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7 Best Islands in the Caribbean for Solo Travel

7 Best Islands in the Caribbean for Solo Travel

The Caribbean is one of the best places to get a taste of solo travel.

First, it’s endlessly gorgeous. Aside from its pristine beaches, the region’s islands are home to lush jungles and colorful reefs.

Second, in addition to its natural splendor, the Caribbean is also close to the United States. No long plane rides or multi-leg journeys are needed. In fact, some hotspots can be reached in as little as an hour from Florida, and don’t even require you to have a passport.

Most importantly, the Caribbean is a popular pick for American travelers—meaning you’ll probably meet a few friendly travelers within a few hours of arriving.

The only question is… where should you go?

If you’ve been dreaming of a Caribbean adventure, there’s an island for just about every solo travel dream. Take a few shortcuts here with the best islands across a range of vacation interests.

Best islands in the Caribbean for solo travel: short list

  • Most affordable: The Bahamas
  • Prettiest beaches (and best diving): Cayman Islands
  • Most rugged and remote: British Virgin Islands
  • Best culture and entertainment: St. Martin
  • Foodie dreams: St. Bart’s
  • Water sports paradise: Barbados
  • No passport needed: St. Croix

Best islands in the Caribbean for solo travel

Most affordable: The Bahamas

Enjoy the tranquility of the waters of the islands of the Bahamas (Getty)

Though the Bahamas isn’t cheap, you can make your way across the islands on a shoestring budget if needed. (If you can get to South Florida for cheap, you also won’t pay much for a flight to Nassau.)

The best way to travel to the Bahamas on a shoestring budget is to wait for its many hotels, resorts, and hostels to offer deals.

While you can find more affordable options in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, both countries are more geared toward resort vacations. And though resort vacations are absolutely worth your time, they tend to feel a little isolating during solo travel, in my opinion.

In the Bahamas, you can find more boutique options that won’t keep you sidelined in a specific area.

Here’s where to stay in the Bahamas and what to do.

Prettiest beaches (and best diving): Cayman Islands

Seven miles beach on Grand Cayman

Though the Bahamas are also great for beach-hunting and diving, the Caymans (a British Overseas Territory) are usually considered the paragon of Caribbean marine adventures.

Not only do you have access to some of the world’s healthiest and most colorful reefs, but you can also explore dramatic underwater drop-offs and shipwrecks.

The best part? You don’t need extensive diving experience to enjoy the water. If you’d rather not dive at all, you can snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard to your heart’s content.

Just keep in mind that you might want to be mindful about where you eat and dine. The Caymans have the highest GDP in the Caribbean, so local prices might surprise you.

Here’s where to stay in the Caymans and what to do.

Most rugged and remote: British Virgin Islands

A dozen boats are anchored off Sandy Cay off Tortola in the British Virgin Islands (Getty)

While we’re on the topic of British Overseas Territories, don’t forget about the British Virgin Islands. Compared to the US Virgin Islands, BVI is more rugged, remote, and vast.

If you want a more wild look at the Caribbean, then head to Tortola and Virgin Gordo. From there, you can join a charter to get out on the water and delve further into the cerulean sea.

That’s the only catch here—because BVI is so remote, you need to plan out your travels more than you would in other places. If you’re a rambling traveler, that might not be the best fit. But if you’re on the hunt for a tropical frontier, it doesn’t get any better.

Here’s where to stay in BVI and what to do.

Best culture and entertainment: Jamaica

Blue Lagoon , Port Antonio, Jamaica (Getty)

Kingston has one of the fastest-growing entertainment scenes in the Caribbean, from street art to lively boutique hotels where people gather to have fun.

You can easily spend a week in the capital city getting to know more about Jamaican food, drinks, dance, music, and more. When you’re ready to escape the urban center, you’ll have plenty to do. You can explore the jungle on horseback, lounge on the beach with a drink, hike through the mountains with an expert guide, and much more.

Though Jamaica does have a high crime rate, it’s worth pointing out that only around .01% of crime affects visitors. (The same is true for the Bahamas.) Follow your solo safety tips and you’ll be just fine.

Here’s where to stay in Jamaica and what to do.

Foodie dreams: St. Bart’s

Panoramic landscape view of the port of Gustavia with boats, yachts and luxury ships (Getty)

Is it cliché that St. Bart’s is my pick for foodie dreams as a French overseas territory? Regardless, St. Bart’s has a bit of a reputation for its unique dishes.

