A stopover earns its place when it adds an experience you genuinely want and leaves enough time for immigration, baggage, transfers, and recovery — the same jet lag math that shapes the rest of a long-haul trip. Treat it as a small trip with its own checks.
Confirm the handoff
Check whether baggage is checked through, whether tickets are separate, and what entry rules apply to your passport. These details change the risk of missing the onward journey.
Keep the first activity flexible
Avoid a non-refundable timed booking immediately after landing. Choose a simple arrival plan and make the main itinerary independent of one perfect connection.
Price the extra night honestly
Include lodging, airport transfers, meals, and the time cost. A stopover should create value rather than disguise an inconvenient route.
Read How do I plan a stopover without making the trip risky? or build a trip.
