Imagine turning a routine flight connection into an extended adventure without stretching your budget. That’s the beauty of stopover programs, a travel hack everyone should know about. Let me break down how these programs can turn your next trip into an opportunity to explore two destinations for the price of one.

A stopover, often confused with a layover, is when you extend your stay in a connecting city for more than 24 hours, typically up to a week or more, without any extra cost on your airfare. While a layover is just a brief pause between flights, a stopover allows you to explore the connecting city as an added bonus to your final destination. It’s often offered by the flag bearer of a destination or country. I’ve experienced this firsthand during my travels, like my first one in Panama with Copa Airlines on my way to Colombia.

Layovers are capped at 23hrs 59mins while stopovers could be up to 7days! 

The real allure of stopovers lies in their ability to enhance your travel experience without the hefty price tag. Airlines offer these programs to boost tourism in their hub cities. For instance, on my trip to Dublin Ireland, I took advantage of Icelandair’s stopover program, which allowed me to explore Iceland for four nights. This wasn’t just a simple transit; it was an adventure that had me witnessing the Northern Lights, all included in the price of my ticket to Europe.

Stopover programs are particularly beneficial if you have a flexible travel schedule and a passport that doesn’t restrict your global movements. While some might think adding a stopover could significantly bump up the cost of a trip, it’s often quite the opposite. For instance, adding a stopover in Iceland on my trip to Dublin only increased my fare by about $50, which is a small price to pay for the experiences I gained. While non stop flight from Toronto to Dublin with Aer Lingus was even more expensive, it was over $1k. I would be lying if I said every stop over program is automatically cheaper than booking two separate round-trip tickets, I’ve seen an instance where Portugal + Morocco was $700 and on other dates it was cheaper to book direct to Portugal then book a separate flight to Morocco. Even when the costs are higher, the trade-off is the depth and richness of your travel experience—visiting two culturally diverse countries in one go, so find the balance. 

Here are a few stopover combinations that I've either tried or are on my travel radar:

Panama and Colombia with Copa Airlines: A seamless blend of Central American zest and Caribbean charm, this combination lets you explore Panama City’s dynamic landscape before heading to the historical streets of Cartagena.

Iceland and Ireland with Iceland air: Ideal for those chasing natural wonders like the Northern Lights, followed by the lush greenery and historical sites of Ireland.

Portugal and Morocco with TAP Portugal: You can choose to wander through Lisbon or Porto before diving into the vibrant markets and deserts of Morocco in Casablanca or Marrakesh.

Doha and Bangkok with Qatar Airways: Experience the luxury of Doha with a stopover that could include a desert safari and a tour of the stunning Museum of Islamic Art, before heading off to the bustling streets of Bangkok to enjoy its vibrant street food scene and ornate temples.

Abu Dhabi and Melbourne with Etihad Airways: Discover the opulence of Abu Dhabi, taking in the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the modern art at Louvre Abu Dhabi, then travel on to Melbourne to soak up its dynamic arts scene, coastal drives, and lively cafes.

Dubai and Rome with Emirates: Explore Dubai’s futuristic architecture and bustling souks, and then step back in time in Rome to wander through historical ruins, enjoy the vibrant piazzas, and experience its world-class museums.

Toronto and Tokyo with Air Canada: Make the most of a layover in Toronto by visiting the iconic CN Tower and exploring the multicultural neighborhoods, then jet off to Tokyo to immerse yourself in its unique blend of traditional culture and cutting-edge technology.

I recently found one with Fiji Airways - On your way to Australia or New Zealand you can topper in Nadi for up to 48hrs. Now I’m ready to visit Australia!

Each of these stopover programs offers a unique way to enrich your travel experience, allowing you to absorb the essence of two vastly different cultures in one journey. Whether you're looking to explore bustling cityscapes, serene landscapes, or historical sites, these airlines provide stopover options that cater to all tastes and preferences.My own journey with stopovers has significantly enriched my travel experiences, turning routine flights into multi-destination adventures. Each stopover has allowed me to create deeper connections with the places I visited, transforming what could have been mere layovers into memorable parts of my travel adventures. 

So, why settle for one destination when you can explore two? Start planning your next adventure with a stopover today. Adventure, after all, is just a stopover away.

Tag me in all your adventures, I’d love to see these destinations through your lens! 

Happy adventuring
xoxo 

AdventurouslyBB