How to Make the Most of Stopovers: Turn Layovers into Mini Vacations
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Maximizing Your Stopover in Iceland
Iceland, known as the "Land of Fire and Ice," has so much to explore, even on a brief stopover. Icelandair started their stopover program in the 60's but it really gained popularity in the early 2000's as people started to get more curious about the country. And good marketing probably helped too. Many tour groups credit Icelandair's stopover program for single handedly saving tourism in their country!
We only had 24 hours in Iceland, but we made the most of it. You can read more about it here.
Here are some tips to make the most of your time:
Plan Ahead: Research and prioritize the attractions you wish to visit. Whether it's the Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, or Reykjavik's vibrant city life, having a plan ensures you make the most of your time.
Accommodation: Icelandair offers packages that include hotel stays which can be really convenient. Or you can plan out your accommodations on your own.
Transportation: You can rent a car for the flexibility. Many people do this easily, especially in the summer with the longer daylight hours. Or you can take advantage of guided tours. There is also public transportation that is generally pretty easy to navigate, but that will only get you so far on some of the hot spots around the country.
Seasonal Considerations: Iceland's attractions vary by season. For instance, the Northern Lights are best viewed between November and February, while the Midnight Sun offers extended daylight during summer months. Want to know when the best time is to go to Iceland? Check out this post, the answer might surprise you.
Consider a Tour: The only way we were able to see all that we wanted to see was through a private guide. There are a lot of tours, they just might not tick all the boxes on limited time, so consider hiring a private guide. We loved Saga at Viking Women Tours.
Other Airlines Offering Free Stopover Programs
Icelandair isn't the only airline that provides stopover service, several airlines provide free stopover options, allowing travelers to explore additional destinations without extra airfare. Here are some programs to tuck away in your mind so you can take advantage of them next time you travel internationally.
Turkish Airlines Stopover in Istanbul
Turkish Airlines offers a "stopover in Istanbul" program, that provides free hotel accommodations for passengers with layovers exceeding 20 hours. Business class travelers actually receive two nights in a five-star hotel, while economy passengers get one night free in a four-star hotel.
TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal allows stopovers in Lisbon or Porto for up to 10 days at no additional airfare. This gives you a ton of flexibility that will allow you to travel and immerse yourself in the Portuguese culture before continuing on in your journey.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines offers one free stopover on a round-trip Saver Award, such as a flight from Australia to New York with a stopover in Singapore. For one-way Advantage awards, travelers can add one complimentary stopover. For round-trip Advantage awards, travelers can add two complimentary stopovers. Additional stopovers {up to three per award ticket} can be added for $100 each, making this a great way to see multiple countries.
Royal Jordanian Airlines
Royal Jordanian Airlines offers a generous stopover program to explore Jordan. Whether you're traveling to the Middle East or connecting to other destinations, you can extend your stay to discover the historical sites, natural wonders and cultural treasures of Jordan.
Air China
Air China offers stopover packages, including free partner hotel accommodation and complimentary airport/hotel transportation. Passengers receive accommodation for one night in eight cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, with breakfast included on international flights where the stopover is between 6 and 30 hours long.
Emirates with a Dubai Stopover
Emirates offers a Dubai stopover and if you plan and book with Dubai Stopover you receive 10% off new flight bookings, 24 hour hotel check in and flexible cancelation. Emirates also offers a service called Dubai Connect. If you are staying longer than 6 hours and less than 24 hours, they offer free hotel rooms. I used this back in 2014 when I was traveling through to Uganda. The hotel was great and it provided free breakfast.
KLM Flying Blue Stopover
KLM Flying Blue loyalty program also offers a stopover but it's not something you can book online. You will have to call their customer service, but they do make it a bit more convenient because you can use it with some of their partner airlines {like Air France} and make the most of your travel.
This isn't an exhaustive list and airlines are changing things all the time, so make sure you do your own research!
Tips for Planning a Stopover
Check Visa Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary visas for the stopover country.
Booking: Some airlines allow stopover bookings directly through their websites, while others may require contacting customer service.
Duration: Stopover durations and conditions vary by airline; some offer up to several days, while others may have shorter time frames.
Additional Costs: While the stopover itself may be free, consider potential costs for accommodation, meals, and activities.
Flexibility: Stopovers can often be at the beginning or end of a trip. Consider what works best for your travels.
I'm telling you, by incorporating a stopover into your travel plans you can break up those long flights and get to experience even more cultures and experiences. Take advantage of these airline programs when you can so that you can explore even more destinations without incurring extra airfare. Plus you can make the most of your travel time while offering an economical option as well. I mean, it's girl travel math so it's basically free! You're welcome.
Looking for more travel tips? Check out these posts:
10 Packing Tips from a Recovered Overpacker
Do You Need a Convertor or an Adaptor on Your Next International Trip?
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