A to B isn’t always possible. Many air routes are indirect, which can mean hours of waiting in airport transit lounges. Or a layover. Singapore — roughly midway between Europe and Australia — was one of the pioneers of layover travel. Changi Airport is widely rated as the best in the world, but the city itself proves easily accessible (just 30 minutes by taxi), with plenty of attractions for short-stay visitors to explore. The 250-acre Gardens by the Bay, especially, offers a wonderful antidote to the confines of airplanes and airports.

Another early adopter, Amsterdam made the most of Schiphol Airport’s role as a major international hub. By train, in just 17 minutes you can arrive in the heart of the city with its wealth of cultural and social attractions. Find museums dedicated to the likes of Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Anne Frank, as well as an abundance of bars, restaurants and the infamous coffee shops.

Cloud Forest Dome at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay © Hel080808 | Dreamstime.com

The Gulf States vie with each other to be the world’s premier layover hub, especially Doha and Dubai. Doha positioned itself as a cultural venue and boasts the world’s premier Museum of Islamic Art. Dubai is more about spectacle and consumer over-indulgence.

If you’re routing through Tokyo, try to use Haneda Airport rather than out-of-the-way Narita. The train from Haneda to central Tokyo takes just 20 minutes, putting you in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Vancouver arguably takes the spotlight as North America’s best layover city. The Canada Line SkyTrain gets you downtown in 25 minutes, and from there a short harbor crossing takes you to North Shore with its hiking trails and, in winter, ski slopes.

Nairobi National Park © Rumiguel | Dreamstime.com

If you think Vancouver is wild, try Nairobi. Practically adjacent to the airport lies Nairobi National Park, domain of wild lions, buffalo, elephant, black rhino and many other species. Or visit Langata Giraffe Centre, where you can feed tame giraffes from a raised platform.

Layovers don’t have to be lost time in transit. By routing through hubs with fast city links and varied attractions, a layover can be a destination in its own right.