Taking off Travel blog

Over the last couple of months, we’ve been doing a tour of some of our favorite US destinations in our Layover series. To make these even more useful, I’ve found some videos of some of the attractions we mentioned in our September posts.

1. Venice Beach, Los Angeles
Here’s some footage from Venice Beach, another place to visit in Los Angeles.

(More things to do on a layover in LAX.)
Read more »

I have to admit that I’m an Orlando fan. Sure, millions of people flock to the city, which can make its world famous attractions rather overcrowded in the height of summer, but it’s still one of the best places I know to have fun. Flying into Orlando Airport, parking my bags in a hotel and heading out to the streets is my idea of a good time. Even if you’re on a business trip, there’s no reason that your layover in Orlando International Airport (MCO) has to be dull. There’s plenty to do within easy reach of the airport and, yes, that does include Disney.

Doing Disney

Admittedly, you will need a long layover if you plan to immerse yourself in the Disney experience. It’s not so much getting there (all the Disney attractions are within 20 miles of the airport), but you may not want to leave once you finally get inside. With four theme parks and two water parks,  Disney World offers a lot of choice. When I visited last year, I had to take my four year old for protective cover, but the truth was that I was just as excited to see the characters in the Magic Kingdom, to go on safari in the Animal Kingdom and to enjoy the water slides at Blizzard Beach. Next trip, I plan to visit Epcot, Disney MGM Studios and Typhoon Lagoon. Read more »

Indianapolis – the name means Indiana City – has been the state capital of Indiana since 1820. It’s the largest city in the state, one of the largest in the US and is best known for hosting the Indy 500 race and other sporting and musical events such as the Indy Jazz Festival.

If you’re planning a trip to Indianapolis, you will soon be lucky enough to fly into the new Indianapolis International Airport (IND) passenger terminal which will open within the month. This is part of an airport redesign which has been underway since 2002. There’s also a brand new Indianapolis airport parking facility to go along with the rest of the planned improvements.

So aside from checking out the spanking new facilities, what else can you do on a layover in Indianapolis? Since Indianapolis International Airport isn’t far from the city, why not take the 15 minute ride to see what’s on offer downtown? Read more »

New York City has always been a major center for entry into the US. It was true in the days when most people arrived by ship, and it’s true now that many arrive by air, most of them via John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). There’s no shortage of things to do on a layover in JFK. In fact, your problem will be deciding what to leave for next time. If you’ve driven into the city to catch a flight, take advantage of an offsite airport parking deal. It will save you money and you won’t have the hassle of driving in New York. Instead, start your layover by taking a cab ride to the first attraction; it’s all part of the New York experience. Here are some ideas for things to do on a layover in JFK.

Less Than 10 Miles From JFK

A good summer stop is Rockaway Beach, about five miles from the airport. Located on the south shore of Long Island, this was once a prime summer family resort. It’s nice to stroll along the boardwalk beside the ocean and breathe in that sea air. You’ll see volleyball, skating, surfing, fishing and swimming. This is a great spot to relax with a bite to eat while waiting to catch your connecting flight.

An unusual sight just over eight miles away is the Ganesha Temple, home to the Hindu Temple Society of North America. Located in Queens on the former site of a Russian Orthodox Church building, the temple was designed and constructed in India and then shipped over. It’s an ornate building, with carved elephant heads and other stunning architectural features. Read more »

If you have a layover in Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, there’s a lot to explore. Boston, Massachusetts has been a major center ever since it was founded in 1630. Famous for historical events such as the Boston Tea Party, Boston Massacre and Battle of Boston, the city is also known for being home to America’s first college, Harvard, and as a major shipping and manufacturing hub and the cultural center of New England. It’s a powerhouse when it comes to research, finance and technology and its rich history draws millions of visitors each year.

Less Than Two Miles From Logan Airport

With its rich naval history, many of Boston’s nearby attractions are focused on the water. Visit the oldest commissioned Navy ship in the world, Old Ironsides (better known as the USS Constitution) which took on the British in the War of 1812. Admission is free and there’s an interactive museum next door. Read more »