With a blend of African, Caribbean, and European influences, you’ll find some of the region’s most memorable eats at fine dining establishments and from local vendors alike.

There’s Poulet Roti, a chicken dish that’s served with local veggies; Accras de Morue, savory fritters usually made of cod; Pate et Pot, a Creole dish focused on meat; and Conch Gratin, which is sea snail baked in layers of bechamel sauce and local fruit.

Here’s where to stay in St. Bart’s and what to do.

Water sports paradise: Barbados

Kayak race in Barbados (Getty)

Because Barbados is such a popular destination, you won’t be short on ways to get out on the water. You can easily snorkel, dive, kayak, and even take surfing lessons.

But it’s also easy to book a more thrilling experience, from water skiing to tubing to hyper-speed banana boat rides. As someone who loves to be on the beach and in the water, Barbados would be my top pick.

Similar to Jamaica, Barbados is also a great stop if you’re on the hunt for culture. Bajan culture lets you experience new art forms, from dancing to music to culinary dishes. Plus, the island comes alive with major events multiple times a year, from Carnaval to the Crop Over Festival.

Here’s where to stay in Barbados and what to do.

No passport needed: US Virgin Islands

St. John, US Virgin Islands at Trunk Bay (Getty)

Americans dreaming of solo travel in the Caribbean don’t even need to get their passports. You can travel to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands with a state-issued ID.

Given I’m sure many Americans have already heard about the wonders of San Juan, Puerto Rico, I’d like to highlight the wonders of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.

From the city of Charlotte Amalie, you can easily head toward some of the most popular resorts and hotels in St. Thomas, or nearby St. John. (St. Croix is located further south and can be accessed by flight or ferry.) Stretches of white sand beach, gorgeous coral reef, and forested parklands await on all three islands.

Here’s where to stay in USVI and what to do.

3 European Cruise Extensions from Railbookers: Italy, Spain, Netherlands, & More

Flying is the most utilitarian way to get around.

It’s quick, it’s (mostly) affordable, and it’s (usually) reliable.

Though we love to watch the clouds from the window during flights, air travel isn’t nearly as scenic as journeys by land or water. It also tends to be more hectic and uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, we don’t have the option to book alternative forms of transportation very often.

Cruises are more often the focus of a vacation, not a form of transit. Train travel, by contrast, is usually a very short and scenic way to get from Point A to Point B—and little else.

Usually is the keyword here.

While the standard vacation might revolve around a cruise or incorporate a short train journey, some adventures include both.

In fact, some companies are working hard to make this the norm.

A new take on train travel: cruise extensions

I’ve had my eye on Railbookers for a few years because the company takes the headache out of putting together scenic, memorable, and comfortable journeys by train around the world, including themed seasonal packages. (This isn’t a paid ad—I’m just a bona fide fan.)

One of the company’s latest projects is creating easy-to-add-on train routes in cities with popular cruise ports. The idea is simple: cruise-goers can easily add on a three or four-day train journey after they’ve deboarded the ship.

That’s a sweet deal anywhere in the world—but I think it’s truly unbeatable in Europe.

After all, if you’re flying all the way from the US to Europe for a cruise, why not extend the fun by crossing some of the continent’s most scenic byways via train?

How do Railbookers’ cruise extensions work?

As far as I can tell, Railbookers hasn’t partnered with any cruise liners or companies to roll out its unique cruise extension offers.

Instead, they’ve detailed several train routes that you can easily schedule before or after your cruise. Below, I’m highlighting train routes that start from popular cities where cruises port—but you can also request the reverse route if you’d rather travel by train, and then cruise.

Simply find the route that works for you, then book your trip via online form or phone. You’ll have more than enough details to see if the trip is a good fit or not—Railbookers details every single day of the trip. It even lets you look at the hotels that you can book for the night.

Remember, Railbookers also specializes in tailored journeys, so don’t hesitate if you want to customize part of the trip.

Using the link above, you can shop around for dozens of cruise extensions. I’ve selected three of the best options for travelers heading to Europe, plus one bonus pick.

Top 3 cruise extensions in Europe

Starting in Civitavecchia, Italy

6 days, 4 destinations (Venice, Florence, Rome, and Civitavecchia)

Join the route in Civitavecchia, then head inland to explore Italy’s greatest wonders. Whether you want to take a tour of the Coliseum, wander through the museums of Florence, or dine next to the Venician canals, this longer six-day extension gives you all the time you need to experience Italy.

