When traveling, layovers are often times the bane of one's existence. I mean sometimes they're too short, and you just barely make your flight. Other times they're just plain long. International layovers are a whole other story. From years of traveling solo and having ridiculously long layovers, and completely random ones, I'd like to think I've mastered the art of the international layover.

When it comes down to traveling overseas, sometimes direct flights simply aren't a thing, and what makes it a lot harder is when the layovers are insanely long. My first tip is that to make sure it's at an airport that is either A) Easy to reach the city center from, and/or B) Has a plethora of amenities, including a transit hotel or shower options. My personal favorite airports for long layovers are Zurich, Incheon, Hong Kong, and of course good ole PDX. All of them have a combination of good food, transit hotels, and a decent amount to do.Dimsum @ HKG

Zurich is unique due to it's close proximity to the city center. I mean who can beat a 10-minute train ride to a crazy nice city. It's 13 Francs for a round trip train ticket there and back. Once you're at the city center, there's a ton of shopping, Swiss chocolate, and beautiful buildings. Walk down the main road enough and you'll find yourself by the river.

Downtown Zurich during a layover

Fabulous Swiss chocolate shop explorations during a layover.

Airport food is generally overpriced and not the best. Incheon and Hong Kong both have incredible food. I mean who can resist the Hello Kitty Cafe, the Charlie Brown Cafe, or Korean food. As for Hong Kong international, they have a large food court in the center of the terminal with endless options of all sorts of food. For an American airport, PDX is awesome from the food carts to Blue Star to breweries all within the airport.

The best breakfast at PDX to be honest.

The key to finding the perfect layover is honestly research, research, research. I've had my fair share of layovers that have gone south from almost missing a flight, canceled flights, and lost baggage. Besides looking at what's in the airport, I suggest checking timeliness, the rate of bags not making layovers and such is something I highly recommend. Other countries may not necessarily be as efficient in baggage transfer as one might be used to in the U.S. I once had a 2-hour layover and my baggage didn't make it to my final destination.

Long story short, layovers are frustrating, but if you plan them right they can be epic.