International layovers

When you are flying internationally and have connections in different cities and countries, there are many occasions when your travel itinerary includes an extended or overnight layover. Many of us are not interested in sitting/sleeping in a hard plastic chair for the duration of our layover. So what are some better options?

--walk around the airport. This helps stretch your legs, gives you some exercise, and sometimes unveils some great dining and lounge spaces in other areas of the airport. There is usually an area where you can check your luggage securely. Just remember to bring your boarding pass and ID so you can get back to your gate.

--There are often inexpensive hotels near the airport where you can stay. These sometimes have "day room" rates where you can pay a fee to use their services for a few hours.

--Many times taking a taxi or train into the city hub can afford even more choices of inexpensive hotels, as well as access to touring the city for a few hours. This may or may not be more of a hassle than it is worth. The drive can be slow and long, the taxi may be expensive and you need to get back to the airport the following day for departure.

--Another option is to check if the airport itself has "day rooms" or even sleeping rooms. Most rooms are chargedin blocks of time, usually 2 -4 hour segments. Some airports have a "whole day package" which includes overnight hours. Usually for about the price a hotel would cost you can get a bed or comfortable couches, and have access to food, internet, books, and sometimes even massages and showers.

--research your options before you go, and make sure you check numerous web sites as airport amenities are always changing.

--deb