make the most of layovers: 2 trips in one.
I like to travel and I like to do it cheaply.
When traveling long haul routes like USA to many African countries a stop over is expected. Why not make the most of them and break up your trip. There is no law that states that you need to remain in the airport during your layover. You just need to be there for your next flight or you miss it. The plane waits for no one, unlike what my brother believes.
here is an example of a flights from Newark, NJ (my home airport) and Nairobi, Kenya.
a little over 5 hour layover. Not too bad but hard to make a tour of it. Maybe a meal on the canals.
BUT...The return flight looks much more interesting.
Just shy of 24 hours of layover time. Now this works and works well. Landing at 3:40pm will leave a little time for a short afternoon tour and a leisurely dinner at Martine's table. This is where you dine with the chef and enjoy the local cuisine.
Then spring for a nice quiet hotel in the central district. this will run about $100 for a 3* and $250 and up for a 4+*.
This will break up the long haul flight and give you a chance for a nice shower and a comfortable sleep. Wake up early you don't want to sleep the time away. You can sleep at home.
Enjoy a wonderful breakfast at Omelegg. It's located right in the central district within walking distance of several museums and the train station.
enjoy a nice city tour on the hop on hop off bus. I'm a fan of these for the short stop overs and for a great overview of any city. For $35 or so you get a great primer and a free ride along with it.
Lunch on the street enjoying the local street fare.
walk a little and enjoy the sights of the city.
A nice break from the long haul flight and a mini vacation in a great city.
Time to return to the airport and wait for the flight to return you to your reality.
When traveling long hauls I try to always book a long stop over to help break up the cramped quarters of the airplane cabin.
enjoy your travels.
mark
enjoy the journey as well as the destination.