When an AirTreks travel consultant assembles a trip they will bear in mind a couple things: the total cost and overall efficiency of the route. Often a nonstop flight will be the more expensive option (there are exceptions to this) because they’re the most coveted. Conversely, a pair of flights going to the same place but connecting through a hub city might be much cheaper.
If it costs less, the same or even more, there are benefits of taking a flight that connects on a long leg of a trip. Many carriers offer stopover opportunities at their home hub, a great opportunity to add a new stamp in your passport at little or no additional cost. Take Hong Kong for example. Let’s say you’re flying from a gateway city in the US to Bangkok. This can be done nonstop on Thai Airways at a premium. Cathay Pacific will get you there in a little more time but give you a free stop in Hong Kong. If you never thought about going to Hong Kong but are open to the idea – you’re in luck! You can add a Victoria Peak photo op to your itinerary for no additional airfare.
Every so often stopovers cost money, normally averaging between $50 and $150 USD. Connections of more than 8 hours are generally considered stopovers. Keep this in mind when planning for them.
Beijing, new and old
In the end it’s up to you and what type of traveler you are. It may be in your best interest to pay the extra $100 or 200 to get on a nonstop flight. But if you’re willing to spend a little extra time, be open to a stopover or two. It may be your opportunity to see a place you didn’t know you wanted to. Let your sense of adventure guide you.
Any big capital city can be a stopover opportunity if you’re using their national carrier and your destination is not the capital.
Here are some other suggestions for stopover opportunities that are either free or very cheap. Ask your trip consultant if you can fit one into your itinerary.
- Hong Kong
- Beijing
- Bangkok
- Singapore
- Doha, Qatar
- Cairo
- Istanbul
- Amsterdam
- London
- New York
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- San Jose, Costa Rica
- Sao Paolo, Brazil
- Santiago, Chile
