When an AirTreks Travel Planner assembles an around the world trip or multi-stop itinerary two things are at the top of their list of considerations: the total cost of the ticket and the overall efficiency of the route. Usually, a nonstop flight will be the more expensive option (although there are exceptions). Conversely, a pair of flights going to the same place but connecting through a hub city might be much cheaper.
Whether it costs less, the same or even slightly more, there are benefits of connecting.
Many carriers offer stopover opportunities at their hub cities. This is a great opportunity to add a new stamp in your passport at little or no additional cost. Sometimes your multi-city itinerary will even have a lower total 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’ve never really 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 without adding a dime to your ticket price.
Occasionally, stopovers cost a little extra, normally averaging between $50 and $150 USD. Connections of more than 8 hours are generally considered stopovers, as opposed to layovers. Keep this in mind when planning for them.
In the end, it’s up to you and what type of traveler you are. Depending on your time constraints for your trip, it may even be in your best interest to pay more for a nonstop flight. But if you’re willing and able to spend a little extra time, be open to stopovers. Let your sense of adventure guide you.
Pretty much 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 Travel Planner if you can fit one into your itinerary.
- Hong Kong
- Beijing
- Bangkok
- Tokyo
- Singapore
- Fiji
- Doha, Qatar
- Cairo
- Istanbul
- Amsterdam
- London
- New York
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- San Jose, Costa Rica
- Sao Paolo, Brazil
- Santiago, Chile
Have a look at the top 8 places in the world to take an extended stopover on the AirTreks Blog, for some more suggestions on where to go, and what to do on a stopover.
