ranging from starfish to wolf eels to jellyfish. This wonderful aquatic feature is exclusive to the domestic terminal, so you'll have to be flying within Canada to experience this marvel. Oh, and don't worry about risking your life to take a selfie with the sea creatures!
Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN/RKSI)
Seoul Incheon is an airport with lots of cool features, but their ice rink is the coolest. (Get it?) The rink is very generous with space and seating, and will also rent you a helmet and ice skates, to do those figure eights with the best of agility. This is quite a unique feature (not like any of the others on this list aren't) because of how the airport has so much space to construct something like this.
Austin Bergstrom international Airport (AUS/KAUS)
Austin is the capital city of Texas, the largest state in the US of A. It also claims to be the live music capital of the world, and this claim can be proved when you step into the airport. Every weekday, the airport organizes live music shows for it's passengers, and this is only for the ones who actually have somewhere to fly to. Austin's roots are embedded in music, and this is one of many examples!
Mara Serena Airstrip (MRE/KHMS)
The first thing that would pop into your head after reading the airfield name would be, "Hang on, isn't this an airstrip? What does an airstrip have to offer?" Well, this is the airstrip of Masai Mara, one of the most famous national parks in the world. There are no fences between the airstrip and the wildlife, so get your cameras ready for some quick-fire animal photos! I have visited the airstrip, and while it doesn't look like much, it's the wildlife around the strip that make it worth going there!
Saint Maarten Princess Juliana Airport (SXM/TNCM)
Just like the previous airport (or airstrip), Princess Juliana Airport shows that you don't need modern amenities for entertainment at the airport. The airport is surrounded by stunning mountains and beaches, where you can see aircraft making dangerously low approaches towards the runway and observe the wonderful nature around, which make a truly natural and native experience!
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN/WSSS)
Seriously, where do I begin? It would be so hard to get bored in this airport for sure, because there is always something to do. The only reason I could see you leaving the airport is because it was time to board your flight. They have 2 movie theaters running 24/7, which plays both classics and latest hits. They have a butterfly garden, which is home to more than a thousand butterflies. There even is a rooftop swimming pool, which provides a spectacular view of the ramp. You have many dedicated rooms, like one for smoking and one for gaming, with XBOX and PlayStation consoles free of charge. Oh, and did I forget to mention that there is a SLIDE inside the terminal?! Plus, if you have a layover of 6 hours or more, you can even go on a free tour around Singapore to experience their wonders (or revisit them). How cool is that?! I have been here as well but just like Schipol, I had no idea about all this! (Why, just why?!) Now, I did mention that I would not be ranking this and that this isn't in order, but let me just say that if this were ranked, Changi would seal the top spot for sure.
Next time when you want to entertain yourself at the airport or have a long layover, be sure to plan your trip through these airports to marvel at them and to enjoy. Now you can make your trips more entertaining even when it comes to travelling between your destinations!