In the past, we would want to reach our destination as directly and quickly as possible. But more and more travelers have grown to appreciate stopovers on their way to faraway places. They allow for a little movement and variety. Smart travelers even choose stopovers that last up to three days. That's enough time to explore the highlights along the way, do some shopping, freshen up and sleep in a comfortable bed before continuing on your journey. These cities make stopovers extra fun.

Stopover in Dubai

The emirate is known for utmost luxury. In addition, there is breathtaking architecture and numerous sights as well as excellent cuisine from all over the world. Dubai is an important hub for travelers from Europe heading to the Maldives or Asia, for example.

Dubai looks like something out of a fairy tale. © Christoph Schulz

Highlights: Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Mall of the Emirates, Gold & Spice Souk

Expert tip: Who wants to work with Emirates a connecting flight via Dubai book, can take advantage of the airline's stopover packages. Emirates organizes transfers, hotel and exclusive tours. 

Read more: A Weekend in ... Dubai

Stopover in Doha

The Hamad International Airport in Doha, the capital of Qatar, boasts five stars. It's a shopping and culinary temple in its own right. Still, it's worth getting out of the building during a longer layover. The Middle Eastern country is as well known for its futuristic skyscrapers as it is for its Islamic architecture.

Skyscrapers to your right, ancient gems like the Katara village to your left – Doha is full of surprises. © Visit Qatar

Highlights: Doha Corniche, Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, Villaggio Mall, Katara Beach

Expert tip: Qatar Airways offers its passengers one of the most sensational packages for stopovers. Starting at around €14/person, you can enjoy cultural experiences, desert adventures, first-class cuisine and overnight stays at luxurious hotels.

Stopover in Istanbul

The city on the Bosporus connects the Orient with the Occident – and is thus a special melting pot of cultures. Travelers on their way to the Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand or India can benefit from this hub.

With Turkish Airlines you can experience the Bosporus metropolis from its best side. © Engin Yapici

Highlights: Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Sunken Palace, Taksim Square.

Expert tip: Turkish Airlines, wich has its home base in the Turkish metropolis, services the most destinations internationally. Passengers who have to accept a longer layover are therefore offered a hotel accommodation after booking their tickets. Economy Class passengers receive one night in a four-star hotel, while Business Class passengers receive two nights in a five-star hotel.

Continue reading: A Weekend in ... Istanbul!

Stopover in Reykjavík

The Icelandic capital is not on everyone's radar – but it should be! The island is fascinating and offers incredible nature. It also has a few legends, a vast number of great people and lots of wildlife up its sleeve. Iceland serves as a popular hub from Europe to the U.S.

Hallgrímskirkja is the second tallest building in the country, standing 74.5 meters high. © Gowen Lachlan

Highlights: Northern Lights, Hallgrímskirkja, the blue lagoon

Expert tip: Icelandair also offers special stopover programs. Passengers can extend their stopover for up to seven days without changing the ticket price. Depending on where your focus lies (nature, wellness, adventure, ...), there are different stopover itineraries for inspiration. However, hotels and tours must be booked separately.

Continue reading: Actress Diane Kruger Reveals Her Inside Tips for Iceland

Stopover in London

The city on the Thames is the place for most travelers to catch connecting flights from Europe to the USA. Heathrow Airport serves a huge network of routes. The fact that there is always an incredible amount to see and do in London, and that the city center is practically accessible by tube from the airport, makes any London stopover a worthwhile sightseeing trip. Even with just an 8-hour layover, you can experience quite a bit.

London is constantly changing – and yet somehow, it always manages to stay the same. © Benjamin Davies

Highlights: Harrod's, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, Earl's Court and many more are located directly on the Piccadilly Line, the subway line that goes straight to the airport.

Expert tip: The London district of Hammersmith is often overlooked. It's located on the north bank of the Thames, just a few Tube stations from the airport. Here you can stroll around, visit pubs and get some fresh air.

Continue reading: Inside Tips for a City Break to London