I’m a fan of this route for three reasons. First, the tour of Italy is pretty unbeatable, taking the headache out of seeing its most famous spots. Second, you’ll have a window seat to soak up the Italian countryside—including the famous Tuscany. Lastly, the hotel stays that Railbookers offers in Italy are something special, letting you unwind in style.

Starting in Barcelona, Spain

5 days, 3 destinations (Barcelona, Paris, London)

Want to hit three of the most popular cities in Europe without heading to the airport? This is one of the most accessible cruise extensions from Railbookers because most Mediterranean cruises stop in the city. From there, you can head north to Paris and then onward to London.

The itinerary includes two full days in Paris and London, letting you soak up the sites and experiences that matter most to you. Railbookers also sets the stage for some incredible experiences, including climbing the Eiffel Tower and getting a seat on the London Eye.

Starting in Amsterdam, Netherlands

5 days, 4 destinations (Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Basel)

Dock in Amsterdam and then set off on the train trip of a lifetime. While your main focus might be stops like Amsterdam and Paris, visits to Brussels, Belgium, and Basel, Switzerland are two semi-hidden gems that many Americans miss during visits to Europe.

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a fascinating city with a long history—one that Railbookers will help you delve into. The journey ends in Basel without any tours set up, but you can easily book tours to explore the local history and architecture.

Bonus pick: Starting in Bergen, Norway

4 days, 3 destinations (Bergen, Flam, and Oslo)

Lastly, don’t forget about heading north! If you’re going on a Scandinavian cruise, then consider bundling this journey from Bergen. I visited the area (including Flam and Oslo) a few years back and found it to be stunning.

Unfortunately, I was driving—and I’d love the chance to go back and experience Norway’s dramatic coastal views from a comfortable train seat.

11 Things to Do in Santa Fe as a Solo Traveler or Couple

You probably know Santa Fe as the capital city of New Mexico, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the US’s oldest capital city.

From historic sites to boutique shopping to national parks, there’s always a new adventure on the dusky, desert horizon.

For solo travelers and couples, that means one thing: you’ve got plenty to do when visiting. Though history should (rightly) be on your radar in the US’s oldest capital city, you need to carefully plan for other must-sees.

Along with acclaimed restaurants and luxury hospitality, solo travelers and couples in Santa Fe also have access to unique cultural exposés, specialty museums, and even the chance to learn hands-on crafts like pottery-making.

Tours and classes are two of my favorite ways to put together a meaningful travel adventure—but I’ll let you choose for yourself in Santa Fe. Below, I’ve listed 11 of the city’s best activities for lone rangers and couples.

Short list: best activities in Santa Fe

  • History: Palace of the Governors & San Miguel Chapel
  • Art & Culture: Meow Wolf, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, & Georgia O’Keefe Museum
  • Entertainment & relaxation: Santa Fe Opera House & Ten Thousand Waves
  • Food & drink: Santa Fe Margarita Trail
  • Learn something new: Stained Glass Class & Two-hour Pottery Class
  • Nature: Bandelier National Monument

Best things to do in Santa Fe for solo travelers & couples

History: Palace of the Governors & San Miguel Chapel

San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, built in 1610 (Getty)

There are two historical landmarks that you can’t miss in Santa Fe. The first is the Palace of the Governors, which was constructed back in 1610 as the capitol building of New Mexico. Its iconic adobe structure reflects local Pueblo architecture, and its halls have been walked by famous state and national heroes.

San Miguel Chapel was built in the same year as a mission church, which makes it the oldest church in the continental US (though it’s been rebuilt). Like the Palace of Governors, it’s a modest structure that might catch you off-guard.

To get the most out of your visits, go with a guide—they know all the juiciest details of these centuries-old historic buildings. Otherwise, your tours will wrap up pretty quickly.

Art & Culture: Meow Wolf, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, & Georgia O’Keefe Museum

The Meow Wolf tourist attraction which has been described as an “immersive, multimedia experiences” (Getty)

Like many other desert cities, the creativity in Santa Fe is off the charts. Meow Wolf, an experimental and modern art collective, got its start in Santa Fe back in 2008 by designing a 20,000-square-foot art and entertainment facility. Even if you’re suspicious of immersive art, it’s worth a visit.

I also suggest visiting the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, which showcases traditions from around the Southwest. Unlike many museums, this institution works closely to highlight the voices and experiences of the Native communities discussed within.

