Plan trip in your next layover
Have a long connecting flight? What if we told you, could turn it into a mini holiday and it wouldn't cost a bomb?
Airlines across the world are offering their passengers exclusive deals to explore the airline's home country, and at minimal additional cost.
Here are 8 airlines that offer crazy discounts on stopover trips, and one airline that will pick up the tab for your stay too!
Fly Etihad Airways and explore Abu Dhabi
More than just a convenient stopover, Etihad also offers deals on luxury hotels and complimentary stays at select properties to help you explore Arabian culture, art, and iconic landmarks.
Beyond its cultural treasures, Abu Dhabi caters to all types of travelers. Foodies can indulge in exquisite dining, while nightlife enthusiasts can find excitement after dark. Thrill-seekers will love the city's theme parks and world-class sporting venues.
But wait, there's more! Your Etihad boarding pass becomes your key to unlocking exclusive deals and discounts on a variety of activities, experiences, and restaurants throughout the city.
Here are three must-visit places to add to your Abu Dhabi itinerary:
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi
3. Yas Island
Fly Qatar Airways and visit Doha
While your flight covers the transportation, the airline also offers discounted hotel packages ranging from one to four nights in both luxurious 5-star and 4-star accommodations.
Here are three must-visit places to add to your Doha itinerary:
1. Craving a taste of Qatari culture? Visit the vibrant Souq Waqif, a traditional marketplace teeming with spices, perfumes, and local crafts. Travel through time at the National Museum of Qatar, showcasing the nation's rich history and heritage.
2. Museum of Islamic Art: Take in the architectural marvel of the Museum of Islamic Art, housing a collection of Islamic art from across the globe. The museum's collection spans centuries and includes everything from ceramics and metalwork to textiles and jewelry.
3. National Museum of Qatar: Travel through time at the National Museum of Qatar, showcasing the nation's rich history and heritage. The museum's exhibits are interactive and engaging, and they tell the story of Qatar from its earliest days to the present.
Flying Emirates? Stopover in Dubai
Turn your Dubai layover into a luxurious adventure with a complimentary stopover of up to 48 hours offered by Emirates. Dubai's central location makes it the ideal stopover destination, allowing you to experience the best of the UAE without extending your travel time significantly.
Three things to add to your Dubai itinerary:
1. Burj Khalifa: Climb the world's tallest building for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
2. Dubai Mall: Shop till you drop at the world's largest shopping mall.
3. Palm Jumeirah: Visit the man-made archipelago, shaped like a palm tree, and explore its luxurious hotels, restaurants, and beaches.
Opt for a multi-city stopover when you fly JAL Japan Airlines
Take a break beyond 24 hours and explore for up to six nights in Osaka or Tokyo, at no additional cost to your airfare. Choose the multi-city stopover option and add the JAL Japan Explorer Pass to unlock connections to over 30 destinations across Japan.
Planning your stopover itinerary? Here are some must-visit places to consider:
Osaka:
1. Dotonbori District: Immerse yourself in the neon-lit world of Dotonbori, a bustling district famous for its lively restaurants, street food stalls, and vibrant nightlife.
2. Osaka Castle: Explore the grandeur of Osaka Castle, a landmark that served as a major center of power during Japan's feudal era.
3. Universal Studios Japan: Thrill-seekers won't want to miss the excitement of Universal Studios Japan, a theme park featuring popular characters and movie-themed rides.
In Tokyo, visit:
1. Shibuya Crossing: Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, and marvel at the dazzling lights and bustling crowds.
2. Tokyo Tower: Go to the top of the iconic Tokyo Tower for panoramic views of the city skyline and capture unforgettable memories.
3. Senso-ji Temple: Immerse yourself in the serenity of Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and explore the surrounding Asakusa district with its traditional shops and street food vendors.
Discover Muscat when you book your next Oman Airways flight
Embrace Omani hospitality in the charming capital city of Muscat. Enjoy a free stopover of 1-3 nights and immerse yourself in the city's unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Along with a free stopover, you also get discounts at your choice of 3-, 4-, or 5-star hotels, with additional savings on food, drinks, and spa treatments (where available). You can also pick a bespoke tour arranged by the airline.
Planning your Muscat adventure? Here are three exciting things to do:
1. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: Witness the architectural grandeur of this magnificent mosque, boasting intricate details and the world's second-largest hand-woven carpet.
2. Mutrah Souq: Explore the vibrant Mutrah Souq, a traditional marketplace buzzing with shops selling Omani crafts, spices, and souvenirs.
3. Qurum Beach: Soak up the sun and enjoy refreshing ocean breezes at Qurum Beach, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and leisurely strolls.
Explore Helsinki for free with Finnair stopovers
Take advantage of Finnair's free stopover program and explore the captivating Finnish capital for 6, 12, or even 24 hours while on your journey, at no additional cost to your airfare. Booking a partner hotel through the airline also lets you earn extra Finnair Points.
Need some inspiration? Here are three things you can't miss in Helsinki:
1. Immerse yourself in the city's rich heritage by visiting the Temppeliaukio Rock Church, a unique church built directly into a granite rock.
2. Explore the vibrant Kauppatori Market Square, bustling with fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional Finnish handicrafts.
3. Escape the city center and stroll through the charming Esplanadi Park, a picturesque oasis perfect for relaxation and people-watching.
Choose the city you want to stop over at with Qantas
Planning a trip with Qantas? Take advantage of their free stopover program and turn your layover into an exciting adventure at no extra cost to your airfare. Plan out your tip and stopover on your way to your final destination or create a multi-city itinerary with several stops (including flights with Qantas' one world partners).
Qantas lets you design your dream itinerary with stopovers that suit your interests and travel style. However, while accommodation and tours are not included, Qantas offers a variety of resources to help you plan your stopover experience.
For example fly from Australia to Phuket via Bangkok, or Delhi to Australia via Singapore, Bangkok or Hong Kong.
Explore Toronto when booking Air Canada
Traveling through Canada, the US, or South America? Include Toronto as a stopover on your existing flight itinerary at no additional cost to your airfare, allowing you to experience the city's energy even on a short layover.
Frequent fliers can leverage Aeroplan points for a one-way or round-trip stopover in Toronto, lasting up to 45 days in either direction, for 5,000 points each way.
Here are three must-do things in Toronto:
1. Niagara Falls: Take a boat tour to get up close to the cascading waters, or marvel at the spectacle from various vantage points along the Niagara Parkway.
2. CN Tower: Challenge yourself to the thrilling Edge Walk experience, or simply soak in the breathtaking 360-degree views from the observation deck.
3. Explore Toronto's diverse cultural tapestry: Take in the bustling atmosphere of Kensington Market, and for a taste of history, visit the St. Lawrence Market.
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Explore Istanbul for free with Turkish Airlines
Traveling through Istanbul? Use Turkish Airlines' Stopover program and get free accommodation in the city for a minimum of 20 hours and immerse yourself in its rich history and vibrant culture.
Business Class travelers get a complimentary two-night stay at a select five-star hotel, and Economy Class travelers get a free one-night stay at a four-star hotel. This program is only available for passengers departing or returning via Istanbul and can only be used once per round trip. Booking requires emailing your personal details, ticket numbers, reservation code, and preferred room type and dates at least 72 hours before your first flight.
Here are three must-visit places to add to your Istanbul itinerary:
1. Hagia Sophia: Marvel at this architectural marvel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as a church, mosque, and museum throughout its long history.
2. Topkapi Palace: Step back in time and explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of this vast complex and discover its hidden treasures.
3. Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in the alleys of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
