You’ve decided your dates for your trip to North America, you’ve found flights to your chosen city, and you’re ready to book. But hold your horses! Before you fork out for direct flights to the USA or Canada, you might like to know that adding a stopover could save you some serious dollar. That’s right – seeing two places might actually work out cheaper than seeing one. And that’s not all. Having a layover means you can get off that plane, stretch those legs and go explore somewhere new – you could even stay a couple of nights in your stopover city. Two hols in one? Er, yes please.

A direct flight from London to New York usually clocks in at just over eight hours – but for only an extra 15 minutes in the air, you could also have a cheeky little break in Amsterdam. Not only is it a bloody lovely city (The canal side buildings! The tulips! The bikes careening around every corner!), The Dam is also really accessible.

Short stopover

First off, get yourself out of Schiphol and straight onto a train to the city centre – only takes about 15 minutes, and you’re right in the thick of it for the less than a fiver. Start with a wander down by the canals. They’re proper lovely and all lined with these skinny little houses that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale. Just watch where you’re walking; those cyclists mean business!

Now, if you’ve got a few hours, nip over to the Rijksmuseum. Even if you’re not into art, it’s worth it just to say you’ve seen a Rembrandt up close. And if museums aren’t your thing, go for a mooch around the Jordaan district – cobbled streets, cute cafes, little independent shops. Perfect for grabbing a coffee and people-watching. Oh, and if you’re peckish, you have to try some bitterballen – these little fried snacks that are basically heaven on a plate – or pop by a herring stand if you’re feeling brave.

Leisurely stopover

If you have longer in town, then start you day with a coffee at Café de Jaren. It’s spacious, bright, and perfect for planning the rest of your day without feeling like you’re cramming into a sardine can. From there, head over to the Van Gogh Museum.

For lunch, there’s plenty of cozy cafés around Leidseplein, where you can grab a sandwich or some stroopwafels – those gooey caramel-filled delights are pure bliss. Squeeze in a visit to Albert Cuyp Market, too. It’s vibrant, bustling, and the perfect place to pick up some last-minute souvenirs – think tulip bulbs, cheese, or quirky Dutch trinkets that’ll make your mates back home scratch their heads. After bargain hunting, why not unwind with a visit to A’DAM Lookout? The views over Amsterdam are stunning, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try the “Over the Edge” swing.

Before you head back to the airport, indulge in a leisurely lunch at Foodhallen. This indoor food market has a little bit of everything – from gourmet burgers to sushi, ensuring you leave Amsterdam with a satisfied belly and no regrets about your culinary choices. And if time allows, grab a final stroll along the canals, soaking in the city’s unique blend of history and modernity. Go on, do the stopover. As the Dutch say, ‘haastige spoed is zelden goed’! Haste makes waste!

If you’re planning to jet off to the Sunshine State, you’re probably looking for cheap flights to Miami. But have you thought about flying via Lisbon? A stopover in Lisbon means cobbled streets, a bit of pastel de nata, and plenty of sunshine, and Portela Airport is just a 25-minute metro ride from the city centre, with the journey only setting you back a few quid – bargain. A stopover in Lisbon also saves you from spending 10 hours straight on a plane. You can find cheap flights with TAP Portugal or, if you want to suss out all your options, you could also consider flying to Miami via Madrid with Iberia Airlines.

Short stopover

Start your stopover at Praça do Comércio, that big square right on the water. It’s got the vibe of a European palace, but more laid back. Perfect place for a coffee and a people-watch – plus, you’ll feel very European just sitting there, taking in the scene.

Now, if you’re after some views, hike (or tram if you’re sensible) up to the Alfama district. This is where Lisbon goes full postcard – narrow, winding streets, colourful tiles on the walls, and views over the city that’ll make you forget you’re technically just killing time on a stopover. Head towards São Jorge Castle, which is impressive even if you don’t go inside. Just standing around, soaking in the views, makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a Mediterranean dream.

