Flights to distant places usually include a stopover in different cities around the world, where you can spend your way to the final destination • The airlines and countries themselves offer daily tours that will give you the fun time
Istanbul // Photo: GettyImages
The choice of vacation destination is usually determined after examining the nature of the holiday, the weather in the period, the flight distance, the prices of flights and more, but there is another consideration to consider and may upgrade your vacation, and these are the hidden destinations that you can earn during the intermediate stops.
Long-haul flights have become commonplace, with far too high prices. The way to these attractive destinations usually involves stopping in all kinds of countries, and the time to "burn" can be done with great fun.
Countries that usually "host" mid-term tourists, and airlines responsible for these stops, offer small vacations that range from a few hours and last up to several days in a very substantial and even free subsidy. What it means? On the way to your chosen destination, your stop will include another short vacation that will cost you very little, if any.
Istanbul - flavors and smells
Many Israelis fly to distant destinations through Istanbul, mainly with Turkish Airlines. Istanbul is full of smells, scenery, markets and wonderful flavors, and for those who stop there a free tour of the city comes, if the connection lasts more than six hours and less than 24 hours.
The tour is organized by the airline and can be pre-registered on the company website. The airline also takes care of returning you just in time for your next flight.
Addis Ababa - Food and Folklore
One of the best airlines in Africa is Ethiopian Airlines, which also operates direct flights to Israel. Many Israelis fly with the company to the eastern destinations mainly because of its attractive prices and high level. If your stopover in Addis Ababa is more than six hours, you can enjoy a city tour with a local English language guide without the need for a visa, all for free. Ethiopian Airlines takes care of permitting entry for departures, called "Addis Roundabout".
The tour includes a visit to the major sites of the Ethiopian capital, including the market that is considered to be the largest in Africa with a huge selection of African crafts, jewelery and art. In addition, travelers will be exposed to the link between Ethiopian heritage and Jewish history. At the end of the tour, travelers will enjoy an authentic dinner that includes a folklore show, and from there they will be returned to the airport and boarded on flights to Asia.
Singapore - Airport invested
Although there are no direct flights from Israel to Singapore, those flying to Australia, New Zealand or traveling in Asia, pass through Singapore. If you have a stop of between 5 and a half hours to 24 hours, you can take a free guided tour from Changi Airport, which recently won the prestigious title of the world's most beautiful airport, a self-catering airport.
The tour lasts about two and a half hours and is free. If your stop is longer, you can enjoy an overnight package at the hotel of your choice, a local sim card and one-way transportation for only $ 63.
Seoul - temples and local tradition
Korean Air is the only airline that operates direct flights from Israel to Korea. If you continue from there to a more distant destination, you can go on a tour of your choice and there are several interesting types ranging from Korean pop, temples, shopping and fascinating local traditions.
To obtain the tours, you will need to go to the AIRPORT.KR airport website and register for the tour you are interested in. The tours leave the various locations at the airport. Look for the green stalls with the TRANSIT TOUR on them, and set off.
Switzerland - four-day tours
The Swiss Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with the national airline has launched an interesting program that offers different tours that last from one night to four nights in different cities in the country and different nature of travel. The offer is for travelers with the Swiss Airways to distant destinations who want to extend the connection and earn another destination en route to the final destination. The program is not free, but it has a very substantial subsidy that starts from $ 180 per person with free use of public transport, restaurant benefits and significant discounts on the famous roller coasters.
Thelma and Ista tourism experts offer
What is important to know about a stopover?
- check in! - Always make sure your flight route has an automatic check-in on the flight to the final destination and make sure you receive the suitcase at the final destination and not at the connection.
- It is important to make sure that you have an entry visa at your destination. For example, the US that requires a visa for Israelis. If you don't have one, you will have to stay inside the airport.
- If ahead of the landing, you notice that you are on time and you may lose the connection - we have already updated the flight attendants in advance, so that you will be transported around the field / across the front of the plane.
- An intermediate stop may lower the cost for long flights, but it is also important to ensure good body rest. Try to release muscle, eat and drink.
- Have you purchased a ticket yet? Make sure your long connection time is day and not night. This way you can enjoy more country / city in no time.
- The price gaps between direct flights and connecting flights are very significant. They may reach a gap of 40%. For example, flights to New York with Aeroflot cost $ 629 compared to El Al's direct flights to New York, which cost $ 890.
