Travel specialists have unveiled a strategic approach that could save holidaymakers a remarkable 44 hours of flight time when planning multi-country trips. By thoughtfully combining visits to two cities in different nations within a single itinerary, travellers can reclaim almost two full days that would otherwise be spent in transit.
The Ultimate Time-Saving City Pairings
According to escorted tour experts at Titan Travel, who conducted an extensive analysis of popular global destinations, certain city combinations offer exceptional efficiency. The research aimed to identify which international pairings work most seamlessly together, helping travellers plan the ultimate multi-city adventure without sacrificing precious holiday time to lengthy journeys.
Sydney and Auckland: The Top Time-Savers
The analysis revealed that Sydney and Auckland represent the easiest cities to combine across two countries, offering frequent direct flights with a short flight duration of just over three hours. This pairing eliminates the need for a second long-haul return journey, saving travellers an impressive 2,685 minutes – equivalent to 44 hours and 45 minutes – in total travel time compared to separate trips from London.
Other Efficient International Combinations
Tokyo and Seoul ranked as the second most efficient pairing, offering exceptional flexibility with nearly 50 direct flights operating daily between the two capitals. Combining these Asian metropolises saves 1,530 minutes (25 hours and 30 minutes) compared to taking separate long-haul flights from the UK.
Despite offering distinctly different travel experiences, Bangkok and Hanoi also work seamlessly as a multi-country pairing, saving travellers more than a full day in the air – specifically 26 hours and 15 minutes. Other notable efficient combinations include Bangkok-Kuala Lumpur, Dubai-Malé, and New York-Toronto.
Expert Tips for Planning Multi-Country Travel
In light of these findings, Cassie Stickland, product manager at Titan Travel, has shared her professional insights on how to plan an effective multi-country trip for 2026 and beyond.
Prioritise Flight Frequency Over Geography
Cassie's first recommendation challenges conventional thinking: 'Don't pair places just because they're nearby. What matters more is how you can travel between them. Routes with frequent flights give flexibility, sensible travel times, and the ability to recover if plans change.'
Consider Total Travel Days, Not Just Flight Times
Her second tip emphasises comprehensive planning: 'A short flight doesn't always mean a short day. Airports, transfers, and waiting can eat into exploration time. Trains or high-frequency routes often feel gentler, dropping you straight into the city centre.'
Keep It Realistic and Create Contrast
Cassie advises maintaining practicality: 'Keep the number of countries realistic. Two countries usually work best, giving variety without constant packing. A third can work only if connections are simple. The best trips give time to settle in and experience everyday life.'
She also suggests designing deliberate contrast into itineraries: 'Multi-country travel works best when each stop offers something different – a busy city followed by a calmer destination, sightseeing balanced with outdoors, energy followed by relaxation. Pairings like Australia-New Zealand or Thailand-Vietnam are satisfying for this reason.'
The Value of Escorted Tours in Complex Regions
For regions with more complex travel logistics like Southeast Asia, South America, or Australia-New Zealand, Cassie highlights the advantages of escorted tours: 'Flights, border crossings, and schedules are handled for you, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.' This approach makes multi-country trips effortless while maximising time spent experiencing destinations rather than navigating logistics.
Top 10 Most Efficient City Pairings
- Sydney – Auckland: 2,685 minutes saved
- Tokyo – Seoul: 1,530 minutes saved
- Bangkok – Hanoi: 1,575 minutes saved
- Bangkok – Kuala Lumpur: 1,435 minutes saved
- Dubai – Malé: 825 minutes saved
- New York – Toronto: 790 minutes saved
- Paris – Milan: 90 minutes saved
- Athens – Istanbul: 380 minutes saved
- Munich – Vienna: 185 minutes saved
- Milan – Zürich: 140 minutes saved
This strategic approach to multi-country travel planning demonstrates that with careful consideration of flight frequencies, total travel days, and complementary destinations, travellers can significantly reduce transit time while enhancing their overall holiday experience.
