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Stopover Destinations
Dreading a long-haul flight to Europe with kids? Break up the trip with a stopover at one of these fabulous destinations en route – and get two holidays in one!
Opening image: Happy family playing in the desert of Dubai
All travel-loving parents know how painful flying with kids can be – from restless rugrats who want nothing more than to run up and down the aisles during meal service to those determined to spend the whole flight kicking the back of the seat in front. Throw crossing time zones into the mix and things get even more challenging. The best way to ensure you arrive at your destination with your sanity in check is to book a stopover of at least 24 hours (as opposed to a layover, which is typically less than a day). The benefits of a stopover are many. As well as offering the chance to explore another part of the world, the impact of jet lag is lessened. It’s a chance to spend some extra quality time with the family and refresh and recharge, before tackling the next leg! Here are three of the best stopover destinations between Australia and Europe.
Dreading a long-haul flight to Europe with kids? Break up the trip with a stopover at one of these fabulous destinations en route – and get two holidays in one!
Opening image: Happy family playing in the desert of Dubai
All travel-loving parents know how painful flying with kids can be – from restless rugrats who want nothing more than to run up and down the aisles during meal service to those determined to spend the whole flight kicking the back of the seat in front. Throw crossing time zones into the mix and things get even more challenging. The best way to ensure you arrive at your destination with your sanity in check is to book a stopover of at least 24 hours (as opposed to a layover, which is typically less than a day). The benefits of a stopover are many. As well as offering the chance to explore another part of the world, the impact of jet lag is lessened. It’s a chance to spend some extra quality time with the family and refresh and recharge, before tackling the next leg! Here are three of the best stopover destinations between Australia and Europe.
DUBAI
Want some major show and tell bragging rights? Take the kids for a ride to the top of the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, which stands at nearly 830 metres high, for epic views over the biggest city in the United Arab Emirates. Teens and tweens will love hitting the shops at the Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall, where you can also go snow-skiing indoors! Dubai also boasts the world’s largest water park, Atlantis Aquadventure, a LEGOLAND theme park and the international-themed Global Village Dubai. For a cultural experience, visit Jumeirah Mosque, hop aboard a traditional Abra boat to cross Dubai Creek or book a tour to fly kites in the desert.
Images: Climbing fun at the Camp Safari kids' club at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, The Burj Khalifa, Kids playing at Camp Safari kids' club, A Mirage Family Room, Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
WHERE TO STAY
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is the ideal place for some family fun in the sun, with two lagoon-style pools, a lazy river, epic waterslides and a splash play area for little ones. The Resort, which has more than 600 rooms and suites (some with those highly desirable bunk beds), also has three kids’ clubs catering to children of different ages and seven restaurants.
OMAN
Kids will have the time of their lives sandboarding and dune bashing in the Wahiba Sands desert and exploring ancient forts, palaces and castles in the walled city of Muscat on an Oman stopover. There are also some gorgeous rocky beaches to go swimming, as well as the oasis-like Wādī Banī Khālid and incredible Bimmah Sinkhole. As the oldest continuously independent state in the Arab world, the Sultanate on the border of Saudi Arabia also offers culture and heritage in spades. Explore an Omani village and souk – and see some pretty gnarly weapons on display – at the Bait Al Zubair museum, and visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is the largest in the country.
Images: Lake and oasis in the Omani desert, View over Nizwa fort, Beautyful oman coast landscape, A family room at Al Hail Waves Hotel, The pool at Centara Muscat Hotel in Oman
WHERE TO STAY
Just 15 minutes’ drive from Muscat International Airport, the centrally-located Centara Life Muscat Dunes Hotel has 71 rooms and suites, a rooftop pool and restaurants offering Middle Eastern, Thai and international cuisine. Close to attractions like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the 152-room Centara Muscat Hotel Oman in the CBD has a rooftop pool and a separate children’s pool. Overlooking the ocean just five minutes’ walk from the Al Mouj entertainment hub in North Muscat with Oman's only 18-hole PGA standard golf course, Al Hail Waves Hotel - Managed by Centara is another excellent option.
QATAR
Angry Birds World, anyone? Riding the rollercoasters and other amusment rides and playing laser tag at this theme park in Doha Festival City Mall is one of the highlights of a visit to this small nation near the United Arab Emirates. Sail in a traditional wooden dhow to Al Safliya Island, see colourful spices, textiles and pottery being sold at the beautifully restored Souk Waqif, which is also home to a Falcon Hospital where you can learn about the birds’ cultural significance, and discover the country’s history at the National Museum of Qatar, which is housed in an architecturally-designed building inspired by a desert rose. You can also marvel at the impressive works on display at the Museum of Islamic Art and Qatar Islamic Cultural Center, journey into outer space at Al Thuraya Planetarium and be wowed at the Museum of Illusions.
Images: Katara mosque exterior view, Wooden tourist boats in harbor of Doha, Angry Birds World and tubing at Snow Dunes © Visit Qatar, A suite at Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences
WHERE TO STAY
Conveniently located on the Corniche promenade with rooms overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha makes a great base. Around 25 minutes’ drive from Hamad International Airport, it has a large indoor pool, a kids’ club and a range of family-friendly apartments to choose from.
STOPOVER TRAVEL TIPS
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