Now we’re often asked the best route from Britain or Ireland to Australia.
And my own globetrotter will invariably say by ship, but here’s something new Turk the new Istanbul-Melbourne route.
You’ll know, of course, having been told it as often as I am that my peripatetic partner travelled back from Australia, where she lived as a child, to England on a ship.
And she took in New Zealand, Tahiti, the Panama Canal, Curacao and Portugal.
All of which puts my efforts since into the shade.
Cave of riches
That said she hasn’t enjoyed the Cave of Riches that is the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge in Istanbul.
Turkey’s metropolis on the Bosphorus at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is, of course, one of the world’s great cities.
And the planet’s busiest thoroughfare, making it the perfect stop-off if you’re trying to break up your trip to Aussieland.
Where, of course, you can refuel yourself, but also take in a film, have a golf drive-in, kip down…
You name it, the multi award-winning Turkish Airlines Business Lounge who pampered us en route to the Maldives.
Do the Continental
TA’s new Istanbul-Singapore-Melbourne (and back route) will be its 346th destination.
And 130th country and sixth continent, all from March 15.
There will be three flights per week and as well as all the comfort you’d expect there is a flying on-board chef.
So you can recline and make the most of those Turkish specialities… and do ask for kofte meatballs.
Of course turning left is always a treat but it is an absolute Godsend on long-haul travel.
And Britain and Ireland to Australia is about as long as you can get so you’ll be grateful for the comfy kip.
All worth considering when you’re heading Down Under.
And Turk the new Istanbul-Melbourne route.
