Travel expert reveals how to turn a layover into a mini holiday

• Stopover programmes see tourists encouraged to discover a connection city

Stopovers are a necessary evil that will get you where you want to be...but often only with a chunk of wasted time in transit.

However, airlines are increasingly offering layover programmes that enable travellers to check out their connection cities a little more - and they'll often even offer a free room, transport and temporary visas to persuade you to step out of the airport. 

According to travel savvy expert David Perez, co-founder of iVisa, many airlines collaborate with their home airport to offer money-off deals on hotels and transfers to convince tourists to discover the destination beyond it.

There's usually a minimum stay time required - usually between around eight and 24 hours, but those who qualify can find themselves enjoying a brand new city without any major impact on holiday spends. 

For example, the Stopover in Istanbul programme run by Turkish Airlines lets visitors check in for free at partner hotels in Istanbul, an enduringly popular city break destination.  

Travellers in economy can access a one-night stay in a four-star hotel, while those lucky enough to be in business can stay two nights in a five-star or boutique hotel for zero money. 

Qatar Airways too will sort out a complimentary transit from Hamad International Airport, accommodation and even a short-term visa if you have a layover of between eight and 24 hours. 

Those keen on discovering Doha simply need to put in an online request at least 72 hours before their departure.

Fancy a night in a four-star hotel for free? Then check out the stopover programme of your airline, which could see a connection turned into a discounted mini-break (Pictured: Doha) 

Qatar Airlines is one of several carriers that offer an incentive programme for travellers with a layover in their hub airport; visitors can spend a night in Doha, often at a heavily discounted price, if they're spending between eight and 24 hours in the city's airport 

Other carriers running similar stopover schemes include Iberia, TAP Portugal and Ethiad. 

Icelandair offer those heading to the US a seven-night stay in the country at no extra cost, although travellers will have to pay for accommodation while on the ground. 

Visas? Often you'll sidestep official regulations because you're not in the country long enough. 

Says Perez: 'In some countries, you’re also covered by special visa-free transit rules, which means you can enter the city without applying for a standard visa. 

'All you need to do is check your airline’s stopover program before booking, plan your connection time to fit their criteria, and claim the offer directly through the airline. 

'It’s a simple process that can add a bonus destination to your trip at almost no extra cost.'

One tourist who's tested the layover trick is Michael Zervos, who, with support from iVisa, recently broke the world record for being the fastest man to travel the world.

Sharing his own experiences he said: 'The layovers became some of my most memorable experiences. 

Turkish Airlines is also a carrier with a layover scheme - with economy class passengers entitled to one night in a four-star hotel for free in Istanbul (pictured)

'I got to explore new places affordably without the hassle of applying for a full visa, while keeping on track for the world record.' 

Earlier this year, a travel expert offered another tip on how to potentially save money on long haul flights - by making a connection city your final destination. 

Known as 'skiplagging', the technique can come with a few catches.

Chelsea Dickenson, the Cheap Holiday Expert, explained how it works on her podcast, @passportspleasepod.

She said: 'Skiplagging is when a passenger books a flight with a layover but intentionally gets off at the layover city instead of continuing to the final destination.

'And that is because the layover city is usually cheaper to fly to as part of a longer route.'

As an example, Chelsea explains that a passenger could fly from London to New York.

Instead of opting for a 'super expensive' direct route, travellers could find a flight that's London to Chicago with a change in New York.

Chelsea says that the passenger would then get off in New York and exit the airport, instead of waiting for the flight to Chicago.

But while the hack could be a way to score a cheaper flight, Chelsea warns that it's not always better value than booking a direct route.

And there's another downside. She adds: 'The main con is that airlines absolutely hate it cause you're wasting a seat on one of their flights.'

Airline staff may also be looking for the missing passenger when they don't board the second flight.

Chelsea says: 'It's admin to them. They hate it. And you can get blacklisted by doing it. Some people have been totally told they cannot book with airlines if they've done it repeatedly.'

Although Chelsea's tip picked up more than 265,000 likes on TikTok, a commenter issued another warning for travellers that are keen to try skiplagging.

'Nayla Kana' says: 'My first thought is, this would only work for passengers with hand luggage only. Because your luggage will be in Chicago now!'

Another commenter said the tip would surely be unlikely to work for a return journey, and Chelsea agreed, saying: 'It wouldn't [work]! If you did it on the flight out, they'd probably cancel your return flight.'