Lastly, the Georgia O’Keefe Museum is a must-see for any art fans. O’Keefe famously lived and worked in Santa Fe where she helped steer the future of American modernism. If you’re a hardcore fan, you can even see O’Keefe’s studio in a separate museum located in Abiquiu.

Entertainment & relaxation: Santa Fe Opera House & Ten Thousand Waves

Ten Thousand Waves (Courtesy of TripAdvisor)

I love an opera house experience—and there’s nothing like seeing a show live while solo traveling, as it often feels like a more personal experience. But the Santa Fe Opera House isn’t like most others; it’s an outdoor amphitheater that’s gorgeous and cozy.

Or if you’re more in the mood for downtime, head to Ten Thousand Waves. This unique hot spring resort was crafted to mimic the onsens of Japan, so you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a portal to the east.

The spa also has a luxury hotel, in case you’re on the hunt for an opulent and romantic stay!

Food & drink: Santa Fe Margarita Trail

If you’re looking to eat well in Santa Fe—don’t worry, options abound. But there’s one tour that caught my eye: the Margarita Trail. This tour takes you to some of the city’s most popular restaurants and bars to sample a range of specialized margaritas.

Uniquely, it’s hosted by Santa Fe’s tourist department, which means you’re directly supporting the city with every tajín-laced sip. The tour comes with an app, a passport, and a tiered list of prizes for those who complete the journey.

Even as someone who doesn’t normally drink margaritas, I’d be joining this tour—but make sure to order a few virgin margaritas along the way if you’re a solo traveler. One of the most important rules in solo travel is to stay sober.

Learn something new: Stained Glass Class & Two-hour Pottery Class

Courtesy of Viator (Stained Glass Class)

Speaking of tours that are worth your time, Santa Fe offers a few fantastic classes. If you’re a more hands-on creative type, I’d set aside an afternoon to take on the stained glass class.

Or if you’re on the hunt for more casual fun, go for the two-hour pottery class. It won’t take quite as much concentration as learning how to make stained glass. Plus, the proceeds go to charity.

Nature: Bandelier National Monument

Cliff Dwellings at Bandelier National Monument (Getty)

Just outside Santa Fe, you can explore Bandelier National Monument—a national park that protects over 33,000 acres of canyons and mesa. Uniquely, however, you can also see the remnants of ancient Pueblo homes and sites.

Just know that you’ll need to rent a car to reach the park and explore at your own pace.

3 Best eSIMs for International Travel: Airalo, Firsty, and Saily

International travel is more accessible than ever before, and much of that ease is ode to technology.

One of my favorite advances from the last decade are eSIMs.

These virtual SIM cards make it easy for Americans to extend their cellphone plans when traveling abroad. To use an eSIM, all you need to do is download an app from an eSIM provider, select the plan that works for you, and then make sure your eSIM is ready to activate when you arrive at your destination.

Sounds like an easy setup, right? In reality, getting the hang of different eSIM providers and options takes a bit of time. I’ve used Airalo for over a year with great success, but other names are constantly popping up on the market.

If you’re new to eSIMs, start here. I’m breaking down three of the best eSIMs for 2025, along with what makes them unique. Here’s your guide to Airalo, Firsty, and Saily.

Best eSIMs for international travel: at a glance

  • Airalo: Easiest setup
  • Firsty: Best free plan
  • Saily: Most secure option

Airalo: Easiest setup

I use Airalo because it’s really easy to set up and has been used by over 10 million travelers around the world. That’s an insane number that showcases just how straightforward the platform is.

Plus, Airalo is the very first eSIM, which means they’ve got plenty of experience in fine-tuning their app. For me, the positive experience using Airalo boils down to how the app lets you shop for data plans, which is by selecting your destination country.

Just click on the country, then you’ll see a handful of plans. Each plan comes with a country of coverage, data limit, validity period, and price. Just click on the plan that suits you, then you can read through the details.

As a cherry on top, Airalo is also very affordable.

Firsty: Best free plan

Firsty stands out thanks to its free plan. (Airalo also has one, but it isn’t quite as attractive.) Their basic free connection still lets you send Apple and WhatsApp messages, along with emails.

Considering that’s about all I need when traveling, Firsty is a great go-to for budget travelers. But there’s another appeal with Firsty: it’s border-crossing capabilities.

Using a single eSIM plan, you can cross borders without switching to another provider. And even their paid eSIM plan is as cheap as €1 per day (around $1.10).


