These European Airlines Offer Free Stopovers. Here's How To Take Advantage Of That

A European vacation is a bucket list item for many travelers and can be as exciting and adventurous as it is expensive. You come face-to-face with historic landmarks you spent years dreaming about, explore the rich history of the region, try unique foods, shop lavishly, meet new people, learn bits of new languages, and indulge in various vibrant cultures. Many European countries also closely border one another and are often a drive or a train ride away, making it easy for travelers to knock multiple nations out in one trip. 

But a Euro trip can also require quite a bit of money, so if a trip such as this has been on your radar, you must try this booking hack to save money on your flights to Europe. Several European airlines such as Icelandair, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, and more offer free stopover programs. These help turn a normal boring layover — during which you're unlikely to leave the airport — into a travel adventure. You can take anywhere from a day to a whole week exploring a city before reaching your final destination. 

Say you're flying to France through Icelandair, but you've always wanted to take a dip in the Blue Lagoon. Booking a flight from the U.S. to Iceland, another flight from Iceland to France, and then a flight back from France to the U.S. will cost extra money that you don't need to spend. Instead, book a flight to France that includes a stopover in Iceland. The airline's current stopover program allows travelers to stay in the country for up to seven nights before continuing to their intended destination. Those taking advantage of this program will have to cover the cost of accommodations, but the trip will still be less expensive because they essentially have a "free" flight.

If you're trying not to pay for hotels, but still want to experience a new city, Turkish Airlines is the way to go. It's one of the most luxurious airlines you can fly, plus its stopover program offers travelers layovers that last more than 20 hours with a free stay in Istanbul. Business class customers can enjoy up to three free nights in a five-star hotel, while economy class customers get up to two nights in a four-star hotel. Both options give visitors plenty of time to explore Istanbul while continuing their journey out of the most well-connected airport in the world.

If you're planning a trip to Europe in the near future, this airline hack is one that you won't want to miss out on. Research which airline fits your needs and be sure to have the proper documentation for that country. A budget-friendly European adventure awaits.