Nestled in the heart of northern Queensland lies the quaint sugarcane farming town of Ingham, Australia. With its bright blue skies, sun-kissed beaches, and the breathtaking wall of water cascading from Australia’s longest single-drop waterfall, Ingham is a slice of paradise. This vibrant community has shaped much of who I am, yet it isn’t without its challenges. After a fervent yearning to explore beyond my small hometown, I set off for London on a two-year working visa, unaware that fate had me crossing paths with a charming Englishman who would soon become my husband. Fast forward seventeen years, and here I am; a permanent British resident, nurturing two little boys whose British accents contrast sharply with my Australian roots. Each year, we brave the marathon of long-haul flights back to Australia, and thus the necessity for stopovers arose. Our aim is to make these layovers memorable by discovering new cities, cultures, and cuisines along the way.
Our first memorable stop was Seoul, where the smells of sizzling street food beckon from every corner. Korean Air proved indispensable for families, allowing us to pre-order children’s meals and offering kid-sized headphones for entertainment. Our accommodation, Hotel28, delighted our children with a cinema theme and complimentary gifts, including a mini bar stocked with treats. The heart of our experience was the bustling Myeongdong district. Every evening, we wandered through its lively night market, tasting delights like fried baby crab while enjoying talent from local K-pop performers. However, the sheer volume of traffic is something worthy of caution. Our taxi ride into the city consumed an hour, but during rush hour, the return trip spanned three grueling hours. Underestimating the travel demands almost cost us dearly, as we arrived too late to check in for our onward flight, incurring unexpected delays and expenses.
Another enchanting stop was Bangkok, the perfect mid-point between London and Brisbane. The inexpensive domestic flights made it ideal for trips to paradisiacal beaches like Krabi, where we hunkered down at the beautiful ShellSea resort. The leisurely days spent swimming and soaking up local culture were blissful. Thailand mesmerized our young one; he snoozed in his stoller, while our older son reveled in the thrill of outdoor play and even tried his hand at Thai boxing. Dining under hand-constructed gazebos with the serene backdrop of local music was unforgettable. Yet, on the flip side, Bangkok does pose challenges, especially with young children. The relentless traffic hampers mobility, and the air quality isn’t always pleasant. Thankfully, we encountered fewer transit hassles than in Seoul, which was a small consolation.
Dubai: A Dazzling Oasis
Our journey continued to the dazzling emirate of Dubai, home to astonishing vistas and attractions. The Burj Khalifa’s towering presence and the thrilling Aquaventure Waterpark guaranteed days filled with excitement for our family. While visiting the 25hours Hotel, we found the lively atmosphere welcoming. The breathtaking views from the rooftop pool overlooking the Museum of the Future were a delight, especially while sharing a meal with locals during Ramadan. Experiencing the traditional iftar buffet—an array of delicious dishes—afforded us a unique glimpse into local culture and cuisine. Yet, the alluring charm of Dubai comes at a hefty price. For families, an outing to Aquaventure and the Burj Khalifa can quickly become budget-busting endeavors.
Singapore: A Family-Friendly Gateway
Finally, we found ourselves in Singapore, a stop that haunts my dreams of returning with our boys. Everything from our luxurious stay at the Mandarin Oriental to the vibrant cultural scenes made it easy to navigate, with its impressive infrastructure keeping our children entertained. The lovely Changi Airport features stunning gardens and relaxation areas—a child’s haven as we awaited our next leg home. However, if there were a downside, it’s that Singapore may lack the vivid buzz characteristic of cities like Seoul and Bangkok, perhaps leaning a little too much towards the expensive side relative to other Asian hubs.
Reflecting on Our Travels
Every stopover on our journey served a distinct purpose—allowing us to infuse our long travels with unique experiences and memories. While each city has its pros and cons, they all offer a collective enrichment illuminating the beauty of exploring the world with family. Some mishaps became lessons learned, expanding our understanding while pushing the boundaries of comfort. As we continue to navigate our unique blend of Australian heritage and British upbringing, these stopovers create cherished memories in our ever-evolving family narrative.