Saily: Most secure option

Saily comes from Nord VPN, a virtual private network provider. That means you get one huge benefit when you use Saily: peace of mind.

Saily has boosted security features that let you browse worldwide securely. You automatically join the network that includes over 80 options for joining a secure network—which also lets you do things like access Netflix from your home country.

Similar to Airalo, you use Saily by first selecting your destination. That makes Saily both easy to use for first-timers and secure for those who don’t know about the dangers of using public Wi-Fi.

As an added bonus, Saily also protects you from intrusive ads and trackers.

Lone Star Shortlist: 5 Reasons to Visit Houston

From the outside looking in, Houston is just another massive city, albeit with Lone Star inclinations.

But there’s a lot brewing beneath the surface in Houston.

Surprises abound, from daring new culinary ventures to memorable specialty museums. There’s a pleasant surprise in store for travelers of all ages, too. In terms of infrastructure, things to do, and accessibility, Houston has everything a traveler could want.

Despite how well-rounded the city is, it doesn’t often pop up on domestic travel radars.

With no beaches, iconic national parks, or famous skylines in reach, it’s often brushed under the rug with other land-locked metropolises like Chicago and Boulder.

Though not nearly as sexy as a coastal town like Miami or as trendy as a new destination like Nashville, Houston is one of the most reachable, affordable, and re-visitable places in the United States.

Here’s why you should visit Houston – or at least keep it on your short list.

5 reasons to visit Houston

Reason #1: Its list of free attractions and museums is long

Houston Arboretum (Courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Like other major cities, Houston is home to a handful of organizations that work hard to make public artworks and museums accessible to the general public. For travelers, that means you’ll have plenty to do without overspending.

The city is home to a whopping 38 specialty museums, which let you explore the unexpected in more than a few ways.

While you probably know about museums like Space Center Houston and The Houston Museum of Natural Science, there are dozens of other options. My favorites are listed below—they’ll keep you busy for more than a few lazy afternoons.

Coolest museums and free attractions in Houston:

  • National Museum of Funeral History
  • Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
  • Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum
  • Port Houston Boat Tour (free)
  • Houston Arboretum & Nature Center (free)

Reason #2: Houston’s culinary scene is one of the best in the country

The Burger Joint (Courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Houston is a cultural melting pot where close to 150 languages are spoken. Fans of culture know that means one thing: you’ll eat well in Houston. In fact, you might actively struggle to narrow down which eateries to stop at during your trip.

Not only can you find James Beard-caliber chefs in town, but many offer drool-worthy fusion foods. Or, if you want to keep things more casual, you won’t be disappointed by local favorites like The Burger Joint (pictured above).

Here’s where I’d stuff my face in Houston:

  • Turner’s Cut
  • Tatemó
  • The Burger Joint
  • Killens Southern Restaurant
  • Xochi
  • The Blind Goat

Reason #3: Its boutique hotel scene is worth splurging over

The Lancaster (Courtesy of Booking)

I’m a huge fan of boutique hotels for two reasons. First, they’re not always pricier than chains—even though they offer a more specialized and tasteful setup. Second, they add even more immersion and intrigue to any trip, letting you settle into a space and feel cozy with a detail-oriented approach.

Though you can absolutely find budget hotels and hostels, I vote you upgrade in Houston. The three options listed below are worth every penny.

My top picks for boutique hotels:

  • Hotel ZaZa (best location)
  • The Lancaster (most historic)
  • Hotel Granduca (most upscale)

Reason #4: When you visit Houston, country fun isn’t far away

ATV Rentals in Houston (Courtesy of TripAdvisor)

Whether or not you actually leave the city limits, Houston’s more country tendencies are at your fingertips. The Arboretum & Nature Center (pictured in the first section) is one option, along with the Cockrell Butterfly Center and the city’s free Port Houston boat tour.

But don’t forget about other more hardboiled adventures, from ATV rentals to golf cart tours. If you’re looking for a little country fun, start with the options below. Some are day trips, while others can be packaged into an afternoon in the city.

Get buck wild here:

  • Indoor skydiving
  • ATV rentals in Houston
  • Guided ATV tours in Houston
  • Brazos Bend nature tour
  • Airsoft gun adventure

Reason #5: Big events turn the city into a block party

What’s better than a citywide celebration? Given Houston’s size and diversity, it’s no surprise that the city hosts larger-than-life gatherings at least once a month, from Chinese New Year to Fourth of July celebrations to massive rodeo events.

