If you’re jetting off in the coming months, you’ll probably just be thinking about your final destination.

But why not make something out of the stopover?

A layover doesn’t have to be just a few hours in the airport lounge waiting for your gate, there’s an array of airline stopover deals that can make your layover a proper mini-break.

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Different airlines around the world will offer you reduced accommodation, and incredible deals on activities and excursions just to spend some time in their flagship city.

So before you book, be sure to check out these offers first, why have one holiday when you can have two at the same time?

Stopover deals you can get to from Dubai

Paris – Air France and KLM

Worth looking into, you can get access to a complimentary 24-hour stopover if you sign up to the flyingblue program. Created in a partnership between Air France and Dutch airline KLM, members can include the stop during a connection between any two flights, operated by one of the airlines.

However, you need to be able to pay for your flights with flyblue miles, or with cash and miles. To redeem the complimentary stopover, contact customer service once you have booked the flights and they will assist you in all of the arrangements.

flyingblue.fr

Amsterdam – Air France & KLM

Under the same flyblue partnership, you can also redeem exactly the same complimentary 24 hour stopover as Paris – but in Amsterdam instead.

If you would rather a short trip to The Netherlands, then the same terms and conditions apply.

flyingblue.fr

Hong Kong – Cathay Airways

If you’re heading to East Asia, why not stopover in Hong Kong for a few days and make the most of some incredible discounts on transport and attractions?

By choosing the stopover-multi city booking option with Cathay Pacific, you can save 20 per cent on airport express train tickets, or even around Dhs1400 off the omakase menu at popular restaurant Yakiniku USHIO.

cathaypacific.com

Madrid – Iberia

With Iberia Air, the stopover allows you to discover the Spanish capital city. The airline offers a series of exclusive offers including discounts at some of Madrid’s best days out.

The process is possible if you have a route with Iberia that has a stopover in Madrid. From there, you should select the number of nights you want to spend in the city, the maximum being 6.

Even better, you can have your stopover in either the outbound or return journey, you can book your ticket, and take advantage of the gifts, discounts and VIP experiences.

Iberia.com

Doha – Qatar Airways

The package stopover from the airline means you can have up to four nights in the country for a fraction of the cost.

Four and five-star hotels are on offer in the deal, and you can pay around Dhs50 for a one-night stay in a four-star hotel. A night in a five-star beach resort with access to Doha Sands Beach could also cost you as little as Dhs110, and 4 nights only coming in at Dhs495.

Luxury and all-inclusive packages are also available, as well as discounts on historic attractions, cultural hot spots and chilled beach clubs.

Book by choosing the ‘Qatar Stopover’ online and enter your origin and destination. Select your stopover timing and duration, followed up by your flights and stopover package.

qatarairways.com

Stopover deals in the UAE

If you’re looking to make a fleeting visit to the UAE on your way to somewhere else, there are some great deals to utilise.

Or if you’re a resident in the UAE, the packages might be the persuasion your loved ones need to come and visit for a few days.

Check out some of the best UAE stopovers below.

Abu Dhabi – Etihad Airways

Etihad have recently announced their new stopover package, letting you break up a long flight in Abu Dhabi.

Letting you stay for free for up to two nights in your choice of hotel in the city, the offer is available when you book a return flight directly with the airline. When you’ve booked a return Etihad Airways flight connecting in Abu Dhabi, enter your booking reference and surname to check hotel availability.

Once booked, your boarding pass doubles up as the Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass; including discounts on everything from Yas Island to the Louvre museum.

Dubai – Emirates

Emirates offers a Dubai stopover package, where they will arrange your choice of hotel and transfers, and offer discounted tours and experiences for your stay.

Once you have booked your own flights, you can book the stopover package with your travel agent or Emirates office up to two days before your departure flight.

If you are a Dubai resident, it might not be of as much use but for friends and family popping in for a visit, this option could be a perfect fit.

emirates.com

Dubai – flydubai

This is in Dubai only, and will let you benefit from exclusive rates on flights, hotels, attractions, activities and services when you choose to stop over.

If you are choosing to jet off with flydubai, select your final destination and add in the Dubai stopover for either 1,2, or 3 nights. As well as getting to spend a few days in one of the best cities in the world, you will also get some incredible discounts on attractions and accommodation.

flydubai.com

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