How to turn your next layover into a mini trip

If you’re like most travelers, the idea of a layover—spending hours killing time and wandering between tchotchke-filled shops in the airport terminal—doesn’t exactly get you buzzing with anticipation. But you can maximize your time and give your itinerary an unexpected boost by using that time to hit the city you’re in and shop, sightsee, or check out a museum with a layover tour. While they're a great way to extend a trip or check off a bucket list experience, a layover tour does take some careful planning. Below, three travel experts share their tips on how to do it right.

While booking your own layover tours and activities can be done, the experts advise booking with a reputable company to save time and prevent stress when you land. Whatever savings a DIY layover tour may provide, the peace of mind of having the details taken care of may be priceless. If you are going to put together your own itinerary, proceed with caution, says Paloma White, founder and CEO of Paloma White Travel. “Only attempt to visit attractions or areas within 30 minutes of the airport and book tickets to attractions ahead to avoid waiting in line.”

Allowing enough time between flights is the most essential rule of a layover, tour or no tour. Missing your connecting flight could cause a massive headache, forcing you to rebook flights or adding an unexpected hotel bill to your trip budget. Oluwaseyi Aladeselu, owner of travel agency tmd Escapes, suggests a minimum window of seven hours for a layover tour (depending on the location) to allow for exit, reentry, transportation, your activity of choice, and a bit of buffer time.

Similar to port excursions on a cruise ship, some airlines offer layover excursions with transportation included, which may provide more peace of mind when it comes to making your connecting flight. “Qatar Airlines, Avianca Airlines, and IcelandAir have some amazing programs,” says Aladeselu. “Some are completely free, while others charge a nominal fee or provide a discount code that can cover airport transfers and local tours.”

Depending on where you’re traveling, it may be worth planning an overnight stopover, says Dr. Terika Haynes, owner of Dynamite Travel. “Overnight layovers can be higher in price, but the chance to experience another destination may be worth the extra cost,” she says. “With more time you may be able to book multiple tours or even stay in a hotel in the heart of a city.” A number of airlines offer free stopover programs so you can easily plan an extra night out on the way to or from your destination. Consider Avianca for a stopover in Bogota, Colombia; Ethiopian Airlines for a stopover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; or TAP for a stopover in Lisbon or Porto, Portugal, among others.

Plan ahead to be sure that your bags and documentation don’t get lost in the shuffle of a multi-stop trip. “Make sure your luggage is checked through to your final destination, and you have boarding passes for your next flight,” says White. “Consider using a small backpack as your carry-on to enhance your mobility and minimize the risk of loss.” And check in with airport personnel to find out what options are available for stowing your luggage, she adds. “Many airports have luggage storage or lockers where you can leave larger bags.”

Relaxing in the Blue Lagoon's geothermal spa or enjoying bites and cocktails at the adjacent LAVA Restaurant can be the perfect way to unwind after a long-haul flight. “The Blue Lagoon is only 20 minutes from Keflavik Airport, so you can spend your layover in the famous hot springs,” says White. But only tack the adventure onto your itinerary if your stopover is longer than six hours, she warns, since showering and changing can be time-consuming. “Also, make sure to bring a change of clothes and bathing suit in your carry-on!”

You probably won’t be able to see Egypt’s most famous ancient temples and pyramids from your plane window at 30,000 feet, so instead hop on a hot air balloon ride during your layover to see the monuments up close. The Cairo International Airport is about 20 miles away from the Pyramids of Giza, making it a worth-it excursion for those with time. “Your Egypt Tours offers a hot air balloon ride that’s a great option for those who have at least five hours to spare,” says Aladeselu.

Witness almost 1,000 years of royal family history with a visit to England’s Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. The castle is open Thursday through Monday, and a tour includes access to the Castle Precincts (where the changing of the guard takes place), the opulent State Apartments, and St. George’s Chapel, built in the 14th century. “I’ll often book this tour for travelers during a long layover at Heathrow,” says White. “Most people don’t realize that they are only a 15-minute cab ride from the castle when they land.”

Japan’s capital city has an eye-popping mix of historic temples, towering skyscrapers, and bustling shopping and entertainment districts. In short, there’s plenty to explore during a lengthy stopover at either Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport, which is a bit closer to downtown Tokyo. “CityUnscripted offers amazing layover tours led by locals,” says Aladeselu. “There is a private four-hour Tokyo tour that’s completely personalized—it’s great for those who don't mind arranging their own airport transfers.”