• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Travel options

Marie_pri

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
2018 Camino Frances
2023 Camino Frances
Australia long flight question

In 2018 I flew to Madrid from Australia an it was such a long and exhausting flight, the return trip being the hardest leg. I wonder has anyone (Australians) booked flights with stopovers? And did it work? Did it help? I’m planing to walk again 2023 and am trying to think of options as that flight is my biggest dread.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
Australia long flight question

In 2018 I flew to Madrid from Australia an it was such a long and exhausting flight, the return trip being the hardest leg. I wonder has anyone (Australians) booked flights with stopovers? And did it work? Did it help? I’m planing to walk again 2023 and am trying to think of options as that flight is my biggest dread.
Hi @Marie_pri,
None of us relish the long haul but it comes with the territory. I've met so many Northern Hemispherers who say they'd love to come to Australia but don't because of the flight. Aussies & Kiwis are everywhere & anywhere you can go in the world...imagine if we all had that same attitude & didn't go because of time & distance?!
I've tried the stop-over thing a few times, on the way over or back, & IMHO it doesn't help but merely delays the inevitable. I didn't arrive feeling any better or worse.

My airline of choice is Qatar making their stop-over option Doha. In that instance, although an interesting place with a brilliant museum, the arrival & departure times were awful..around midnight in both directions.
With decades of experience behind me, my advice is;
i/ accept it
ii/ it's 24-30 hours out of your life...a small price to pay for what you will receive from the journey
iii/ choose your departing flight time carefully. Eg..Qatar flights leave Melbourne late evening which means you've already had a full day & are more likely to get some sleep on the plane
iv/ an Aus evening departure time equals an approx early to mid arvo arrival time in the European city of your choice. This gives you time to get to your accom, settle in, run any errands or merely 'get your bearings', have dinner then go to bed at your normal time. This is the best way to adapt to the new time zone
v/ take it easy your first full day. Do whatever is your interest but don't over schedule or try to see/do too much.
vi/ from Day 2...into it!
vii/ on the return home, give yourself a few days to re-adjust.

All in all, yes...the flight is horrible (unless you can fly First Class!). It messes with our body systems but you can control your attitude towards it which will make the procedure much smoother.
The worst thing you could do is not go because of the tyranny of distance.

Best wishes, you are not alone in feeling this way BUT it will be totally worth it. 🤗
👣 🌏
PS. I've also had stop-overs in other hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok & Hong Kong...made no difference at all. I'd only suggest a stop-over if you had a particular interest in the hub as a destination. 😊
 
Last edited:
Australia long flight question

In 2018 I flew to Madrid from Australia an it was such a long and exhausting flight, the return trip being the hardest leg. I wonder has anyone (Australians) booked flights with stopovers? And did it work? Did it help? I’m planing to walk again 2023 and am trying to think of options as that flight is my biggest dread.
I flew from NZ in 2019 & I agree with the travel time as I only had 1 hour in Doha as a short stop.
I have just booked my next trip in September & am taking slightly longer with 2 stopovers (5-6 hours) one in Hong kong & 2nd in Frankfurt) maybe that will make it not as bad.
I did Camino Frances in 2019 & this time looking at linking the Camino San Salvador & Primitivo as one.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
I fly from NZ, and have tried the options. Cathay Pacific gives us two similar length flights (13 and 12 I think), Emirates is a really long 1st leg (17-18 hours) with a smaller second one. My sister did the Doha one, similar to Emirates.
For some reason the Emirates flights work best for me mentally - by the time you arrive in Dubai airport you know you've broken the back of it. And I find the best way is to start walking straight away. Last time when we had a few days in Paris before walking the Camino we were knackered for about 3 days. I wont do that again. I always go for the shortest (but doable) transit stops, the longer breaks dont help. Getting there as quickly as possible works for me.
Walking straight away (or the next morning) gets you back in your rhythm.
One of the bonuses of this scheme is that you will be able to sleep through all the snoring for the first few nights.
 
Last edited:
I flew from NZ in 2019 & I agree with the travel time as I only had 1 hour in Doha as a short stop.
I have just booked my next trip in September & am taking slightly longer with 2 stopovers (5-6 hours) one in Hong kong & 2nd in Frankfurt) maybe that will make it not as bad.
I did Camino Frances in 2019 & this time looking at linking the Camino San Salvador & Primitivo as one.
There's a big difference between a 'stop-over' (actually exiting the airport with usually an overnight stay) & being 'in transit' (killing time at the airport between flights).
In transit, which is what I think you're referring to, really does string it out. The short transit time, in Doha for example, is excellent because you get to stretch your legs before continuing your journey.
👣 🌏
 
I'm like others - it is only a couple of days out of my life. Horrible, but necessary if you want the reward.

