KEY POINTS:
I'm treating my father to a holiday in the UK in March and we're still in the throes of booking our flight. I was thinking that we should stop over in Singapore for three days to break up the journey. Would you recommend a stopover for older travellers, rather than flying direct from Auckland to London? I was also wondering what things we could do in Singapore that wouldn't be too strenuous for dad if we did decide a stopover. Dad is a fit and healthy 72-year-old who likes to get out and about.
Brendan Johnstone
A direct flight from Auckland to London would knock the wind out of anyone's sails, least of all a 70-plus traveller.
The stopover option is definitely the best way to go.
It's important to be aware of the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), often referred to as "economy class syndrome". As age is considered a factor for those at risk of DVT, there are a few basic steps to follow during your flight.
Try booking an aisle seat or one near a bulkhead to increase leg room; drink plenty of water and try not to drink alcohol; have a wander around the aircraft every hour or so to keep your circulation going; and if your father has a higher risk of blood clots forming, he should consult his doctor before flying.
The first thing to consider about stopping over in Singapore is the climate. It's going to be hot and humid regardless of when you travel, with temperatures averaging a steamy 31C. Thankfully, Singapore has a very convenient subway system, as well as a good supply of reasonably priced metered taxis.
At first glance, Singapore's modern cloak of concrete, glass and steel may come as a bit of a surprise. However, it is as undeniably an Asian city as its neighbours.
Chinatown is Singapore's cultural heart, providing glimpses of the old ways with its numerous temples and decorated terraces and shops.
Orchard Rd is synonymous with shopping, restaurants and bars, and even if you're not a great shopper, the air-con will be a welcome relief from the humidity.
Little India's wall-to-wall shops, pungent aromas and blaring Hindi soundtracks is at odds with much of Singapore's modern facade.
Centred on the southern end of Serangoon Rd, it's a great spot to fill your lives with a little chaos for an afternoon, as well as dining on excellent and inexpensive Indian food.
Singapore's colonial past is still in evidence in the colonial district, with hot-spots like Fort Canning and, of course, Raffles Hotel. A visit to Singapore just wouldn't be complete without sipping a Singapore Sling at the city's most famous landmark.
As part of your planning, have a read of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade's travel advisory for Singapore at safetravel.govt.nz.
One night in Bangkok
Our family of four will have a 6.5-hour-plus stopover at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport en route from Auckland to Phuket. We arrive at 1am and depart at 7.30am. Can you make any suggestions to pass the time? On a longer (day-time) stopover we were able to arrange a guided tour of Bangkok and wonder if there are any safe night-time equivalents. Vicki
Many travellers face this problem, as plenty of international flights pass through Suvarnabhumi International Airport in the wee small hours.
Unfortunately, the airport doesn't cater too well to overnight transit travellers. It has a Novotel hotel on site, and all restaurants are open 24 hours. You could amuse yourselves by looking at duty-free shops, or trying to get a bit of shut-eye in the transit lounge to pass the time, but it's not going to be a lot of fun.
There is a string of reasonably priced hotels only a short drive from the airport that cater to fly-by-night travellers looking for a place to relax and revive for a few hours before continuing on to their holiday destination.
This website has a comprehensive list of hotels close to the airport that offer very reasonable rates.
The highly recommended Queens Garden Resort is a popular choice, located only 25 minutes from the airport. It offers round-the-clock hotel check-in and free airport pickup, and overlooks a Buddhist Temple and the Prawet Buri Rom River.
As well as restaurant and bar facilities, the hotel offers Thai massage and the opportunity to take a stroll around the temple - even if it is the middle of the night.
The room rate for a connecting double and twin room catering for four people is around $76.
