Breaking up a long haul destination
Discussion
My partner would like to experience a long haul destination like Sri Lanka, Zanzibar, Maldives, South America etc but lacks the physical stamina to endure an airport wait, 10 hour plus flight plus additional transfers. She'd spend days just recovering from that exertion.
So has anybody got any ideas for a split destination that breaks it up a bit, maximum 6 hour flight "legs" or a good agent that specialises in this sort of thing.
So has anybody got any ideas for a split destination that breaks it up a bit, maximum 6 hour flight "legs" or a good agent that specialises in this sort of thing.
The middle eastern airlines are quite useful for this - Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi are all around 6 hours away and you can fly to almost anywhere from there and have a day or two there on the way if you like.
For example both Qatar and Etihad fly to the Maldives, with a 6-7 hour flight and then 4-5 hour flight.
I usually just have a play on Google Flights to see where flights connect through and then search for a multi-city option with a break there for a day or two rather than a straight 2hr connection etc.
For example both Qatar and Etihad fly to the Maldives, with a 6-7 hour flight and then 4-5 hour flight.
I usually just have a play on Google Flights to see where flights connect through and then search for a multi-city option with a break there for a day or two rather than a straight 2hr connection etc.
Your partner is the sort of person Business/First was made for.
It sounds like you probably don't get away too much because of this so if it's accessible then try that, you don't need physical stamina. Just to be happy with being fed, watered and relaxing.
It's no exaggeration that it turns a chore, and something that needs to be endured, into a pleasant and relaxing few hours away from interaction with people, the internet, notifications and everyday life. It's my sanctuary before but more so after a holiday with the kids
It's not cheap but it becomes part of the holiday rather than that annoying way to get there and back. One a Night Nytol is my friend before we take off.
It sounds like you probably don't get away too much because of this so if it's accessible then try that, you don't need physical stamina. Just to be happy with being fed, watered and relaxing.
It's no exaggeration that it turns a chore, and something that needs to be endured, into a pleasant and relaxing few hours away from interaction with people, the internet, notifications and everyday life. It's my sanctuary before but more so after a holiday with the kids
It's not cheap but it becomes part of the holiday rather than that annoying way to get there and back. One a Night Nytol is my friend before we take off.
Edited by AB on Saturday 14th February 16:03
^^ That^^
Flying premium with good comfort, decent lounges beforehand and private transfers to and fro the airport is a world away from parking 5 miles from the terminal, waiting for the shuttle bus, hanging around for hours on s
tty airport seats in a busy terminal and then stuck in a cramped seat with tt in front of you constantly playing with his seat and then figuring out which coach is yours before waiting forever for the stragglers to get on or even worse, figuring out the ticket machines for the public transportation and all the stress that it entails.
My wife can only manage short haul due to health and the only way to make it bearable for her is to try and minimise the obstacles that air travel put in front of her.
Flying premium with good comfort, decent lounges beforehand and private transfers to and fro the airport is a world away from parking 5 miles from the terminal, waiting for the shuttle bus, hanging around for hours on s
tty airport seats in a busy terminal and then stuck in a cramped seat with tt in front of you constantly playing with his seat and then figuring out which coach is yours before waiting forever for the stragglers to get on or even worse, figuring out the ticket machines for the public transportation and all the stress that it entails.My wife can only manage short haul due to health and the only way to make it bearable for her is to try and minimise the obstacles that air travel put in front of her.
Ideally you want to find a megahub airport, as they will give you the best flight options and are always positioned as connecting points between regions.
Istanbul is the 2nd best connected megahub airport, which could be a more interesting option than the likes of Dubai. Dubai does have a better geographical location though (IMO) for somewhere like Sri Lanka or Thailand.
Going west to South America etc will be more of a challenge, upgrading to business class etc might be your best option.
Istanbul is the 2nd best connected megahub airport, which could be a more interesting option than the likes of Dubai. Dubai does have a better geographical location though (IMO) for somewhere like Sri Lanka or Thailand.
Going west to South America etc will be more of a challenge, upgrading to business class etc might be your best option.
We did South America by flying to Barcelona and then getting onto a Virgin ship doing its winter reposition over to Miami.
15 days of just relaxing. Once you are out into the Atlantic the clocks slowly adjust. You get to the USA with zero jetlag as its taken 2 weeks.
A couple of days in Miami then fly down to South America which is mostly on the same time zone so no jet lag.
Including hotel in Spain, flights to UK to Spain and stuff like taxis we got to Miami for about £1500 per person.
15 days of just relaxing. Once you are out into the Atlantic the clocks slowly adjust. You get to the USA with zero jetlag as its taken 2 weeks.
