The notion of booking extended layovers to explore a destination is started to become a norm in the travel world. You would be amazed at what you can accomplish during a long layover. Gone are the days of spending the night on a cot, instead hop on the local transportation, and find yourself in the heart of the city for a few hours. Airlines are now even offering promotions to extend layovers for multiple days (for example IcelandAir and Emirates). If done right, I think it is a convenient way to cross off a destination from the bucket list.
My husband recently did a trip to Hong Kong and back in 36 hours, purely for miles — that’s a story for another day. He had a 16 hour flight to Hong Kong, 12 hours in the actual city, and then another 16 hour flight home. Before taking off, we did a little research on how he could make the most of his time. He’s a bit of a foodie (and he loves Dim Sum), so he made that the focus of his trip.
Here’s how he spent a layover in Hong Kong:
8:08pm: Lands in Hong Kong International Airport. Takes the AirportExpress Train directly to the hotel, The W Hong Kong. Located within the main city district and directly on the harbour, the hotel was the best option for a quick, overnight trip. After settling in, the main key stops are located by a short cab, train or a walk.
The first stop of the night, the Fat Seafood Restaurant, is located within an outside street market. It embodies the typical street vendor with plastic chairs, tarps and “order yourself” service. First up? Spicy Pork and Eggplant in a claypot and an Oyster Cake (Fried Oysters and Eggs).
After the first meal, it’s on to the second at Lin Hueng Tea House, a seat yourself Dim Sum restaurant. Favorites? Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, BBQ Pork Buns, Shanghai Soup Dumplings with Black Truffle.
Night cap with a drink at OZONE, the highest bar in the world located in the Ritz-Carlton.
2am-ish: Calls me (12pm in Chicago the day before) and updates me on the adventure. Funny story: He actually saw one of my favorite bloggers in Hong Kong.
6am: Wake up call, and heads to the rooftop pool for a few laps with an incredible view of the city.
8am: Breakfast at the W Hotel overlooking the Hong Kong Harbour. After enjoying the breakfast buffet, he is back on the train to the airport.
2pm CST: Lands in Chicago!
Would you ever do a long layover? Do you have any tips or recommendations?
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