5 best locations for a stopover
A stopover isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, but if you’re lucky enough to be stranded in one of these destinations at the very least you’ll have a decent time.
Hong Kong
Direct from: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide
One of Asia’s most vibrant, fascinating cities, Hong Kong is an easy hop from most Australian states. The Airport Express Train will have you in the centre of the city in just 30 minutes, so you have plenty of time for shopping at one of the buzzing street markets, dining on delicious street food or exploring grand colonial buildings. Once you’re in Hong Kong, the world is your oyster and you can fly pretty much anywhere you want.
Seoul, Korea (Pictured)
Direct from: Sydney and Brisbane
In case you haven’t heard, Korea is seriously cool at the moment. It has a café culture that leaves Melbourne in the shade, including different ones where you can pet dogs, cats and sheep. The fashion, design and music is cutting edge, and the streets are filled with young people dressed in their best at all hours of the day. There’s no denying Seoul can be overwhelming, but it’s certainly somewhere you will never forget.
Hawaii, USA
Direct from: Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
Take a look at a map – between Australia and the Americas there is a whole lot of empty ocean. So why not break that flight over the world’s largest ocean with a little beach getaway? Flights from Australia land in the capital Honolulu, which is just a short distance from the resort mecca of Waikiki. Flop and drop here or take a short flight to one of the other gorgeous islands. Spend a few days snorkelling, diving, surfing, playing golf or doing absolutely nothing at all.
Beijing, China
Direct from: Sydney and Melbourne
China is opening up to the world at a rapid pace and is a great new option for Australian travellers on their way to Europe. A special visa program lets you spend 72 hours in the country, which is enough time to marvel at a city with roughly the same population as our whole country. Soaring skyscrapers rub shoulders with historic temples, narrow hutong (laneways) have been turned into hip hangouts and more than 60,000 restaurants are serving up a dizzying array of cuisine from every corner of China.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Direct from: Sydney and Perth
Stopover safari? Yes please! This one is a little out of the way, but it really lets you have two holidays in one. From Jo’burg (as it’s known) you can easily spend a few days in the incomparable Kruger National Park, a two million hectare wilderness wonderland that’s home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. The flight itself can even be pretty spectacular, crossing over the Antarctic sea ice that will be visible on a clear day.
Have you stopped over at any of these destinations? Share your experience in the comments below.