✈️ One Ticket, Two Trips? Why Stopover Programs Are the Ultimate Travel Hack of 2025

What if you could turn one international plane ticket into two unforgettable travel experiences—without spending extra? Welcome to the world of stopover programs, a growing trend in 2025 that savvy travelers (and travel advisors like me) are loving.

Flying High on a Airplane

More airlines are offering stopover perks to encourage travelers to explore a second city while en route to their final destination. These programs don’t just add value—they add adventure, culture, and often luxury to your journey. And the best part? Many include free hotel nights, guided tours, and major discounts on local experiences.

Why I Love Stopover Programs for My Clients

As someone who designs custom international itineraries, I’m always looking for ways to maximize value without sacrificing comfort. These stopover options are a win-win:

• They stretch your travel budget

• They add a unique, often unexpected destination to your itinerary

• And they offer exclusive perks you wouldn’t get with a standard layover

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, adding a stopover can be a low-stress, high-reward way to enhance your trip.

My Favorite Stopover Programs Right Now

Here are a few of the top airline stopover programs worth knowing about:

• TAP Air Portugal – Spend up to 10 nights in Lisbon or Porto with hotel and tour discounts. A great add-on for travelers headed to Europe or beyond.

• Turkish Airlines – Enjoy free hotel nights or guided tours in Istanbul during long layovers. Perfect for history lovers.

• Qatar Airways – Luxury hotels in Doha from just $14/night for up to 4 nights. Yes, really.

• Emirates – Complimentary hotel stays, meals, and airport transfers in Dubai for eligible itineraries.

• Icelandair & PLAY Airlines – Add a stop in Reykjavík for up to 7–10 days. Hot springs, anyone?

• Copa, Iberia, Etihad – Generous programs available in Panama City, Madrid, and Abu Dhabi.

Many of these stopovers can be added directly through the airline’s website during the booking process—no complicated planning required.

Ready to Plan a 2-for-1 Trip?

Stopover programs are an amazing way to see more, spend less, and travel smarter. Whether you’re heading to Asia, Europe, or beyond, I can help you weave these hidden gems into your next itinerary.

📩 Let’s chat about how to make the most of your next long-haul flight—because with the right strategy, your journey can be twice as rewarding.

Stopover Travel Hacks – FAQ

1. What is a stopover program, exactly?

It’s a travel perk that lets you turn one international flight into a two-city adventure without paying for a second ticket. When you work with The Poodle Booked It, we help you tap into airline stopover programs that offer hotel stays, tours, and big savings in cities like Lisbon, Istanbul, or Doha.

2. How do I know if my airline offers a stopover program?

That’s where The Poodle Booked It comes in. We track the best airline stopover deals (like TAP Air Portugal or Turkish Airlines) and help you choose the one that fits your trip. We can even build it into your booking so it’s seamless from start to finish.

3. Will adding a stopover make my trip feel rushed or complicated?

Not at all—especially when you plan it with The Poodle Booked It. We tailor your stopover to your comfort level, whether it’s a one-night city intro or a full week exploring local gems. You’ll have hotel reservations, airport transfers, and curated recs ready before you even land.

4. Are stopover programs really free?

Some are fully complimentary, while others offer luxury perks at a steep discount, like $14/night hotels in Doha with Qatar Airways. The Poodle Booked It helps you spot the real deals, avoid the fine-print traps, and turn them into experiences that feel high-end, not like a layover.

5. How do I add a stopover to my itinerary?

Just ask us! When you book your trip through The Poodle Booked It, we’ll walk you through the best stopover options based on your route, airline, and interests. It’s one of the easiest ways to elevate your trip and get more memories out of one ticket.