TORONTO - Airports are not our favourite places — even the ones that look like shopping malls. Having said that, there are some we don’t mind being stranded while waiting for a connecting or delayed flight. And our friends at Vision Travel Solutions reminded us that some airports can be downright interesting thanks to the unique features they offer. Here’s a few we like and the reasons why:
1- VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL IS A ‘SEA WORLD’
British Columbia’s vibrant underwater ecosystem takes centre stage at Canada’s second busiest airport. The International Terminal houses two satellite Vancouver Aquarium Marine exhibits giving business travellers an opportunity to experience underwater life without ever having to leave the airport. The 114,000-litre aquarium, on Level 3, features over 5,000 creatures including wolf eels, rockfish and anemones and on Level 4 you can discover a variety of Pacific jellyfish in the 1,800-litre aquarium.
2- TOKYO’S NARITA IS REFRESHING
After a long flight there’s nothing better than stepping outside for fresh air. At Tokyo’s Narita Airport there’s something even better — the Juko Oxygen Lounge. Travellers can hook themselves up to oxygen tanks that pump flavoured oxygen from eucalyptus menthol to cinnamon. The increased oxygen is said to reduce headaches and limit the effects of jet lag, ideal especially when travelling for business where time is money.
3- HONG KONG IS ENTERTAINING
Experience cinema like never before at Hong Kong’s International Airport. The 350-seat UA IMAX theatre in Terminal 2 brings films to life with special effects including artificial fog, wind, water spray and even snowfall. After the movie enjoy a round of golf at the Sky City Nine Eagles nine-hole golf course located next to the terminal.
4- LOTS OF BEER IN MUNICH
Accommodating approximately 600 guests, Europe’s largest roofed-in-beer garden is at the Munich International Airport. Complete with a variety of trees, plants and even a pond, the glass ceiling covered venue is ideal for long layovers. While you’re soaking in the Bavarian spirit and sipping on a glass of Airbrau, enjoy some live musical performances at this traditional tavern.
5- LIVE MUSIC IN NASHVILLE
Famous for its country music, the Nashville International Airport displays some of the best local talent in the city. With four stages and up to 100 concerts per year, travellers can hear anything from Celtic and pop to bluegrass and Latin jazz.
6- - SLIDE INTO SINGAPORE
There’s lots to keep you occupied at arguably the best airport in the world, including a tropical garden with 47 species of butterflies and a 27-foot waterfall, two movie theatres, a Balinese-themed rooftop pool and the world’s tallest airport slide in Terminal 2. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout this gem.
