Transits

If you’re anything like me and stupid adventurous enough to brave cattle class on a Melbourne to London flight, or like the majority of the worlds population you simply hate long-haul flights, you should seriously consider breaking up the daunting trip with a stopover along the way.

Whether it be a few hours or a few nights, taking some time out to stay at your transit city will not only give you quality time to relax and rejuvenate, it will also mentally and physically prepare you to brave the remainder of the daunting flight to Europe.

Below are a list of common stopover locations from Australia to Europe and some more information to help you make the most of your quick stay. If you’re really short on time, most established international airports offer a transit hotel which you can hire for a few hours at a time – perfect to get a little sleep, take a refreshing shower and maybe even indulge in a massage before continuing on your journey.

Whatever you do, please be sure to check the Visa requirements at your stopover destination or you may not be allowed to enter the country. You can check the Visa requirements at http://smartraveller.gov.au/.

Singapore
Visa:
Australians can stay up to 90 days in Singapore without a visa, however you will need to ensure that your Australian passport is valid for at least six months, sufficient funds to cover your stay and confirmed onward tickets.

Places to Stay:
0-24 Hours:
If you only have a few hours, book yourself a room at the Ambassador Transit Hotel which located within terminals 1, 2 and 3 at Singapore Changi Airport and you don’t even have to clear Immigration & Customs.

24 Hours +
Most tourists choose one of three locations – The CBD (best for business travellers), The Marina (Near the water and close to shopping) and Orchard St (central shopping strip).
$ – The Little Red Dot Hostel
$$ – Pan Pacific Singapore
$$$ – Marina Bay Sands

Airlines:
Qantas, Jetstar, British Airways, Singapore Airlines

Official Tourism Website:
http://www.yoursingapore.com/

Bangkok
Visa:
Australia Passport required for Australian citizens valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Visa required, except for touristic stay of max. 30 days.
Read more:  http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Thailand/Visa#ixzz1sO8pyXca

Places to Stay:
0 – 24 Hours:
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel is the official hotel of Bangkok’s international airport. It is only a three minute walk from the airport’s main terminal and has a 24-Hour Flexi check in system – no set check in time, arrive when it suits you and checkout 24 hours later.

24 Hours +
$ – Baan K Residence
$$ – Ariyasom Villa
$$$ – The Peninsula Bangkok

Airlines:
British Airways, Eva Airways, Qantas, Thai Airways

Official Tourism Website:
http://www.bangkoktourist.com/

Hong Kong
Visa:
Australian tourists do not require visas for visits of less than 90 days.
Read more: http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_4.htm

Places to Stay:
0 – 24 Hours:
The Regal Airport Hotel is connected to Terminal 1 by an air conditioned bridge. Unfortunately Hong Kong International Airport does not offer a transit hotel where you don’t have to clear customs, so be sure to check any visa requirements for your country of citizenship prior to booking your stopover.

24 Hours +
$- The Anne Black – YWCA
$$- Hotel ICON
$$$- Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Airlines:
British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic

Official Tourism Website:
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/

Dubai
Visa:
All visitors to the United Arab Emirates must hold a passport that is valid for three months from the date of entry, or six months if visiting for longer than 60 days. All passport photographs are to be recent colour photographs. Visitors must hold documents and confirmed tickets for their next destination and have a sponsor in the UAE to cover their stay.

Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals may stay in the UAE for up to 30 days with a visit visa, which can be obtained on arrival. An extension of a further 30 days is possible.
Read more: http://www3.flightcentre.com.au/fcauDestination?dest=Dubai&destType=region&sub=visa

0 – 24 Hours:
The Dubai International Hotel is located inside Terminals 1 and 3 of Dubai International Airport. It’s perfect for a short stay or to catch up on some sleep before continuing on your onward journey. You are not required to pass through Immigration and Customs to stay here so it’s also a great option for those passengers who are not able to enter the country without a pre-approved visa.

24 Hours +
$ – Landmark Hotel Riqqa
$$ – Al Manzil Hotel
$$$ – Burj Al Arab

Airlines:
Emirates, British Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Royal Brunei Airlines, Srilankan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic

Official Tourism Website:
http://www.dubaitourism.ae/

Abu Dhabi
Visas:
Australian nationals may stay in the UAE for up to 30 days with a visit visa, which can be obtained on arrival. An extension of a further 30 days is possible at a fee of AED 600. Read more.

0 – 24 Hours:
The Abu Dhabi Airport Hotel located in Terminal 1 is the perfect place for transiting passengers to ‘catch up on sleep, put your feet up and freshen up’. You are not required to pass through immigration to access the hotel.

24 Hours +
$ – Centro Al Manhal
$$ – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
$$$ – Emirates Palace Hotel

Airlines:
Etihad, British Airways, Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines

Official Tourism Website:
http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/