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5 LAYOVER STOPS

Connecting flights are some of the best ways to see a city, especially when your layover is 6 hours or more. In my opinion, anything less than 6 hours would make it worrisome leaving the airport due to the hours needed to explore, immigration and security checkpoint times.
The only time I do suggest leaving the airport with less than 6 hours to explore, is if the airport is close in approximation of sight seeing, restaurants and more.

Below I’ve listed 5 layover stops (Most to least favourite). 

  1. Munich, Germany

On my way to Cairo, Egypt I had a layover in Munich for 8 hours. It included:
  • The beer garden (Viktualienmarkt)
  • Easy access to sight seeing from Airport to the city via train (Pay station located at Airport)
  • Carry-on storage at airport (cost depending on weight of carry-on)
  • Easy exit and entrance (Immigration and Security checkpoints)

I absolutely loved my layover in Munich as most of the sight seeing spots were super accessible and budget friendly. It was also extremely safe for a solo traveler. 
Budget: $100 USD (exchange in Euros)



  1. Panama City, Panama
On my way to Cartagena, Colombia I did an overnight layover stop for 12 hours in the city of Panama. It included:
  • Pickup from the airport
  • Private transportation
  • Bar/ club hop all night long
  • Tour Guide

Whole-heartedly loved this layover. From the clubs visited to the tour guide, I had an amazing time visiting Panama City, and would highly recommend it. 
Drinks not included at any of the bar/clubs. This tour lasted for about 6 hours or so and I was able to catch my flight the following morning. Team no sleep.
Cost: $65 USD (Nightlife Tour)
Budget: $60 USD extra (Price depends on how much you drink)



  1. Bridgetown, Barbados 
  • Broad Street (Shopping)
  • Beach (Bath Beach)
  • Random monkeys (Green Monkeys)/ turtle in sea
  • Airbnb owner (Chester)

Saint Vincent currently does not have direct flights going to the Island. Going to and from the Island I stopped over in Barbados. One of my best layovers thanks to my airbnb owner, Chester.  His house was located in St. John, not exactly close to Bridgetown or the airport but it was the perfect budget for a layover stop. Who needs a super expensive hotel when you can get him as an owner. He practically took me everywhere I wanted to go which worked out in my favour as I got to see a whole lot in just one day. 
Budget: $40 USD (exchange into Barbadian dollars) Bring more if wanting to go shopping



  1. Washington, DC (United States of America)
  • Sight seeing (Monuments)
  • Cheap hotel 
  • Close to airport

This layover is great for sight seeing. Most monuments you can think of when thinking about Washington is literally located right outside the airport. I remember touching down and being in shock that it was all right there. The next time I visit it would have to be in the day time and I would have to check out the new National Museum of African American History and Culture (requires booking in advance to visit). 
Budget: $100 USD (Majority for Cab fare to and from Airport)

  1. Miami, Florida (United States of America) 

On my way to St. Lucia, I did an overnight layover in Miami. It included
  • Nightlife (Clubs/ Strip Clubs)
  • Great food spots
  • Late night shopping/ souvenir store
  • South beach walk

Miami is a great place to visit. From clubbing to excursions or just checking out great food spots, you’ll sure to find something up your alley. The reason it is my least favourite on a layover stop is because of the airport layout. This airport is one of the most complicated to date airport I’ve ever visited. I would never advise having a short connection in Miami because you are almost certain to miss your flight. My last layover at this airport was a disaster. I ended up missing my flight with a 2.5 hour connection in Miami just because of the checkpoints. I swear this airport has the most checkpoints of life. Not to mention the sky train that you have to take to get from one end of the airport to another. Plus this airport is ALWAYS busy. The lines are never short, which makes for a very hectic layover if your layover time is short.
Budget: $150 USD

(Young me)




Note to self: To ensure you get the best out of your layover its best to research ahead of time. Putting in the research will allow you to spend your time wisely by knowing what excursions, restaurants, sightseeing, and routes available in the area. In addition to be time contingent, its best to exchange the country’s currency before entering the country to save time.

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