I've done it all ways - direct flights, stop-over for a night, stop-over for several days. Once I had an upgrade to business class; nice, having experienced it I do not think the difference is worth the money. Much better was the cheap as chips economy flight where I managed to get 4 empty seats in a row and could stretch out completely and sleep properly. That was luxury.

Stopping over for 3 or 4 days I can recommend, if you have the time. Any option - I've had stopovers in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Geneva, Dubai, Tokyo. A one day stopover does not do anything for me.

The other option I've experienced, thanks to a very generous travelling companion, is to have the 17 hour transit time in Dubai (flying Emirates out of Sydney on the 6am flight), in the luxury airport hotel - the one that is right on site. It's expensive, I could not afford it myself. You get escorted into a lift, up a few floors, and can have a swim in the pool and/or fall into bed for a sleep. Then a short flight to Madrid the next day and arrive refreshed.

I've also used the Emirates free hotel, but it requires a bus ride to and from the hotel, which takes quite a while, and if you do take that option, beware the hotel food! A rather horrible buffet and I have one friend who says it gave her food poisoning.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
We have flown straight through transiting only in Dubai and also stopovers in Singapore usually for two nights. We prefer being able to stopover in Singapore and find that helps us to endure the long trip better.
We have flown Qantas to Singapore, had a stopover of a couple of nights, then Qantas/Emirates to Dubai, transited there for about 2/3 hours, then on to our destination in Europe. That makes about three 7/8 hr flights, which we find much more tolerable.
 
There's a big difference between a 'stop-over' (actually exiting the airport with usually an overnight stay) & being 'in transit' (killing time at the airport between flights).
In transit, which is what I think you're referring to, really does string it out. The short transit time, in Doha for example, is excellent because you get to stretch your legs before continuing your journey.
👣 🌏
Thanks. I amended my post to transit stops.
 
Thanks. I amended my post to transit stops.
Sorry @Anamiri ...my post wasn't meant to correct anyone! Just differentiating between the two.
Either way, its still a long haul...but if nothing else comes out of the pandemic, we appreciate even more our ability & freedom to undertake such journeys.
Happy trails! 🤗
👣 🌏
 
Last edited:
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I flew through Singapore (3 day stopover) and Athens (10 day stopover) followed by a short trip to Irun via Barcelona. Arrived in Irun early enough in the morning I could have started my Camino immediately, but chose to spend the day actually having a good look at Irun ... there is lots to see there. I don't like to rush, and a day in Greece or Spain is cheaper than a day in Australia, so why hurry if you don't have to ...
 
I once flew from Chicago to Perth. A plane change in Hawaii, and another one in Tokyo. It was nice to get off the plane. But I think it would’ve been even better if I could’ve spent a day in one of those spots. Sometimes you can find flights that have incredibly long stops without paying any extra. Or you can book it on purpose.
I think either you want just an hour or a whole day.
 
Hi @Marie_pri,
None of us relish the long haul but it comes with the territory. I've met so many Northern Hemispherers who say they'd love to come to Australia but don't because of the flight. Aussies & Kiwis are everywhere & anywhere you can go in the world...imagine if we all had that same attitude & didn't go because of time & distance?!
I've tried the stop-over thing a few times, on the way over or back, & IMHO it doesn't help but merely delays the inevitable. I didn't arrive feeling any better or worse.

My airline of choice is Qatar making their stop-over option Doha. In that instance, although an interesting place with a brilliant museum, the arrival & departure times were awful..around midnight in both directions.
With decades of experience behind me, my advice is;
i/ accept it
ii/ it's 24-30 hours out of your life...a small price to pay for what you will receive from the journey
iii/ choose your departing flight time carefully. Eg..Qatar flights leave Melbourne late evening which means you've already had a full day & are more likely to get some sleep on the plane
iv/ an Aus evening departure time equals an approx early to mid arvo arrival time in the European city of your choice. This gives you time to get to your accom, settle in, run any errands or merely 'get your bearings', have dinner then go to bed at your normal time. This is the best way to adapt to the new time zone
v/ take it easy your first full day. Do whatever is your interest but don't over schedule or try to see/do too much.
vi/ from Day 2...into it!
vii/ on the return home, give yourself a few days to re-adjust.

