It’s never easy to remain on an airplane for long hours at a time – whether it’s turbulence-induced nausea, the low-quality food, or the person behind you kicking your seat, long airplane rides are simply insufferable for most people. It’s only natural, then, that breaking your trip up into manageable segments with the help of a stopover is an alluring option for many travelers.
Some stopovers are better than others; however, something that largely depends on where you are. Here are 5 of the world’s best stopover cities to incorporate into your future travel plans.
1. Tokyo is calling
One of the finest stopover cities in the world is indisputably Tokyo, a gateway destination that’s often the first step in a much larger tour of Asia in general. Millions of people have already flocked to Tokyo for a variety of reasons, whether it’s steeping themselves in local culture or a chance to see one of the most futuristic cities in the world, and many more will doubtlessly enjoy stopovers there sooner rather than later.
What makes Tokyo such an excellent stopover city, anyway? For starters, countless affordable food options allow you to sample new delicacies without breaking the bank. Furthermore, ancient structures like the Meiji Shrine and other interesting temples permit you an opportunity to turn back time and see the world as it once was while you wait for your next flight. But the coming year will make Tokyo even more of a special place for intrepid nomads. The year 2020 is also the year of the Tokyo Olympics when the Japanese city will play host to the entire works during a summer of intense athletic competition.
All this makes now the best time ever to take a pause in Tokyo. However, Tokyo isn’t the only great stopover city, either…
2. Kuala Lumpur is increasingly popular
Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s largest city for a reason – it offers an amazing opportunity for you to view some stunning modern architecture while also enabling you to visit nearby beaches without spending too much time on additional travel. One of the reasons that Malaysia visas for Indians have become vastly more popular in recent years is that Kuala Lumpur is a thrilling stopover destination in their travels to other locations that frequently calls them back for future visits.
The whole of Southeast Asia is a short plane ride away from Kuala Lumpur, include hot destinations such as Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. It still one of those cities where the third world brushes up against the first, giving you the chance to sample the local cuisine at very affordable prices. Indeed, Kuala Lumpur’s street food is famed as some of the best in the world and a whole lot cheaper than what you would find in neighboring Singapore—an island with which it shares a degree of cultural affinity.
If Malaysia isn’t your style, however, you can always rely on…
3. Lovely Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland may have one of the most difficult to pronounce names on the planet for many, but it’s nevertheless an unparalleled land of scenic Nordic beauty that will leave you inspired for years to come. Many European travelers heading to North America for the first time enjoy a stopover at Reykjavik beforehand because it enables them to witness awesome geysers or explore the majesty of the Golden Circle. They call this the land of fire and ice for a reason. Millennia of intense volcanic activity has carved a breathtaking landscape that is still being generated from deep beneath the earth’s bowels.
Driving the Golden Circle will lead you to face to face with steaming geysers that spew forth hot steaming water as regular as clockwork. If you’re lucky enough to land in the city in the bleak winter months, then you have the chance to see the spectacular northern lights.
Imagine taking a dip in one of Reykjavik’s many natural hot springs on a snowy day and looking up to see a spectacular light show courtesy of the earth’s sun.
If lava-filled national parks and thrilling cruises in icy waters don’t entertain you, however, you can always rely on…
4. Boston and its amazing history
For those looking for a stopover destination in the United States, look no further than Boston. The city is steeped in American history, and even the briefest of trips there will leave you knowing more about the founding of the United States than any other educational experience. List of the best American cities for layovers and stopovers regularly feature Boston precisely for this reason.
Try one of the city’s famed lobster rolls or enjoy an evening of warm hospitality in one of Boston’s many Irish bars. For the sports fans, there is also Fenway Park – the hallowed home ground of the Boston Red Sox baseball team.
Finally, you can always choose to spend some time in…
5. Singapore is worth your time
Singapore is perhaps the world’s finest city-state, and it’s a particularly lovely destination for travelers. If you have a little time to burn in Singapore while waiting to travel elsewhere in Asia, it’s highly recommended that you check out the famous Singapore Zoo, which is regularly lauded as being the best in the world. Traveling across Southeast Asia or to Australia becomes much more manageable when you can relax for a few hours in some of the finest botanical gardens found around the globe.
But the delights of Singapore don’t end there. The city is a melting pot of Malay, India, Chinese and European culture, and it is reflected in its diverse cuisine. What’s more, Singapore is the only city in the world where you’ll find Michelin-starred street food that doesn’t come at Michelin-starred prices.
Not all cities are created equally, especially when it comes to stopovers. In time, you’ll doubtlessly discover that these 5 cities offer an unparalleled experience for travelers looking to take in the sights and culture without spending too much time and money in an unfamiliar location.
