We often seek to reach our destinations as quickly as possible with the least number of stops. But sometimes it can be fun to explore a new city on the way to your final destination at no extra cost.

Many major airlines offer free layovers in some of the nation’s most popular cities. Here’s how to book flights with long layovers in some of the hottest cities to explore.

Some airlines will advertise their long layover programs while others let customers book an itinerary for round-trip prices in multiple cities. Here’s how you can work out a long layover on one of your own flights for little or no cost to you.

1. 1. Choose your destination and your origin. This is the first step for planning any vacation or business trip. Select your final destination and where it is you’ll need to go in order to get there (your origin).
   2. Search for round trips. Once you’ve decided where you’ll be going, it’s time to start your search for round trip flights. Plug your information into your online travel agent of choice to find your best options.
   3. Locate a common connecting city. After you’ve plugged in your locations, you can look at some of the connecting cities on the way to your final destination. You’re likely to get several results. Choose from one of these exciting cities to add to your itinerary for an extra bit of adventure on your trip.
   4. Choose the best flight with a long layover. Once you’ve chosen your extra stop, it’s time to start searching for the best possible flights with a long layover. Scroll through your options in the search engine to find a flight with layover options long enough for you to explore.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Because most travelers want the shortest layover possible, it can be hard to find these long layover flights. Don’t be afraid to call your travel agent, airline, or online flight booking tool for help securing a longer layover.

Layovers don’t always have to mean spending hours in the airport. Try booking a long layover in an exciting city to get the most out of your trip today.