Savvy travellers don’t see a long layover as an inconvenience anymore. They know that if you play your cards right, it could be your ticket to a holiday within a holiday…
Gone are the days when travellers sprinted from gate to gate, groaning at the thought of a nine-hour layover. In fact, according to Flight Centre’s Global PR survey, only 49% of South Africans still opt for direct flights, while a growing crowd of forward-thinking locals (22% to be exact) is purposely picking journeys with that sweet spot of 11 to 20 hours between journeys. Why? Because a well-planned stopover transforms “Are we there yet?” into “Can we stay a bit longer?”
“We’re encouraging our travellers to swap waiting for wandering,” says Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa. “They’re ticking off the Burj Khalifa, the Bosphorus, or a stroll through Doha’s dazzling souks, all as part of their journey, without buying a single extra plane ticket.”
Of course, not all layovers are the same – certain destinations offer infinitely more perks. Here’s how Dubai, Istanbul, and Doha, in particular, are raising the bar.
1. Dubai
If there was ever a city built for the stopover adventurer, it’s Dubai. Sleek and famously efficient, this destination welcomes layover travellers with open arms and an endless supply of ‘notables’, including the world’s tallest building, biggest malls, and now, some of the best stopover perks in the business.
With Emirates leading the way, Dubai has mastered the art of the holiday-in-between. Whether you’re on your way to Europe, Asia, or just about anywhere, a Dubai stopover in 2025 means you could tick off major bucket-list sights or splash out on a desert safari, all without missing your next connection.
Here’s why Dubai should top your stopover wish list:
- Dubai Stopover Pass: Choose 2, 3, or 4 of the city’s top attractions (from must-sees like Burj Khalifa “At the Top” and the Dubai Frame to aquariums and the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride), and get prepaid access at a discount (you save up to 60%!). Perfect if you’ve got a tight schedule and want to pack in the wow-factor.
- Emirates’ Dubai Connect: Eligible passengers with a stopover of eight hours or more (six hours for business and first class) can score a free hotel stay, transfers, and meals.
- Save while you explore: Currently, there’s a 10% discount on new Emirates bookings if you add a Dubai stopover, plus value-packed deals on everything from shopping to helicopter rides with the Dubai Experience programme.
Quickfire tips to make the most of your Dubai layover:
- Book your Emirates flight and Dubai stopover package well in advance for the best choice of hotels and deals.
- Use Dubai’s lightning-fast metro to zip from the airport to the city’s must-see sights in minutes.
- If you’re after a power nap, look for hotels that offer short-stay rates or “day rooms” for transit passengers.
2. Istanbul
In Istanbul, your stopover is a plunge into a city that straddles both Europe and Asia, with a stopover programme that’s the stuff of travel legends, all thanks to Turkish Airlines. With complimentary accommodation in Istanbul’s city centre and convenient airport transfers, you can swap plastic airport seats for ancient mosques and labyrinthine markets packed with treasures.
Istanbul’s top stopover perks include:
- Turkish Airlines Stopover Programme: Passengers with layovers of at least 20 hours can enjoy a night in a 4-star hotel for economy class or two nights in a 5-star hotel for business class – absolutely free. (Just request your hotel stay at least 72 hours before your departure!)
- Prime locations: Hotels are right in the heart of Istanbul’s action, making it easy to start your adventure the moment you set down your bag.
- TourIstanbul excursions: If your layover’s a bit shorter (six to 24 hours), sign up for a free guided city tour to explore attractions like the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.
Your fast-lane tips for an epic Istanbul stopover:
- Organise your stopover through Turkish Airlines – their programme is seamless, and you’ll get the best value.
- Most South Africans are eligible for an e-Visa, so apply online before you leave for a smooth arrival.
- Don’t skip the street food! Grab a simit or a fresh pomegranate juice for an authentic local taste.
3. Doha
Doha’s gleaming skyscrapers rub shoulders with spice-scented souks – and Qatar Airways’ stopover deals deliver five-star comfort for less than a fast-food meal. Thanks to world-class airline perks and a city that specialises in the extraordinary, Doha has become the layover even frequent flyers look forward to.
Top reasons to embrace a Doha stopover:
- Unbeatable stopover hotel deals: Stay in 4-star and 5-star hotels from just R240 per person, per night.
- Flexible city experiences: Qatar Airways’ stopover programme lets you add tours and activities like sandboarding, desert safaris, and guided walks through Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art. Some city tours are even free, depending on your ticket type and layover duration.
- Visa-free ease & affordable transport: South Africans can visit Doha without a visa – plus, the city’s clean, efficient metro means exploring is a cinch (with a single journey costing less than R10).
Tips for a smooth and rewarding Doha stopover:
- Book your stopover hotel directly through Qatar Airways for the best value and inclusions.
- Pack a mix of smart-casual for city adventures and something light for the desert.
- Keep an eye on your timing if you’ve got your heart set on the souk or certain museums as opening hours can vary, especially over weekends.
These destinations prove that a single layover can deliver an entire bucket list. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wishing for a longer delay!
Happy (value-packed) travels…
