Why Families Should Consider a Stopover in Asia When Flying from Australia to Europe

Our family has two young children, under the age of five. In the last two years we have travelled with them from Australia to Europe three times and have learnt plenty along the way, including how incredible our kids can be when a planned 27 hour journey takes 55 hours due to mechanical issues, sand storms and resultant missed connections. One of the best things we've added into these long journeys are stopovers in Asia. Here are some of our learnings and insights...

Flying from Australia to Europe is a long journey that often spans over 24 hours, making it challenging for families, especially those with young children. One of the best strategies to break up this exhausting trek is to consider a stopover in Asia. Not only can this approach offer much-needed rest and a chance to stretch your legs, but it also presents a fantastic opportunity for an enriching and enjoyable family adventure. Here’s why incorporating a stopover in Asia can be highly beneficial for families traveling from Australia to Europe.

1. Break Up the Journey

The primary benefit of a stopover is the opportunity to break up the long-haul flight. Traveling for hours on end can be gruelling, especially for kids who may struggle with the monotony and discomfort of extended periods in their seats. A stopover provides a chance to get off the plane, move around, and reset before continuing the journey. This break can help reduce travel fatigue and make the second leg of the trip much more manageable.

2. Explore Exciting Destinations

Asia is home to a wealth of exciting and family-friendly destinations that offer unique experiences. Here are a few popular stopover cities and what they have to offer:

Singapore: Known for its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere, Singapore offers attractions like Sentosa Island with its beaches and theme parks, the Singapore Zoo, and Gardens by the Bay. The city is also packed with family-friendly restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Hong Kong: With its blend of modernity and tradition, Hong Kong provides a diverse range of activities for families. Visit the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, take a trip to Ocean Park, or explore the vibrant street markets and cultural districts.

Tokyo: A stopover in Tokyo can be a thrilling experience for families. Explore the magical world of Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, enjoy interactive exhibits at teamLab Borderless, or wander through the colourful streets of Akihabara.

Bangkok: For a cultural experience, Bangkok offers bustling markets, ornate temples, and riverboat cruises. Families can visit the Dream World amusement park or explore the fascinating exhibits at the National Science Museum.

3. Experience Different Cultures

A stopover in Asia provides a unique opportunity for cultural immersion. Exposing children to different cultures can be educational and eye-opening. They can experience new cuisines, learn about different traditions, and engage with diverse communities. This exposure not only enriches their travel experience but also broadens their understanding of the world.

4. Enjoy Kid-Friendly Activities

Many Asian cities are renowned for their family-friendly activities. From interactive museums and theme parks to aquariums and nature reserves, there are plenty of options that cater to children of all ages. These activities can make the stopover both fun and educational, giving families a memorable break from their journey.

5. Improve Comfort and Health

Long flights can take a toll on health, particularly for children. A stopover allows for a break in the journey, which can help alleviate issues like jet lag, stiffness, and dehydration. Families can rest in a comfortable hotel, enjoy a good meal, and recharge before continuing their travels. This mid-journey respite can help ensure everyone arrives in Europe feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

6. Save on Travel Costs & Access a Wider Range of Routes

In some cases, adding a stopover can also be a cost-effective strategy. Certain airlines offer free or low-cost stopover packages, which can include discounted accommodation and transportation. This added value can make the stopover more affordable and enhance the overall travel experience without breaking the bank.

Having a stopover can also allow you to look at separating your airfares, or using points for part of your journey. By using one airline for your Australia-Asia-Australia legs, and a different one for Asia-Europe-Asia opens up a wider range of airfare and route options.

It is typically not recommended to use these fares when connecting through as the airlines often won't check your luggage through and if your flight is delayed, the second airline is not obliged to accommodate you on a later flight.

7. Create Memorable Family Moments

A stopover in an exciting Asian city provides an opportunity to create lasting memories. Exploring new places together, trying different foods, and engaging in unique activities can strengthen family bonds and make the journey more enjoyable. These shared experiences become cherished memories that enrich the entire travel adventure.

Something to Consider

Negotiating airport check-ins, security, immigration, customs, luggage collection and transfers to hotels all take time and can be exhausting and stressful in their own right. Adding a stopover means you will need to add in an additional set of this 'not so fun part' of travel. Consider if the pros outweigh the cons when adding in a stopover and determining the duration. For our family, the minimum time we consider suitable for a stopover with kids is 48 hours.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Stopover

Plan Ahead: Research and plan your stopover activities in advance to maximise your time and ensure that you make the most of your visit, but build in flexibility as you may prefer to take it easy.

Pack Smart: Keep essentials such as snacks, entertainment, and travel documents readily accessible during your stopover.

Check Visa Requirements: Ensure you are aware of any visa requirements or travel restrictions for your stopover destination.

Allow for Rest: Balance sightseeing with rest to ensure everyone stays refreshed and ready for the next leg of the journey.

Consider a late checkout or extra night at your hotel: Many flights out of Asia depart late at night. Having your room until when you need to head to the airport is incredibly valuable with kids.

In conclusion, a stopover in Asia when flying from Australia to Europe is not just a practical way to break up a long flight but also an opportunity for family fun and cultural exploration. By choosing to stopover, you can enhance the overall travel experience, make the journey more comfortable, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. So, the next time you plan a trip to Europe, consider adding an Asian stopover to your itinerary—you might just discover a new favourite destination along the way!