International Airports

Sometimes traveling does not go exactly as planned, and you may end up spending more time in airports than you'd like (whether it is because of long lines or cancelled flights). Sleeping in airports does not have to be a bad experience, and there are actually some airports around the world that are comfortable for the stranded traveler. Whether you've planned a long layover or you've had an unexpected flight cancellation, there are some airports worth spending time in.

No matter where you plan on traveling, and no matter to which hemisphere, there are airports designed with your comfort in mind. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has some great, comfortable places to sleep, including reclining chairs and other chairs with adjustable armrests and footrests.

Security is also important to consider when considering spending the night in an airport. The Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is well-secured with security constantly patrolling the building. Security is such a concern that you may even be woken up if you plan on sleeping there throughout the night. Airport security does this to ensure that you are a ticket-holder with a reason to be resting there.

If you are making your way to Asia and plan on a long layover, plan to spend the night in Hong Kong International Airport, because it is one of the best airports to sleep in. Although it is a very busy airport, you will be able to find some quiet hours at night to get some rest. High chairs throughout the airport allow you to have some cover if you choose to sleep underneath them, and the fact that the airport has two main terminals makes navigating the building easy.

Although it is hard to find airports in South America that are welcoming to those who need some shut-eye, Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport is a great airport in the region. The airport is relatively small, so you'll have to be proactive when looking for a place to sleep. This airport in Rio is also bustling with travelers at late hours, but good planning will allow you to sneak an afternoon nap in before your flight.

Getting stuck in one of the busiest airports in the world does not have to be a miserable experience. New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport is busy year-round with its 8 terminals and about 48 million passengers who pass through every year. If you know where to go before you get there, you may have time for a nap, check your e-mail, and have a cup of coffee. Cafes often have comfortable seating, and if you order a drink, you won't be bothered if you nap for an hour or two.

Those are just some of many great airports around the world that are accommodating to the stranded traveler who has to spend some extra time in an airport. Planning a trip with long layovers saves money, so make your layover experience a pleasant one by knowing the best airports to sleep in.

The John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), located in Queens County, New York, is the largest of the three major international airports that comprise the New York metropolitan airport system; the other two airports being the LaGuardia International and the Newark Liberty International. JFK is located approximately 12 miles from Lower Manhattan, and it is the busiest air gateway to the United States. 90 different airlines have operations out of JFK International, and the airport serves as the central base of operations for JetBlue Airways.

The parking options at JFK are fairly convenient. Passengers looking for short term parking can find it in five different parking structures that connect directly with the 8 main passenger terminals. Payment can be made with cash or credit. The price is $3 for the first 30 minutes, $6 for the first 31 to 60 minutes, and $3 for each additional half-hour after that. The maximum daily fee limit is $33.

Long term parking can be found in Parking Lots A, B and C, located on Lefferets Blvd., 4 miles from the main airport passenger terminals. From these three lots, passengers who are parking long-term can ride the free airport shuttles or the AirTrain line to get to the passenger terminals in a few short minutes. The rates for long term parking are as follows: $18 for the first 24 hours, and $6 for each additional 8-hour period.

Now, if you simply wish to drop off a loved one and would like to avoid the trouble of looking for parking, can drive through JFK's "Kiss & Fly" drop off area. It costs nothing and it allows you to quickly drop off passengers right next to the Lefferts Blvd. AirTrain Station. From there, passengers can ride the AirTrain and arrive at their terminals within minutes.

If you want to save a few dollars, or if you can't find parking at the airport, you can try one of the nearby off-site parking lots. Prices can be as low as $14, depending on where the lot is located, and most of them offer free airport shuttle services to their customers.