Despite the best efforts of your travel consultant, travelling can sometimes mean long lay-overs at airports. "But today this isn't all bad," says Roman Katanec of Flight Centre."

International airports worldwide have changed dramatically over the years, and have recognised the need to make airport waits more enjoyable for all travellers. Standard features usually include internet cafes, fast food restaurants, banking facilities, bureaux de change, duty free and the like, but some airports really go the extra mile to ensure that your layover is pleasurable.

"It's worthwhile checking out what that particular airport offers. In some cases travellers can experience entertainment not found anywhere else," says Katanec.

Some of the more interesting airports and their attractions include:

Singapore's Changi Airport
Changi has a whole range of entertainment that changes regularly, including the 'What's Your Range' gameshow, where winners get Changi Dollars, exchangeable for products and services within the airport.

Other events have included jazz festivals, exhibitions, dance shows and more. They also have a rooftop swimming pool and fitness centre for that quick layover workout.

If you have at least five hours to spare before your connecting flight, you can register for a two-hour sightseeing tour of Singapore where you can choose between a Colonial Tour, Cultural Tour or a Lifestyle Tour. There are six tours a day and tour counters open daily for registration on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Dallas Fort Worth Airport, USA
This airport features La Bodega Winery and Tasting Bar, complete with a wide selection of Texan wines to sample and accessories to buy. The atmosphere is a wine connoisseur’s dream, complete with a grand selection of fine wines and decorative ornaments. Texan wine may be a surprise, but then so is wine-tasting at an airport!

Honolulu Airport, Hawaii
If you haven't had enough warmth and sunshine while in Hawaii, Honolulu Airport has an outdoor garden area to soak up the sun and get away from it all. It makes a nice break from the endless air conditioning of planes and airports.

Schiphol, Amsterdam
Try your luck at the airport casino or take a wander through the airport's museum. The Rijksmuseum holds a number of works of art from Holland and is open between 7am and 8pm daily. Entry is free of charge for all passengers departing, arriving or changing aircraft.

Hong Kong Airport
One of the world's largest airports, built entirely on reclaimed land, it is the perfect place for a layover makeover. The Airport Salon provides clients with a wide choice of hair treatments, manicures, facials and seated massage — easy to find near Gate 15!

Heathrow, London
For the shopping aficionado who hasn't had a chance to check out the designer labels in Knightsbridge, Heathrow has got it covered. London's major international airport today offers Channel, FCUK, Harrods, Christian Dior, Cartier, Burberry, Gucci and Paul Smith.