ajv's Qype profile

Starbucks is probably my favourite place to get coffee simply for its predictability. This particular one is always clean and the service is always efficient. I’d definitely recommend getting a card if you plan on getting coffee at all regularly as you can save money that way.

I had the misfortune of being hugely delayed in Dulles airport, not a fun experience as you realise how little there is to do after 8pm. On my way into Washington DC the trip was quite uneventful, as Canadians go through immigration in Canada I can’t comment on immigration at this airport, but everything else went quite smoothly.
Be prepared for an extortionate taxi fee if you’re going into Washington DC. There are some group taxis, but you may find yourself with quite a wait for this service.

Generally if I get access to a business class lounge at any airport the ratings skyrocket for me. Not so here. My favourite part about visiting this airport were the views on the way in. The airport is over crowded and poorly laid out. It took me about 30 minutes just to make it halfway across the airport, partially because of the crowds and partially because the signs were in desperate need of being updated.
They have a strange system of immigration being literally steps after you get off of the plane, means your walk is a bit shorter, but also means that you then have to fight your way through crowds of people trying to get onto a flight while others are fighting to go and get their luggage.

I thoroughly enjoyed my few flights through YVR. It’s a friendly, intelligently designed, and convenient airport. Getting into Vancouver from the airport is quite convenient as well, there are a couple public buses that come quite frequently and the map is easy enough to figure out.
The airport itself is a calm place to be in, a lot of work has gone into the appearance of the place.
We didn’t do much shopping as the time we had there was quite limited, but I remember there being quite a few options to pick from.

This airport has changed a lot over the years. When I was little I remember it as being one of the dullest around. Now though it’s got a lot going for it. There are still some renovations going on, so you may find a few frustrations.
It’s a bit of a hike to Halifax itself, on a small’ish’ winding road. Not exactly transport you’d expect of a big international airport, but as the gateway to the Maritimes it is your only choice. Try not to do long layovers if you can help it, but for the basic one way flights it’s a good airport.

Not the biggest fan of Stansted, aside from the fact that you can get REALLY cheap flights from here. Personally I find the huge groups of younger adults heading off to warm climes and loudly discussing just how pissed they’re going to get when they get there a bit off-putting.
Once through security there isn’t the biggest choice of things to do, but there is some. If you have a huge delay you’ll probably go a bit stir crazy, but at least if you go to your gate you’ll probably get the chance to lay out and sleep. One thing that I noticed and appreciated about the airport was the wall sockets. There were quite a few of them, often you see people fighting over them at airports.
Basically it’s a bog standard airport with nothing overly interesting about it. But it gets the job done

I like Rembrandt’s work, and so thoroughly enjoyed Rembrandt’s house in Amsterdam. Not a full showing of his work, and nowhere near as all encompassing as the Van Gogh museum just down the street, but still a worthwhile place to visit if you’re in Amsterdam and appreciate art. If I remember correctly it’s right across from a great park for a stroll if the weather is nice!

I was presently surprised by the Van Gogh museum. It gives you a whole new perspective on the illustrious artist. First off, rather than just having his main works in the limelight, the exhibition is done chronologically. It was amazing to see how the artist changed his style with both the times and personal situation.
The queue was a bit long, but we went early and managed to stay ahead of all the large groups - are they not the bane of every museum. The price was a bit heavy, hence the less than perfect score. However, if I had the chance to do it again I would. Definitely a must see in Amsterdam.

Schiphol Airport is a good introduction to Amsterdam. It’s convenient, friendly, bustling, and well laid out with a few inconveniences - much like the city!
First of all, if you have a long layover my advice is to get out of the airport. There are lockers outside the airport on your way to the train where you can lock up your stuff, and you’ll probably end up spending less money taking the train into Amsterdam than you would browsing through the stores in the airport. Just outside the airport is a very convenient shopping area with a grocery store as well.
It’s a bit of a frustrating airport if you’re traveling solo as the washrooms and such can be rather small (toting your suitcase in is generally not an option), and since the seating options are a bit limited you are loathe to get up lest you lose your seat.
However, that being said I have thoroughly enjoyed the several times I’ve been through this airport. One thing to look out for - there is a tendency for gates to change at the last minute, so listen up! We had a mad dash our second time there!

One thing the Emirates usually do well are airports. Which is perhaps why I found this one a bit disappointing. There was quite a bit of shopping to be had, a good few restaurants, and free wifi for the taking (always puts the rankings up in my opinion). However, there is not nearly enough seating for the size of the airport and there were people sleeping all over the place.
The airport never closes - so you can find yourself with a 4am flight. Never fun. Overall it does its job very efficiently and the staff are quite capable of speaking a large number of languages.