I recommend taking a look at the latest events on the calendar and booking a trip that overlaps with an event that piques your interest. (I’d probably head to the Houston Livestock and Rodeo show.)

6 Best Airports for Day Trips in the US (Plus, Where to Go)

Nobody likes a long layover.

Even if you know the tricks of organizing a comfortable layover, and even if you’ve booked your long layover at an airport with top-tier terminals, there are certain stretches of time that seem to drag on and on and on.

If you have a layover longer than seven hours at a major airport, you might want to consider jumping ship—at least until it’s time to check (back) in for your next flight.

The big question is… which airports are close enough to major landmarks and attractions to justify exiting security?

If you’re planning on saving big on plane tickets by opting for a hefty layover, then do so at one of the airports listed below. They’re close to major attractions, and they’re (usually) not difficult or pricey to get to.

Ready to book a layover over seven hours and be happy about it? Stick to the best airports for day trips in the US.

Best airports for day trips in the US (plus, where to go)

  1. Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP): Mall of America
  2. Las Vegas (LAS): the Strip
  3. Los Angeles (LAX): Santa Monica Beach
  4. New York City (JFK): Lower East Side
  5. Miami (MIA): South Beach
  6. Orlando (MCO): Universal, Disney World, and more

Best airports for day trips in the US

Minneapolis-St. Paul: Mall of America

A general view of the Nickelodeon Universe theme park at the Mall of America (Getty)

Though it might not seem like a likely candidate, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport can take you straight to the country’s largest and most well-known mall: Mall of America.

Every 7.5 minutes, a lite rail leaves the airport, which includes a stop at the Mall of America.

In only 12 minutes, you’ll find yourself in one of the US’s grandest and most iconic destinations. Whether or not you want to shop, there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs before a long flight.

Las Vegas: The Strip

View of the New York New York hotel and casino (Getty)

Las Vegas International Airport is located close to the Strip—in fact, this airport is one of the closest to its urban center in the US.

Though there’s no public transportation option to get into town, it’ll only cost you around $20 to get a taxi or ride share onto the Strip. From there, a world of unforetold entertainment awaits.

Los Angeles: Santa Monica Pier

Portrait of a mixed race family of Californians enjoying a day on the beach.

Similar to Las Vegas, you might be shocked at how little time it’ll take you to get from LAX to hotspots like the Santa Monica Pier.

If you want to save money, you can spend less than $15 to take the Line 3 bus from the airport to the Pier, which takes about an hour.

If you’re okay with spending a bit more, you can get there in 20 minutes with a taxi that costs around $45-50. Best of all, Santa Monica is a hub for train lines, so you can easily take off to explore other parts of the city if you have time.

New York City (JFK): Lower East Side

Lower East Side (Getty)

The A Train runs straight to JFK—and it’ll take you anywhere you want to go in the city. If you grab an Express Train, you’ll be in downtown Brooklyn in 20 minutes.

Or you can ride it straight into Manhattan. I’d suggest taking the A Train to Fulton Street, then transferring to the F Train and taking it to East Broadway.

You’ll climb the stairs into one of the most iconic, busy, and explorable NYC neighborhoods. (I vote you head to Tompkins Square Park, then have a drink at a dive bar like Welcome to the Johnson’s.)

Miami: South Beach

South Beach (Getty)

I know, I know—it might sound weird to go from an airport to a beach and then back again. However, South Beach is within reach, and who doesn’t want to spend the day soaking up the sunshine?

So long as you have a swimsuit in your carry-on, you can swap your boring airport wait for a beach day. You can reach Miami Beach from the airport in 50 minutes via the Express Bus (Route 150), which costs less than $3, or pay a private taxi around $35 to get there in 20 minutes.

Orlando: Universal, Disney World, and more

A food court in the ‘Toon Lagoon at Universal Studios Orlando (Getty)

Let me be clear: I don’t recommend visiting Disney World or Universal Studios during a long layover in Orlando, though it’s technically possible thanks to their non-stop shuttles.

In my opinion, what makes Orlando one of the best airports for day trips is its range of alternative options, from SeaWorld to Fun Spot Orlando to LEGOLAND.

If it’s off-season and you can afford to pay for skip-the-line tickets at Disney World or Universal, go for it. However, I think SeaWorld might be your best bet given the shows are scheduled by the hour and you don’t need to wait in long lines if you already have a ticket.

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