How to Add a Stopover to Your Spring Break or Summer Travel Plans at No Extra Cost
1. Understand What a Stopover Is: A stopover allows travelers to spend time in a connecting city before reaching their final destination, often without an additional cost. It's an excellent way to explore a new place without paying for another flight.
2. Research Airlines That Offer Stopovers: Some airlines are known for their generous stopover policies, including TAP Air Portugal, Icelandair, Emirates, and Hawaiian Airlines. These carriers allow you to visit one of their hub cities as part of your itinerary.
3. Booking Strategy: When booking your flight, look for an option or tab that says "multi-city" or "add a stopover" on the airline's booking page. This option lets you add a stop in the airline's hub city or another destination they offer a stopover in.
4. Use Airline Loyalty Programs: Like Cari Elizabeth's experience with the Flying Blue loyalty program for Air France and KLM, utilizing airline loyalty points can significantly reduce the cost of your trip, including stopovers. Credit card points can also be a valuable resource for booking stopover flights.
5. Plan Your Stopover: Decide how long you want to stay in your stopover city. Some airlines offer stopovers ranging from a few hours to several days. Consider what you'd like to see and do in the city to make the most of your time.
6. Check the Fine Print: Before finalizing your booking, review the airline's stopover policy to understand any restrictions or requirements, such as minimum or maximum stay durations.
7. Consider Season and Destination: Stopovers can provide a delightful break in long-haul travel, but remember to consider the season and your stopover destination's climate to ensure it aligns with your travel preferences.
By following these steps, you can enrich your spring break or summer vacation with an extra destination at no additional flight cost, turning a simple trip into a multi-faceted adventure.