Taking off Travel blog

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 »

Some like it hot - and that’s certainly the case in Tampa. This major city on the west coast of Florida is warm all year round, with only an outside chance of snow during the winter months. That means you can spend a lot of time at the beach. The Tampa Bay area is known for lightning strikes and one of the stories about how it got its name is that Tampa meant ’sticks of fire’ in Calusa. With parks, beaches, attractions and theme parks, Tampa has a lot to offer anyone on a layover or vacation. Tampa Airport (TPA) is only a few miles from downtown Tampa so there’s plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds of the city.

A Trip To Africa

One of Tampa’s best attractions is Busch Gardens Africa. Started in 1969 as a hospitality center for visitors to the Anheuser-Busch brewery, the park covers more than 300 acres. There’s no manufacturing on site now. Instead, you can enjoy thrills and rides inside an African themed park where the animals roam free. The Gwazi double wooden roller coaster is an unmissable experience, as are the Tidal Wave Rapids. (Maybe not the best thing if you’re killing time before a meeting, as you’ll end up soaking wet.) One of the latest additions to Busch Gardens is Jungala, a hidden village in the Congo area where you can get close to the animals. Read more »

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 »

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 »