Living down under ain’t always easy, particularly for those travel savvy’s out there. Over the years we have had to become accustom to the long haul flights, never expecting anything less than a 14 hour journey with of course a stopover along the way. We have seen the likes of Singapore and Hong Kong, from the airport terminals to the city streets. But with new visa-free transit hubs, fresh flight routes and competitive deals, plane doors are opening up to unexpected and less trodden stopover destinations.
Nathan Graham, regional Sales Manager at Cheapflights ANZ tell us that, “Rather than resenting the wait, a well planned stop means you can extend your holiday with a mini break and visit a popular destination for just a fraction of the usual cost.” So to help inspire you on your next trip here are the five emerging stopover cities that will get you in the holiday vibe before your final destination.
#1 Shanghai, China
Forget the traditional Singapore stopover and get ready to embark on a Chinese adventure. China Eastern Airlines connects Sydney and Melbourne with five major cities in Western Europe. So before you set foot on the shores of a Greek Island, enjoy a 144-hour visa free transit in the coolest face of Modern China. If you’re an Aussie passport holder, now is the time to marvel the amazing architectural displays of the city – from the iconic riverfront boardwalk ‘The Bund’ to Old Shanghai.
#2 Doha, Qatar
Forget the likes of Dubai, and stay in Doha instead. Even better if you fly with Qatar Airlines from now until September 30th, you can also score a free night at a local four or five star hotel (gotta love those thrifty specials). The online transit visa allows for 96 hours in the country. This gives you plenty of time to experience a desert safari or even a boast cruise along Corniche Bay.
#3 Delhi, India
Delve into absolute colour and chaos in this vibrant city, guaranteed to make the start of your holidays unforgettable. Air India flights now transit through New Dehli, connecting Melbourne and City to London. The Taj Mahal is a day trip itself, so if this wonder of the world was always on your bucket list, now is the perfect time to tick it off.
#4 Honolulu, Hawaii
New York is one of the most popular travel destinations for young Aussies, with a 51 per cent spike in year-on-year searches via Cheapflights. So why not replace that LA layover for somewhere a little more tropical. Envision yourself sipping cocktails at one of Hawaii’s most famous beaches and embarking on a hiking adventure to soak in some of the best views in the world. This layover means you get to have it all, coastal relaxation before the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps.
#5 Seoul, South Korea
South Korean travel is on the rise. It isn’t the first city that springs to mind when you think about a travel stopover to Europe, but trust us, once you put Seoul on the list, you’ll want to stop their every time. Enjoy the city’s main attractions including Gyeongbokgung Palace and the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village. Plus you’ll get to eat some of the most incredible Korean barbeque ever, because well, it’s Korea. Even if you’re pressed for time, you can take a ‘Transit Tour’ provided by the airport, so you can see the sites of the city.
Image Sources: Pexels, Qatar Museums, Aqua Palms Waikiki, Unsplash, YouTube.