Taking off Travel blog

Reunion Tower, a famous Dallas landmark

Whenever Dallas comes up in conversation, I visualize tall buildings, wide open spaces and that show – you know the one I mean. J R Ewing, played by Larry Hagman, is a legendary bad guy, and you can bet that somewhere in the world, someone is still watching his antics. But there’s so much more to this thriving metropolitan area than the part we’ve seen on TV. I set out to find out what you could visit while on a layover at Dallas Fort Worth Airport.  DFW lies between Dallas and Fort Worth, two major Texan cities just over 30 miles apart. If you’re on a layover you can take your pick of things to do in either city.

Things To Do In Dallas

If you enjoy exploring marine life, as I do, then visit the Dallas World Aquarium. Located in the historic distric, the aquarium is housed in several refurbished old warehouses from the early 19th century, as well as some purpose built modern structures. This attraction offers an adventure from the time you walk through the door. The aquarium has species from around the world, while you can also unmask the secrets of the Orinoco and explore Borneo. There are regular talks on conservation issues as well as performances by a Mayan troupe.

Enjoy The Outdoors

Located in East Dallas near White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum offers another way to enjoy nature. The 66 acre attractions features a range of gardens with different blooms, as well a Spanish mansion built in the style of the 1940s. There’s even a fitness trail for those who want to combine sightseeing with a workout. During the year, there are special events and concerts, so there’s always something to see. While you’re there, consider visiting White Rock Lake itself, for bird watching, horseback riding or a nine mile walk around the lake. Read more »

Partial aerial view of Miami

I first went to Miami more years ago than I care to remember. I’d landed my first job and was struggling to extricate myself from the penury of being a student. There was a deal on, and off I went. In those days I didn’t have to worry about Miami airport parking, as we traveled around by public transport or on foot. It was more of a shopping trip than a sightseeing one, but I made up for it on subsequent visits.

Miami International Airport (MIA) is a hub. It’s bursting with people and very busy. It’s among the world’s busiest international airports. If you have a layover in Miami, it’s probably better to escape the hubbub and take a short trip to a local attraction. Here are a few to choose from.

Racing And Sports

Less than three miles away from the airport is the 7,000 seater Flagler greyhound racing stadium, which is perfect for those who want a flutter. With a sports bar, daily races, a poker room and a weekend flea market, there’s something to do no matter which day of the week you land. Read more »

The site that would later become Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)  has been in operation since 1930. One of the busiest airports in America, the airport is constantly being upgraded and extended, with new airport parking and proposals for an additional runway. It’s the largest hub and major international gateway for Northwest Airlines, so if you’re traveling with that airline, you might find yourself there. The airport is only 20 miles from the city of Detroit, Michigan, giving plenty of time to check out local attractions when on a layover. Read more »

I love Florida, yet I’ve only seen a small part of it. My first trip there was in the 1980s. I’d just started my first job and a few of us decided to book a long weekend in Miami. Truth to tell, I didn’t do much sightseeing then; it was enough for me to be in a different place and soak up the sun. But I made up for it on subsequent trips. The one thing I haven’t done yet is take an eco-tour of Florida, but I’ve been doing a lot of research and I’ve come up with a list of places I’d like to visit. Here are a few of them: Read more »

When it comes to flying into and out of New York, JFK Airport is not the only game in town. If you’re on a domestic flight or are planning a trip to Aruba or the Bahamas (wouldn’t that be nice), then you’re likely to use LaGuardia Airport. The smallest of the New York Metropolitan area’s three airports, La Guardia has been run by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey since 1947. Its relatively central location means that there are lots of opportunities to enjoy a layover in LaGuardia. Make sure you sort out offsite airport parking so you don’t have the hassle of looking for a parking space in Manhattan. Read more »