UK & Europe your way.

Our air experts break down the best options for flying to Europe.

DUBAI UAE

AIRLINE

Emirates

FLIGHT PATH

Transfer after a 16-hour flight from Auckland. Total air time about 27 hours.

IDEAL STOPOVER: 2 NIGHTS

A place where everything is a superlative: Take in the view from the world’s tallest building, shop the world’s second largest mall, hit the slopes on the world’s largest indoor skifield or take a fourwheeler tour over the sand dunes of the Arabian Desert. Don’t miss: Massive and iconic Dubai Fountain. Travel notes: Transferring requires only a security check. Or New Zealand passport holders can stopover up to 30 days on an instant visa without any fare charges.

SINGAPORE

AIRLINE

Singapore Airlines

FLIGHT PATH

Transfer after a 12-hour flight from Auckland. Total air time about 26 hours.

IDEAL STOPOVER: 2 NIGHTS

Singapore is a fascinating melting pot of cultures: Little India is easily the most atmospheric of the city’s historic quarters, while Chinatown is unmissable for its delicious food. Orchard Road has top brands enough to impress even the most jaded shopaholic. Don’t miss: Boat Quay is alfresco dining at its best. Travel notes: Changi Airport is consistently voted among the best in the world: Transferring is a breeze thanks to efficient staff, short queues, easy terminal transfers and amazing facilities.

LOS ANGELES USA

AIRLINE: Air New Zealand

FLIGHT PATH: Transfer after a 12.5-hour flight from Auckland. Total air time about 25 hours.*

IDEAL STOPOVER: 3 NIGHTS

This sunny, hip city has mass appeal: Fashionistas will love the shopping while culture vultures can trace movie history. Hit Disneyland or explore Santa Monica and the Pacific Coast. Even consider a short cruise to western Mexico — It’s easy as! Don’t miss: Mexican food! Leo’s Tacos trucks especially. Travel notes: Transferring or stopping in the USA requires a pre-approved ESTA, immigration processing, claiming and rechecking bags, a security check and at least one Aspirin.

SHANGHAI CHINA

AIRLINE: China Eastern

FLIGHT PATH: Transfer after a 12.5-hour flight from Auckland. Total air time about 25 hours.

IDEAL STOPOVER: 1 NIGHT

Shanghai is a fascinatingly futuristic city, but it can be challenging for foreigners. We recommend city tours, which will include highlights like the famous Bund waterfront, the Oriental Pearl Tower and plenty of delicious noodle dishes. Don’t miss: The French Concession, a slice of Paris in city centre. Travel notes: Transferring requires only a security check but dining options are limited. New Zealand passport holders can stopover for up to 72 hours on the Transit Without Visa programme.

DOHA QATAR

AIRLINE: Qatar Airways

FLIGHT PATH: Transfer after a 16.5-hour flight from Auckland. Total air time about 27 hours.

IDEAL STOPOVER: 1 NIGHT

Hop on a city tour for insight into highlights like Doha Harbor, Katara Cultural Village, an artificial island called The Pearl and the Souq Waqif Market, where you can buy the sort of stunning, exotic home goods that say, “I’m quite a traveller.” Don’t miss: Machboos, a traditional spicy stew. Travel notes: Transferring requires only a security check. Or New Zealand passport holders can stopover up to 96 hours on a free Transit Visa without any fare charges.

HONG KONG

AIRLINE: Cathay Pacific

FLIGHT PATH: Transfer after a 12-hour flight from Auckland. Total air time about 27 hours.

IDEAL STOPOVER: 2 NIGHTS

There’s enough here to keep you busy for weeks: Do a city tour of highlights like the towering Tian Tan Buddha, visit the iconic Chungking Mansions and grab a meal at Jumbo Kingdom, a floating restaurant built to look like an ancient imperial palace. Don’t miss: Dragon’s Beard, a confection of wispy sugar strands. Travel notes: Transferring in this top-rated airport only requires a security check. If you’ve got enough time between flights, the airport rather unbelievably offers an IMAX theatre in Terminal 2. ■

Expert tips for booking flights to Europe.

Book flights well ahead of time.

Arranging early gives you more options so you can avoid unneccessarily long routes or inconvenient layovers.

You can book upgrades for individual flights en route.

Consider splurging on extra legroom or premium seating for the lengthiest flights on your itinerary.

Consultants can save you heaps.

Our experts know which European airports charge higher taxes (hidden bundled in your ticket price) and can select the best routes to avoid them.

Book on quality airlines.

Long-haul price quotes can seem a bit scary. However, consider flights as by-the-hour experiences. Suddenly an extra, say, $150 becomes an extra $6 per hour for a more comfortable plane with stellar entertainment and nicer food — That can really be worth it.

Ask your consultant about alternative transfer points.

You needn’t transfer in the same airport departing as you do returning. Emirates, for example, offers transfers in Bali as well as their hub in Dubai — sneak in some cheeky sunshine on the way home! ■

We’ll find the best route at the best value. Come in-store, call us on 0800 713 715 or visit HOT.CO.NZ.