The airport stopover is generally dismissed as an inconvenience – but with a little planning, it can add significantly to the travel experience. Especially if you deliberately interrupt your trip to enjoy an extended spell – a day, even two – in a city where you will be changing planes. There are few downsides to this idea.
You can ease yourself into the fog of jetlag with a lesser time difference than you will face at your final port of call; a comfort blanket that will be especially warm if you are flying with older family members or children. You get to explore a second destination, probably on another continent. And sometimes, a two-leg flight can effectively be cheaper.
Where to stop? There are plenty of old favourites – Far East havens that, in earlier eras of less mighty aircraft, established themselves as welcoming options for globetrotters needing rest. Then there are the “newcomers” – cities in the Middle East which, as planes have become more advanced and flight paths have shifted, have become key parts of the travel conversation. Below we pick out 10, in Asia and in North America, and explain why you should swap the terminal for the taxi or train – and head into town to find your feet.
Our guide to flight stopovers Stopovers in Dubai Stopovers in Abu Dhabi Stopovers in Doha Stopovers in Singapore Stopovers in Kuala Lumpa Stopovers in Bangkok Stopovers in Mumbai Stopovers in Atlanta Stopovers in Los Angeles How to book a stopover Insider tips Dubai .