Travel further, save more:  The benefits of long-haul overnight flights

Travelling is exciting, but it can also be exhausting, especially when you’re flying long distances. The key to making your journey smoother, more cost-effective, and enjoyable lies in choosing the right flight. If you’re debating whether to take a daytime short-haul flight or an overnight long-haul, let me tell you why the latter is the way to go.

The downside of short-haul daytime flights

Picture this: You leave your house early in the morning, eager to start your vacation. After lining up to drop your luggage and battling through airport security, you finally board your short-haul flight. A few hours later, you land - but your journey is far from over. You still have to wait for your luggage, navigate customs, and find your way to the hotel. By the time you arrive, it’s late in the evening.

The sun has set, restaurants are closed, and you’re left tired and hungry. The worst part? You’ve paid for a full night in a premium hotel, but you’re too exhausted to enjoy it. The day is lost, and so is the chance to savour that first night of your trip.

My preferred choice: Long-haul overnight flights

Now, let’s flip the script. Instead of spending your entire day travelling, why not make the journey part of your sleep schedule with an overnight long-haul flight?

Here’s how it works:

You leave for the airport in the evening, feeling calm because you’ve had the whole day to get ready. After checking in, you might have a relaxed dinner at the airport before boarding your flight around 9 PM. As soon as you’re on the plane, it’s time to wind down. You’ve come prepared with a few travel essentials: a cozy neck pillow, an eye mask, noise-cancelling earbuds, and maybe even a leg swing to use as a footrest. These little comforts can make all the difference in helping you get some sleep.

Now, I know what you’re thinking - many people tell me they just can’t sleep on a plane. But here’s the thing: if you pre-book your seat, even if it costs a little extra, and bring along these travel gadgets, you’ll set yourself up for success. Pick a window seat so you have something to lean against, and download a couple of shows or movies to watch as you unwind. Before you know it, you’ll drift off.

While you’re snoozing at 35,000 feet, you’re also covering thousands of miles. By the time you wake up, the plane is descending into your destination, and it’s morning.

Arrive ready to explore

Instead of arriving late at night and losing out on a hotel night you paid for, you touch down in the morning, somewhat refreshed and ready to start your adventure. You’ve saved money by not needing a hotel room for that first night, and you’re arriving with the whole day ahead of you. Drop your bags at the hotel, grab breakfast, and start exploring while the city is just waking up.

And here’s the kicker: even if you didn’t sleep as much as you’d like on the plane, the adrenaline of being in a new place will kick in. You’ll be so excited to start your trip that you won’t mind being a little tired. You might even get a second wind as you take in the sights and sounds of your destination. And if you do start to feel worn out, an early night isn’t the worst thing - you’ll wake up the next day fully refreshed and ready to go. 

Top Tip : try to stay awake as long as you can so the jet lag is ditched on day 1. 

While an overnight long-haul flight might be a bit more expensive than a short-haul daytime flight, the benefits far outweigh the cost. You save on accommodation, arrive ready to explore, and don’t waste precious vacation time in transit. It’s a smarter, more efficient way to start your trip.

But where could you go?

So, where can you fly on a long-haul overnight flight that’s worth the trip? Here are a few ideas:

Portugal

Why not head to Portugal? This gem of a country offers great value for your travel dollar, with a favourable exchange rate and affordable prices on everything from accommodations to dining. Portugal enjoys far more months of sunshine than most of North America, making it an ideal destination almost year-round. Picture yourself strolling through boutique shops and sipping coffee in quaint village cafés. The food is fantastic - think fresh seafood, pastries, and local wines. Plus, with vibrant cities like Lisbon and Porto, alongside charming smaller towns, you’ll have plenty to explore.

The Netherlands - off the beaten path 

Perhaps a road trip through northern Netherlands? After just a seven-hour flight to the affordable European airport of Amsterdam, you can embark on a journey through beautiful towns that look like they’ve been lifted straight out of a postcard. Explore the famous tulip fields in spring, marvel at historic windmills, and wander through mini-Amsterdam-style towns complete with canals and gabled houses. It’s the perfect mix of scenic drives, cultural experiences, and that classic Dutch charm.

Top Tip - choose a main hub like Paris or Amsterdam doe affordable flights. 

Ireland , a place we couldn’t resist and moved to

If you’re looking for something a bit closer, Ireland might be just the ticket. With flights from North America to Dublin or Shannon taking under six hours, you’ll land in a country where the landscape is so green you’ll think it’s been photoshopped. Ireland is a paradise for history buffs, with over 30,000 castles, including picturesque ruins scattered across the countryside. But it’s not just about the history - the towns and villages are full of character, with cozy pubs, local music, and warm hospitality that will make you feel right at home.

Top Tip : Rent a car, explore more and at your own pace. 

Going even further?

Think abut a short stopover on your way to an even further destination like we did to Africa. Stop for a night in Istanbul with a free hotel if you use Turkish airlines stopover program or Dubai with Emirates. Great stopover cities to break up the journey and some stopover programs are free. 

Conclusion

When you choose a long-haul overnight flight, you’re not just getting to your destination - you’re starting your vacation with an adventure. You avoid the fatigue and frustration of a long travel day, save money on that first hotel night, and arrive ready to dive into your trip. With a little preparation and the right travel gear, you can turn a potentially tiring flight into a restful part of your journey.

So, the next time you’re planning a trip, think about how you want to spend that first night. Would you rather arrive late and lose a day, or wake up in Europe or beyond, with a whole new world at your feet? With destinations like Portugal, the Netherlands, and Ireland waiting to be explored, the choice is clear: long-haul overnight flights are the way to go.