Make your stopover a success

nature theme continues. The airport houses a 114,000-litre aquarium and a smaller jellyfish pool. Some fish gazing and calmer blue tones will chill you out after the 13-hour flight from New Zealand.

Zurich, Switzerland:

Switzerland’s reputation for outdoor recreation is only rivalled by its reputation for high prices, so embrace one and avoid the other by hiring sports gear like bikes, roller blades and – local favourites – alpine poles to explore the green spaces just outside the terminal. Embrace the mountain air. Yodelling optional.

Seoul, South Korea:

A long Korean Airlines stopover on the way to Europe? Seoul’s Incheon airport offers the Ice Forest ice-skating rink to practise your pirouette, a casino to lose money in, a bamboo garden to lose yourself in, and a golf course to lose to fellow passengers on. All this fun without even tasting the kimchi.

Amsterdam-Schiphol, The Netherlands:

One of Europe’s biggest airports offers a taste of the city’s Rijksmuseum, with a free annex with works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh. The exhibitions change often, and after a temporary refurbishment, this stopover diversion will open again before 2017. While it’s closed, skim the pages at the world’s first airport library.

If you’re passing through Munich on Lufthansa, but not calling into the city’s famous Bavarian beer halls, Munich airport has you covered. Airbrau, is the world’s first airport brewery, situated between the terminals. Wheat beer and lager is made on site. They even chuck in free coffee and a traditional live band.

After you’ve devoured dim-sum at this Cathay Pacific base, why not take a seat in front of the airport’s IMAX screen or enjoy a round of golf. Alternatively, there’s even a flight simulator.

Munich, Germany: Hong Kong:

Always check the visa requirements for your stop-over airport.

Use apps like GateGuru so you are aware of any gate changes first.

If your luggage isn’t checked through to your final destination, consider storing it.

Having a small amount of local currency will save on credit card bills later.

Pay-per-use gyms and showers can help you refresh and de-grog.

Airlines such as Qatar, Singapore and Icelandair offer free tour deals to passengers who want to venture out.

Pod hotels are all the rage. Check them out for a couple of hours’ shuteye. Email if you have a travel issue you’d like Josh Martin, a London-based travel journalist, to write about.