After that, you’ll have worked up an appetite, so it’s time for a pastel de nata – that famous custard tart that’s sweet, flaky, and basically Portugal on a plate. Manteigaria is your best bet if you want one that’ll knock your socks off. You’ll be standing at the counter like a proper local, coffee in one hand, pastry in the other, wondering why we don’t have these back home.

Wind everything down with a stroll along the LX Factory. It’s a cool artsy spot under a big bridge, with street art, independent shops, and little bars where you can grab a drink before heading back to the airport.

Leisurely stopover

If you’re up for a bit of history, get yourself to Belém. The tram ride is part of the fun, and once you’re there, you’ll find the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites and as grand as anything. You can stroll along the waterfront, imagining yourself back in the days of Portuguese explorers setting off to discover the world (or just enjoy the sunshine, both work).

If you’re into art or history, the Tile Museum is a real treat. Lisbon’s famous for its colourful azulejos (tiles), and this museum shows off everything from intricate Moorish designs to huge modern murals. Tram 28 winds its way through Lisbon’s most iconic neighbourhoods, from Graça through Alfama and down to Baixa. One of the best ways to get a look at the city’s narrow, hilly streets.

For the evening, head to Bairro Alto and get yourself a proper Portuguese meal (maybe some bacalhau, the local cod dish), and settle in for a night of fado, Portugal’s soulful, melancholic folk music. You’ll find fado bars all over the neighbourhood, and it’s an experience that’ll stay with you long after you leave Lisbon.

Several airlines offer direct flights to Los Angeles from the UK but, if you want a bargain, it’s best to have a stopover. There’s loads of different stopover cities available, but Frankfurt is our pick of the bunch. It might seem an unusual choice, but you’ll see why in a sec.

Short stopover

Frankfurt Airport’s got a fast train straight to the main station (Hauptbahnhof) – only takes about 15 minutes. First, head to Römerberg, the old square that’s got all the medieval German charm you’d hope for. It’s got these beautifully restored timber-framed buildings that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale, if fairy tales came with souvenir shops.

A proper German snack is in order we think, so pick up a fresh pretzel from one of the bakeries or grab a seat at an Apfelwein (apple wine) tavern nearby. Apfelwein is the local brew – a bit like cider but a tad sharper – and it’s a Frankfurt classic. Kleinmarkthalle is a great spot for quick bites if you’re there during market hours. Get yourself a sausage and you’re set.

After that, head to Main Tower for a panoramic view of the city. It’s one of the tallest buildings in Frankfurt, and the observation deck gives you a cracking view over the river and the skyline – a mix of medieval spires and skyscrapers. It’ll only take about 15 minutes to get up and down, so it’s a great way to get the lay of the land before dashing back to the airport.

Leisurely layover

Have a proper mooch round Römerberg if you’ve got more time to explore. Check out the Römer, Frankfurt’s medieval city hall, and St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral. If you’re here around Christmas, the market is fantastic – loads of festive stalls and enough mulled wine to keep you merry until next year. After that, take a walk along the Museumsufer (Museum Embankment) along the River Main. If you’re into art, history, or both, there’s loads of museums to choose from here. The Städel Museum has some brilliant collections if you’re in an artsy mood. And if you’re not, the riverside is still a lovely walk.

If the weather’s nice, check out Palmengarten, Frankfurt’s lush botanical garden. It’s a quiet, green escape and perfect if you need a break from the city buzz. Alternatively, if you’re feeling up for a short day trip, hop on a train to Heidelberg. It’s only about an hour away and has a beautiful castle overlooking the Neckar River, plus loads of charm and cobbled streets to explore.

With giant casinos, glittering shows and themed hotels, it’s easy to see why Las Vegas features on so many bucket lists. There’s just one catch – you have to fly for 11 hours to get there. Luckily, there’s a simple solution. On your way to Sin City, why not hop off the plane and take a bite out of the Big Apple? Having a stopover in New York lets you stretch your legs and visit two iconic American cities. Plus, you can compare a range of airlines – big names like Delta, Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines all offer this route – and New York has three airports for you to choose from.