A couple of days in Miami then fly down to South America which is mostly on the same time zone so no jet lag.
Including hotel in Spain, flights to UK to Spain and stuff like taxis we got to Miami for about £1500 per person.
A stopover is just adding hassle and airport time.AB said:
Your partner is the sort of person Business/First was made for.
It sounds like you probably don't get away too much because of this so if it's accessible then try that, you don't need physical stamina. Just to be happy with being fed, watered and relaxing.
It's no exaggeration that it turns a chore, and something that needs to be endured, into a pleasant and relaxing few hours away from interaction with people, the internet, notifications and everyday life. It's my sanctuary before but more so after a holiday with the kids
It's not cheap but it becomes part of the holiday rather than that annoying way to get there and back. One a Night Nytol is my friend before we take off.
We do holiday up to 8 times a year but it's generally the Canaries.It sounds like you probably don't get away too much because of this so if it's accessible then try that, you don't need physical stamina. Just to be happy with being fed, watered and relaxing.
It's no exaggeration that it turns a chore, and something that needs to be endured, into a pleasant and relaxing few hours away from interaction with people, the internet, notifications and everyday life. It's my sanctuary before but more so after a holiday with the kids
It's not cheap but it becomes part of the holiday rather than that annoying way to get there and back. One a Night Nytol is my friend before we take off.
Edited by AB on Saturday 14th February 16:03
I'll have a gander at business class but she also has trouble sleeping and none of the "remedies" work, adding to the problem.
Business if you can afford it. Premium if you can afford that.
A 10 hour flight in Premium is like a 4 hour flight in Economy.
A 10 hour flight in Business is like, .... a birthday party where everyone loves you and you don't want it to stop.
Even premum is worth every penny. I can usually sleep in PE - the seats recline enough for me to "lie" in my side, so long as the foot rest is supportive enough. The modest extra width never reads like a lot, but it is significant - enough that you no longer play elbow jockey with the person next to you.
Upgrading utterly transforms flying long haul from an ordeal to "absolutely fine" (PE) , or a pleasure (BC).
If you can't or don't want to pay to upgrade then as above, stop after 6 hours in the Middle East, stretch your legs, have a nice lunch, then re-board. It's not a "hassle" - not to us. Its a welcome break.
A 10 hour flight in Premium is like a 4 hour flight in Economy.
A 10 hour flight in Business is like, .... a birthday party where everyone loves you and you don't want it to stop.
Even premum is worth every penny. I can usually sleep in PE - the seats recline enough for me to "lie" in my side, so long as the foot rest is supportive enough. The modest extra width never reads like a lot, but it is significant - enough that you no longer play elbow jockey with the person next to you.
Upgrading utterly transforms flying long haul from an ordeal to "absolutely fine" (PE) , or a pleasure (BC).
If you can't or don't want to pay to upgrade then as above, stop after 6 hours in the Middle East, stretch your legs, have a nice lunch, then re-board. It's not a "hassle" - not to us. Its a welcome break.
LuS1fer said:
We do holiday up to 8 times a year but it's generally the Canaries.
I'll have a gander at business class but she also has trouble sleeping and none of the "remedies" work, adding to the problem.
My Mrs never sleeps when we fly - and that's with Business class lie flat beds. But, she enjoys the whole experience so much she cares not! :-)I'll have a gander at business class but she also has trouble sleeping and none of the "remedies" work, adding to the problem.
If you’re retired & have time, I’d consider a relocation cruise to get over there. Business class flight bsck
Cruise lines relocate their ships & it’s cheap as chips to go all inclusive and take time to get there from likes of Barcelona as a start point (takes about two weeks & cost £50/day à retired couple I know do it & love it annually.
Flight wise
Qatar, Singapore, Iceland used to all provide stopovers & tours with short term . Singapore food for a few days though I’d say
Cruise lines relocate their ships & it’s cheap as chips to go all inclusive and take time to get there from likes of Barcelona as a start point (takes about two weeks & cost £50/day à retired couple I know do it & love it annually.
Flight wise
Qatar, Singapore, Iceland used to all provide stopovers & tours with short term . Singapore food for a few days though I’d say
Qatar provides a free tour and possibly free(certainly cheap) overnight hotels for longer stop overs.
Have a look at that for an option. I did when going to Sri Lanka but ended up just doing 4 or 5 hrs at the airport in the night.
I found a peaceful spot (this was 2019) but a lounge would have have been nice.
To me lounges are generally worth the extra cost.
Have a look at that for an option. I did when going to Sri Lanka but ended up just doing 4 or 5 hrs at the airport in the night.
