Many people would agree, the only thing better than one vacation is two vacations back-to-back. And when travel advisors book a stopover for their clients, an extended airport layover lasting anywhere between 12 hours to several days in a connecting city, they can make this “too good to be true” BOGO deal an exciting reality. Designed to get passengers out of the terminal and into a destination, several airlines specialize in stopover options travelers can easily add to their flight reservation for little to no cost, allowing them to make the most of their schedule and do even more exploring.
For travel advisors, stopovers are an easy way to add more value to clients’ trips while simultaneously cementing their status as an expert. Afterall, who wouldn’t be thrilled by the prospect of visiting a “bonus destination” during what would otherwise be a pesky airport layover? To help spark some inspiration, we’ve rounded up three destinations that are great for stopovers and the airlines that get people there.
Reykjavik With Icelandair
With categories like “Northern Lights,” “Fly & drive,” “Wellness,” “City breaks” and “Events,” the vacation packages offered through Icelandair span the gamut and are perfect for stopovers. Curated to help passengers see some of the highlights that place the Land of Fire and Ice atop so many vacationers’ travel wish lists, passengers who take advantage of Icelandair’s exciting itineraries will begin and end their stopover journey at Keflavík International Airport, the country’s main airport located less than an hour outside of Reykjavik. As the island’s capital city, Reykjavik is a must-visit destination that doubles as a great starting point for day trips to essential attractions like the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Ring Road and several spas and geothermal hot springs. If they can only stay for a short while, travelers will find Reykjavik makes for a fabulous outing with no shortage of delicious food, informative city tours, charming shops — complete with “shop cats” manning the storefronts — and fascinating architecture to enjoy.
Singapore With Singapore Airlines
Travel to Asia is booming, and after being named the world’s best Culture Destination by TripAdvisor in the company’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards, Singapore is a city many jetsetters dream of visiting. Photogenic sightseeing spots like Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Singapore Flyer are longtime favorites among tourists while scrumptious eats dished up at the city’s UNESCO-recognized hawker stalls make Singapore an ideal choice for passengers interested in trying out a stopover. Home to Changi Airport, the country’s main international airport and one of the most awarded in the world, Singapore is perhaps one of the only destinations where vacationers will find themselves wanting to spend more time exploring terminal after terminal. That’s right, with a rooftop swimming pool and Jacuzzi; a multi-story waterfall framed by lush, green foliage; a free movie theater; an onsite spa; various gardens of the butterfly, sunflower, cacti and orchid varieties; a rock climbing gym; an arcade; an art gallery and much, much more, Changi Airport is essentially a city in and of itself.
Panama City With Copa Airlines
Best-known for the Panama Canal, Panama City is a destination that might surprise travelers with its intriguing mix of Spanish-colonial history, rich biodiversity — including The Parque Natural Metropolitano, a tropical rainforest within the city limits — world-class islands and beaches, abundant coffee farms and mouthwatering culinary scene. A place where modern skyscrapers play neighbor to 17th-century structures and cobblestone streets that have stood the test of time, this Central American metropolis attracts travelers of all varieties, and with help from Copa Airlines, passengers can explore Panama City during a 24-hour-to-15-day stopover without having to book additional airfare. Sweetening the deal for Copa Airlines guests are stopover-exclusive offers listed on the brand’s website including special deals on hotels, restaurants, activities and tours, transportation and more.
Originally appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of The Compass magazine
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