Short stopover

First things first, jump on the train into Manhattan – you want to make every minute count. Head straight to Midtown, which is tourist central, but for good reason. We know, we know – everyone’s seen it, everyone’s heard of it, and it’s packed. But honestly, Times Square is a bit of a rite of passage. The lights, the billboards, the street performers – it’s like walking onto the set of every movie ever set in New York. Pop by for a quick wander, soak up the chaos, get a photo or two, then get the hell outta dodge.

A few blocks away, you’ll find Rockefeller Center. It’s a proper New York landmark, and if it’s around Christmas, the massive tree and ice rink are hard to beat for festive vibes. If you’re feeling fancy, head up to Top of the Rock for views that rival the Empire State Building – and you’ll get the Empire State itself in your photos, which is a bonus.

Grab a hot dog from one of the street carts or pick up a massive slice of New York pizza. Cheap, cheerful, and straight to the point, before heading to Central Park for an hour or so – even a quick stroll around the edges is worth it.

Leisurely stopover

If you’ve got a proper stretch of time, it’s only right to start with a proper bagel. Head to Ess-a-Bagel or Russ & Daughters for one with a good smear of cream cheese (or go wild with lox and capers). Pair it with a black coffee, and you’re ready to go. If you’re in the mood for a bit of history, hop on the ferry to Liberty Island. The Statue of Liberty is iconic, but Ellis Island is also brilliant for a bit of background on how so many people came through New York to start a new life. If you’re tight on time, skip the ferry and just take the Staten Island Ferry for a free view of the statue from the water.

Take a walk across Brooklyn Bridge if the weather’s nice – it’s one of the best free activities in New York. You’ll get stunning views of Manhattan, and it’s an easy stroll over to DUMBO, the artsy, industrial area on the other side. It’s got cobblestone streets, coffee shops, and a perfect spot to get that famous shot of the bridge with the Empire State Building in the background.

Head over to Chelsea Market in the Meatpacking District for lunch, then take a stroll along the High Line, an old elevated railway turned urban park. It’s a proper oasis in the middle of the city, and the views are top-notch. With a few hours left, head to either The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art) or MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) for a dose of culture. The Met has everything from ancient Egyptian artefacts to classic European paintings, while MoMA’s all about modern art. If museums aren’t your thing, at least pop by Grand Central Terminal – the architecture’s amazing, and it’s free.

If you’re visiting cosmopolitan Toronto, we’re guessing you know all about the city’s street art, edgy bars and trendy neighbourhoods. And, if that’s what you’re into, you should definitely take the opportunity to have a layover in Reykjavik. Just over three hours away from the UK, Iceland’s capital is perfectly placed for breaking up the eight-hour flight to Toronto. And the best bit is, if you fly with Iceland Air, you get all of this for free. We’re not kidding – Iceland Air will pay for your stopover in Reykjavik.

Short stopover

Reykjavik’s nice and compact, so you can pack in a fair bit in a short amount of time. Start off with a visit to Hallgrímskirkja, the big, pointy church you’ve probably seen in all the postcards. It’s one of the tallest buildings in Iceland, and if you take the lift up to the top, you’ll get cracking views over the city’s colourful rooftops, the harbour, and those mountains in the distance. Plus, it’s nice and warm inside – handy if the wind’s blowing a gale (which it probably is).

From there, it’s a short stroll down to the waterfront to see the Sun Voyager sculpture. It’s this big, steel Viking ship-looking thing that’s pretty iconic for Reykjavik. Great for a quick photo op, especially if the sky’s doing that dramatic Icelandic thing where it’s all moody clouds and a bit of sunlight peeking through.

It’d be rude not to treat yourself to a hot drink and a bite to eat while you’re here. Head to Sandholt Bakery or Kaffibrennslan for a strong coffee and a proper Icelandic cinnamon bun (kanilsnúðar) – they’re lush and just the thing to warm you up. Before you dash back to the airport, have a wander along Laugavegur, the main shopping street. It’s got loads of quirky little shops, perfect for grabbing a souvenir or just browsing the Icelandic wool jumpers (they’re cosy but will cost you a fair few quid!)