All in all, yes...the flight is horrible (unless you can fly First Class!). It messes with our body systems but you can control your attitude towards it which will make the procedure much smoother.
The worst thing you could do is not go because of the tyranny of distance.

Best wishes, you are not alone in feeling this way BUT it will be totally worth it. 🤗
👣 🌏
PS. I've also had stop-overs in other hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok & Hong Kong...made no difference at all. I'd only suggest a stop-over if you had a particular interest in the hub as a destination. 😊
Absolutely agree @Tassie Kat.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
For my last camino in 2019 I flew from Melbourne on Etihad who were offering a very cheap fare that meant I needed to have a long lay-over in Abu Dhabi. This worked out really well as I booked into a very good and reasonable hotel at their airport.
We arrived in Abu Dhabi at 5.30am and went immediately to bed and slept to about 1pm. Spent the afternoon seeing the sites and flew on to Madrid about mid-night.
Because i am in my eighties I always look for a stop-over somewhere as I find direct long flights too exhausting.
 
Hi @Marie_pri,
None of us relish the long haul but it comes with the territory. I've met so many Northern Hemispherers who say they'd love to come to Australia but don't because of the flight. Aussies & Kiwis are everywhere & anywhere you can go in the world...imagine if we all had that same attitude & didn't go because of time & distance?!
I've tried the stop-over thing a few times, on the way over or back, & IMHO it doesn't help but merely delays the inevitable. I didn't arrive feeling any better or worse.

My airline of choice is Qatar making their stop-over option Doha. In that instance, although an interesting place with a brilliant museum, the arrival & departure times were awful..around midnight in both directions.
With decades of experience behind me, my advice is;
i/ accept it
ii/ it's 24-30 hours out of your life...a small price to pay for what you will receive from the journey
iii/ choose your departing flight time carefully. Eg..Qatar flights leave Melbourne late evening which means you've already had a full day & are more likely to get some sleep on the plane
iv/ an Aus evening departure time equals an approx early to mid arvo arrival time in the European city of your choice. This gives you time to get to your accom, settle in, run any errands or merely 'get your bearings', have dinner then go to bed at your normal time. This is the best way to adapt to the new time zone
v/ take it easy your first full day. Do whatever is your interest but don't over schedule or try to see/do too much.
vi/ from Day 2...into it!
vii/ on the return home, give yourself a few days to re-adjust.

All in all, yes...the flight is horrible (unless you can fly First Class!). It messes with our body systems but you can control your attitude towards it which will make the procedure much smoother.
The worst thing you could do is not go because of the tyranny of distance.

Best wishes, you are not alone in feeling this way BUT it will be totally worth it. 🤗
👣 🌏
PS. I've also had stop-overs in other hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok & Hong Kong...made no difference at all. I'd only suggest a stop-over if you had a particular interest in the hub as a destination. 😊
Try flying China Eastern from Melbourne - Shanghai - Paris - Madrid then 6 hour bus trip to Seville...character building lol
 
I've just booked Brisbane to Paris with Singapore airlines which will take 24hrs with a short transit time in Singapore. Not only did this option seem to have the shortest duration it was also the cheapest. One night in Paris and then the second night in SJPDP then I'll be on my way on the Camino. As it's my first, I got lots of advice from more experienced pilgrims - and think hopefully that I've got it right. We will see.

Good luck with your planning @Marie_pri
 
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
Travelling from Darwin, my choices are limited. I always choose to leave Darwin in the afternoon, transit in Singapore (easy to pass time in this airport) and then on to Paris leaving around midnight so that you arrive early morning. Plenty of time to organise onward train travel to SJPDP or San Sebastian same day and then to bed at normal time in prebooked accommodation. Take a day or so off before I start walking.
Returning to Australia, I aim for a flight which arrives in the afternoon, so that I go to bed in the evening with the hope I rise early the next day to restart my body clock. I find jet lag a bigger problem when flying west to east and it takes a couple of days to sort out the daily rhyth.
 
I've just booked Brisbane to Paris with Singapore airlines which will take 24hrs with a short transit time in Singapore. Not only did this option seem to have the shortest duration it was also the cheapest. One night in Paris and then the second night in SJPDP then I'll be on my way on the Camino. As it's my first, I got lots of advice from more experienced pilgrims - and think hopefully that I've got it right. We will see.

Good luck with your planning @Marie_pri
It’s a really nice Camino & the scenery & people are amazing. Buen Camino
 

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top