I found a peaceful spot (this was 2019) but a lounge would have have been nice.
To me lounges are generally worth the extra cost.
As this is PH, where the answer to "Best car for 5 kids and a dog" is "MX5"... why does she particularly want long haul, if she doesn't like long flights?
How about an exotic destination that's not particularly long-haul? Egypt or Morocco spring to mind, also both South-ish, so not bad for jet lag.
Can't get much more exotic than pyramids, everyone I know who's been comes back raving!
Or if it's more about tropical beaches etc, I think The Azores is only just over 4 hours.
How about an exotic destination that's not particularly long-haul? Egypt or Morocco spring to mind, also both South-ish, so not bad for jet lag.
Can't get much more exotic than pyramids, everyone I know who's been comes back raving!
Or if it's more about tropical beaches etc, I think The Azores is only just over 4 hours.
Many of the far eastern airlines have a stopover program where they'll put you up in a hotel free for a couple of days at their hub
https://www.etihad.com/en-gb/abu-dhabi/stopover
Turn the stopover into part of the holiday?
https://www.etihad.com/en-gb/abu-dhabi/stopover
Turn the stopover into part of the holiday?
RichFN2 said:
Ideally you want to find a megahub airport, as they will give you the best flight options and are always positioned as connecting points between regions.
Istanbul is the 2nd best connected megahub airport, which could be a more interesting option than the likes of Dubai. Dubai does have a better geographical location though (IMO) for somewhere like Sri Lanka or Thailand.
Going west to South America etc will be more of a challenge, upgrading to business class etc might be your best option.
My 18 year old son is going to Sri Lanka this summer for a DofE residential, and it will his first time flying on his own. It looks flights will be with Turkish from Stansted, with a tour of Istanbul thrown in - so no having to collect bags, travel to a hotel and back mid-journey. 2nd leg might be a bit long for you.Istanbul is the 2nd best connected megahub airport, which could be a more interesting option than the likes of Dubai. Dubai does have a better geographical location though (IMO) for somewhere like Sri Lanka or Thailand.
Going west to South America etc will be more of a challenge, upgrading to business class etc might be your best option.
How about Cape Verde, but not the all inclusive islands. Fly to Lisbon, have a couple of nights there, fly on to São Vicente, stay 2-3 nights then the ferry across to Santo Antão, stay somewhere on the island. Hire a car, or get taxis. Lots of great walks and scenery.
Griffith4ever said:
Business if you can afford it. Premium if you can afford that.
A 10 hour flight in Premium is like a 4 hour flight in Economy.
A 10 hour flight in Business is like, .... a birthday party where everyone loves you and you don't want it to stop.
Even premum is worth every penny. I can usually sleep in PE - the seats recline enough for me to "lie" in my side, so long as the foot rest is supportive enough. The modest extra width never reads like a lot, but it is significant - enough that you no longer play elbow jockey with the person next to you.
Upgrading utterly transforms flying long haul from an ordeal to "absolutely fine" (PE) , or a pleasure (BC).
If you can't or don't want to pay to upgrade then as above, stop after 6 hours in the Middle East, stretch your legs, have a nice lunch, then re-board. It's not a "hassle" - not to us. Its a welcome break.
This.A 10 hour flight in Premium is like a 4 hour flight in Economy.
A 10 hour flight in Business is like, .... a birthday party where everyone loves you and you don't want it to stop.
Even premum is worth every penny. I can usually sleep in PE - the seats recline enough for me to "lie" in my side, so long as the foot rest is supportive enough. The modest extra width never reads like a lot, but it is significant - enough that you no longer play elbow jockey with the person next to you.
Upgrading utterly transforms flying long haul from an ordeal to "absolutely fine" (PE) , or a pleasure (BC).
If you can't or don't want to pay to upgrade then as above, stop after 6 hours in the Middle East, stretch your legs, have a nice lunch, then re-board. It's not a "hassle" - not to us. Its a welcome break.
Aircraft matters too IMO. An A380 in business is something I look forward too, a lot. Being able to get up, walk to the bar and sit down and drink a few drinks like you are on a night out is just amazing. A350 also very good.
Cabin pressures matter too - a lot of people think all planes are the same and this simply isnt true. Its not as big of a factor on a 3-4 hour flight but on a 12+ hr flight the lower the cabin altitude the better. The A380/350/787 are the main aircraft that can offer this. Plus generally speaking much more modern atmospheric controls within the cabin for humidity, much more refined acoustics etc. I would never sleep on planes even in business, no matter how long the flight was, but my first LHR>LAX on a 787 and I got a good 3-4 hours.
The only word of caution is once you have flown like that its very, very hard not to fly like that.
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