Leisurely stopover

Let’s be honest – you can’t come to Iceland and not take a dip in the Blue Lagoon. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the airport, so it’s perfect if you’ve got a bit of extra time. And if you’ve got 6+ hours, why not go all in and do a short Golden Circle tour? It’s a bit ambitious, but you can still fit in the biggies like Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot springs, and Gullfoss Waterfall. It’s like a greatest hits of Iceland’s scenery, all within a couple of hours’ drive from Reykjavik. Just book yourself a tour from the airport or city centre, and you’re off.

If you stick to town, head to Old Harbour and tuck into some fresh seafood. Try Sægreifinn (The Sea Baron) for their famous lobster soup – a local favourite, and it’ll warm you right up. Or, if you’re feeling brave, there’s always the chance to try a bit of fermented shark… but don’t say we didn’t warn you.

If you’ve still got a bit of time left and fancy something a bit different, head over to Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach. You can dip into the hot pots right by the chilly North Atlantic Ocean. If you’re still up for it, check out Perlan – a futuristic-looking dome that’s actually a museum with a cracking view of the city from its observation deck. They’ve even got an indoor ice cave if you’re curious about glaciers but don’t have time to go trekking on one.

Why visit one Canadian city when you could visit two? Over 2,000 miles apart, Vancouver and Toronto are different in every way – so seeing them both gives you a real taste of life on Canada’s two coasts. Vancouver is home to wild whales, sandy beaches and gigantic parks, while Toronto is an ever-changing, sky-scraping city. The flight from the UK to Vancouver takes just under 10 hours, so a layover in Toronto makes a nice start, or end, to your holiday. You can fly to Vancouver via Toronto with Air Canada, West Jet or Air Transat.

Short stopover

The city’s got some of its best bits pretty close together, so you can pack a lot in without breaking a sweat. First things first – head straight to the CN Tower. It’s the tallest thing in sight, so you can’t miss it. Get yourself up the lift to the observation deck for cracking views of the city and Lake Ontario. If you’re feeling brave (or daft), have a go on the Glass Floor – it’s one way to wake yourself up after a long flight!

From the CN Tower, it’s just a quick wander to the Toronto Waterfront. Have a walk along the boardwalk, breathe in that fresh lake air, and maybe pop into a café for a proper Canadian treat, like a butter tart or some Tim Hortons coffee (it’s practically a religion here). If you’ve got a bit of extra time, head to St. Lawrence Market. It’s a proper foodie paradise with loads of local goodies to sample. Grab yourself a peameal bacon sandwich – it’s the Canadian version of a bacon butty, but they like to think it’s better. You be the judge.

Leisurely stopover

Start your day in Kensington Market. It’s this bohemian neighbourhood full of quirky shops, street art, and the best vintage clothes you’ll ever find. Grab a coffee from one of the indie cafes and have a good wander about. It’s like a bit of Camden in the middle of Toronto – loads of character. Next, head over to the Distillery District. It’s this beautifully restored old industrial area with cobbled streets, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Loads of art galleries, little shops, and spots for a drink if you fancy a craft beer.

Head to Nathan Phillips Square next. In winter, they’ve got an outdoor ice rink where you can show off (or absolutely fail at) your skating skills. If you’re peckish, head to Chinatown for dim sum, or over to Little Italy for a bowl of pasta that’ll knock your socks off. Loads of options, and you won’t break the bank either.

If you’ve still got energy, head to High Park. It’s a massive green space where you can stretch your legs and escape the city buzz for a bit. If the weather’s not playing ball, head indoors to one of the museums. The Royal Ontario Museum has everything from dinosaur skeletons to ancient Egyptian artifacts. If you’re more into your artsy stuff, the Art Gallery of Ontario is spot on – plus, it’s got that cool Frank Gehry design that’ll impress your Instagram followers.

If you’ve timed it right and got a bit of daylight left, take the ferry over to the Toronto Islands. It’s a quick 15-minute ride, and the views of the skyline are just ace – especially if you’re catching the sunset.

If you want to break up your next long-haul flight, check out our list of the world’s best stopover destinations.