Underrated stopover cities to and from Australia: Beyond Singapore and Dubai

The sprawling Texan oil city is a major hub for United Airlines, which flies direct from Sydney. Head in the opposite direction from the airport, and you can have a couple of days of fun in the sun around beachy Galveston. Otherwise, take on the city itself – you'll probably need a car to do so – and save at least a day to geek out on all things space as NASA's HQ, the Johnson Space Centre. See visithoustontexas.com

Perth, WA

The direct Qantas flight between Perth and London means that the Western Australian capital can take on the role traditionally occupied by Singapore and Hong Kong. If you want indulgence, head east to the Swan Valley wine region. Otherwise, hop on a ferry to quokka and top beach-packed Rottnest Island, enjoy microbrews in Fremantle or check out the cultural attractions in newly rejuvenated Northbridge. See experienceperth.com

Manila, Philippines

No one's going to claim the Filipino capital is the prettiest or most relaxing of cities, but it can be great fun. Hit up the karaoke bars in the evening, and spend the day looking around Intramuros, the fortified, historic section of the city that plays host to the 16th century San Agustin Church. Next to it is the massive Rizal Park, a people-watching hotspot that has the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden and National Museum within its confines. Philippine Airlines connects Sydney and Melbourne to the rest of Asia through Manila. See tourismphilippines.com.au

Seoul

The Korean capital offers a mix of skyscraper-filled modernity, K-Pop weirdness and the odd traditional piece of sightseeing eye candy. Of the latter, the Gyeongbokgung Palace is an enormous royal residence dating back to the 14th century. Those who want a bit more of old Korea should head to Insa-Dong, which is full of traditional shops and Korean restaurants. Asiana has its hub at Seoul Incheon Airport and flies direct from Sydney. See english.visitkorea.or.kr

Auckland

Air New Zealand has an ever increasing array of routes to North and South America via Auckland, and NZ's biggest city is becoming much more fun. Ponsonby's the 'hood to hang out in for food and drink, but boat trips out to the Hauraki Gulf islands are the best way to experience Auckland. Rangitoto is impressively volcanic, while Waiheke has the beaches and wineries. See aucklandnz.com

Taipei

With China Airlines connecting Sydney and Melbourne to Europe through Taipei, the Taiwanese capital should be on the radar of more Aussie travellers. The star attraction is Taipei 101 – the tallest building in the world until 2010 – but the National Palace Museum and Shilin Night Market are worth a look too. Meanwhile, the Yangmingshan National Park provides hiking and hot springs around a dormant volcano. See eng.taiwan.net.tw

Chengdu

The capital of the Sichuan province is an interesting Chinese alternative to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Air China has a hub there – with direct flights from Sydney – and while spicy food may be the immediate thing that springs to mind, this is also where the pandas hang out. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding should provide an ample dose of adorableness.

Ho Chi Minh City

Chaotic, it may be, but Ho Chi Minh City is also plenty of fun if you look in the right places. For war throwbacks, check out the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum, and for a spot of colonial architecture, there's the Notre Dame Cathedral. Otherwise, grazing and drinking is the way forward, while the Ben Thanh Market is a good bet for local dishes and souvenirs. Vietnam Airlines flies direct from Sydney and Melbourne.

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