From Dallas to Hong Kong: My Stopover Adventure

Hi, I’m Isla Monroe, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned as a traveler, it’s that the journey is just as memorable as the destination. Recently, I flew from Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) to Hong Kong — a trip that blended world-class comfort, a spontaneous stopover, and the thrill of exploring two destinations in one journey.

Taking Off from DFW

Flying out of DFW always feels like the start of something big. The energy in the international terminal is a mix of business travelers heading abroad, families off on vacation, and wanderers like me chasing the next adventure. With my ticket booked in business class, I had time to settle in at the lounge before boarding — a quiet moment to sip a coffee, scroll through my itinerary, and get excited about what lay ahead.

A Stopover Surprise

One of my favorite ways to travel is to build in a stopover. This time, I broke up my long-haul journey with a layover in Tokyo (though any gateway city can be an option, depending on the route). Instead of just passing through, I gave myself 24 hours to explore.

Tokyo was alive with neon lights, bustling streets, and the peaceful quiet of temple gardens tucked between skyscrapers. I wandered through Shinjuku, savored a bowl of ramen that ruined me for all others, and even found time to watch the city wake up at sunrise. That stopover added so much depth to my trip — a mini adventure before the main one.

Touching Down in Hong Kong

After my time in Tokyo, it was back to the skies. The final leg to Hong Kong was smooth and comfortable — exactly what I needed after a whirlwind day. Landing in Hong Kong felt electric. The city’s skyline, with Victoria Harbour glistening below, made me realize why this destination is such a magnet for travelers.

In the days that followed, I balanced my time between the city’s contrasts: dim sum breakfasts in bustling tea houses, ferry rides across the harbor, and quiet hikes on Dragon’s Back trail. Hong Kong is a destination that offers both the thrill of a global city and the serenity of nature just minutes away.

Why I Love Stopovers

For me, travel is about stories, and adding a stopover always gives me another one to tell. Instead of one city, I experienced two. Instead of just passing time in an airport, I made a memory. And when I finally arrived in Hong Kong, I wasn’t just another passenger off a long-haul flight — I was already in the rhythm of discovery.

So next time you book your client’s trip (or your own), think about the stopover. It might just become the most unforgettable part of the journey.