Sometimes when you plan a trip, you have to deal with a longer than normal layover in a different city. This can be a blessing! I have highlighted five such layovers you can build into your trip itinerary to get the most from your trip (KLM - Amsterdam, Emirates - Dubai, British Airways - London, Turkish Airlines - Istanbul, IcelandAir - Reykjavik).

When you're in this part of the world, be sure to take a ferry from Chumphon towards the East Thai islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan. These islands together all have a little something different to offer so it's worth checking out all three. You can expect to go snorkeling, paddle boarding, suntanning, diving, and plenty of eating and drinking when you're here. Enjoy!

The northern region of Vietnam boasts the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi and the amazing archipelago at Ha Long Bay. Take in the sights in the capital, walk through the Old Quarter and experience Hoán Kiêm Lake while riding a scooter through the city. Then book yourself a boat to take you for a night out on Ha Long Bay with stunning viewpoints and explore Sung Sot Cave while you’re at it.

Hoi An and Hue in Central Vietnam are (IMHO) the most culturally important cities in the country. Where else in Vietnam can you ride bicycles through the alleyways lined with lanterns and through rice fields on the city outskirts, to the most picturesque beaches? The Answer: Hoi An. Hue is rich in history as well. See it all at the Imperial City and Tombs/Pagodas that dot along the Perfume river.

The southern region of Vietnam has a massive bustling city in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), and an area lush with jungle vegetation, known as the Mekong Delta. Here you can get two massively different experiences, but just as much adventure. If you desire to go to the beach and live in paradise for a few days, then Nha Trang is just for you!

There are plenty of places to see the Great Wall of China, each one particularly different than the others. This is a look at what to expect from Great Wall sites such as Mutianyu, Jiankou, Simatai, Huanghuacheng, Gebeikou, Juyongguan, Huangyaguan, Badaling, with a more in-depth look at the section at Jinshangling.

The old Chinese capital of Xi'an is a charming city with a vast history. It's home to the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors. Even more so, here you can hike one of China's 5 great mountains, Mt. Huashan. Within the city itself, visits to the Bell and Drum Towers, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, as well as the Xi'an city walls, are must dos.

Hiroshima is such an underrated city in Japan. Despite it's tragic past, the city has become a symbol for Peace. While you're here, check out the Hiroshima Castle, the A-Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Park, and make your way to Miyajima Island for some hiking and sweeping views of the entire city.

The cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in Thailand, several hours north of Bangkok, are a great change of pace from the country capital. In these cities you can discover great temples like Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and the White Temple, see a Muay Thai fight, and even take cooking classes in traditional Thai cuisine.

As the only city located on two continents (Europe and Asia), you could say Istanbul is double the fun. The attractions of this city are endless: Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Galata bridge and tower, Taksim Square, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, and the Maiden's Tower are a great way to get started to discovering the identity of this amazing city.

Do some research of Tokyo first by watching 'Lost in Translation'. Then use this guide to figure out how to use the Tokyo metro system and what areas to see in this massive city like Ginza (for shopping), Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Asakusa (Senso-Ji Temple), Yoyogi Park, the Imperial Palace, Seimon Stonebridge, Tsukiji Fish Market, and TeamLab Borderless (among MANY others).

A road trip in a foreign country doesn't have to be scary. In fact, this is the BEST way to see Mt. Fuji in Japan. Rent a car from Hakone and explore the Fuji Five Lakes (Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Saiko, Shoji and Motosu), as well as the Chureito Pagoda, Aokigahara Forest, Lake Tanuki, Shiraito Falls, Oshino Hakkai, Hiryu Falls, and Lake Ashi.

This Chinese capital city is HUGE and it can be intimidating to see. The must-see stops of Beijing include The Forbidden City, Tianenmen Square, and the Summer Palace. You can also see different portions of the Great Wall from Beijing as well. Don't forget to sample the street food and spend some time in a tea house.

It can be argued that the biggest draw of Bangkok (and Thailand in general) is the food. In between meals, you can make your way up and down the Chao Phraya river by boat, stopping at different attractions along the way. These include Wat Arun, Wat Pho, The Grand Palace, Tha Tian Market, and Saranrom Park.

If you like epic skylines (either to enjoy or to photograph), the Chinese city of Shanghai is impressive. A more westernized city than other places in China, the city has plenty of character and is comprised of very different boroughs. Great landmarks and areas to see in Shanghai include Tianzifang, The Bund, Jing'An Sculpture Park and Temple, and the Shanghai World Financial Center.

Kyoto is a bustling city with modern conveniences, while also possessing a treasure trove of historic and cultural entities. This page breaks down some of the attractions and temples to see in the city like Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji, Ginkaku-Ji, Gion District, Philosopher's Path, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Fushimi-Inari Taischa, Nikishi Market, and Kiyomizu-Dera Temple.

Penon Penh and Siem Reap are the two must sees in Cambodia. The country is most well known for its collection of temples, in their highest concentration at Angkor Archeological Park (near Siem Reap). Here you can see world famous temples such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Phnom Bakheng, Pre Rup, Preah Khan, and Temple Ta Prohm.