To book a connecting flight or spring for the direct? That’s the question most travelers face when browsing flights for their long-haul excursions. While direct options are, of course, the most convenient choice, they often carry heftier price tags than itineraries that include layovers. In other words, convenience versus cost. Fortunately, for those on the fence, airlines are beginning to sweeten the deal with layovers, launching what are called stopover programs—incentives to lengthen your layover and spend 24 hours or more in your international transfer city (listed in alphabetical order).

In hubs and layover hot spots around the globe, carriers are now offering in-the-know passengers visa-free entry into the country, discounted airport transfers, luxury-hotel deals, and custom itineraries tailored to shorter trips.

AD’s got the scoop on the world’s most intriguing stopover programs, ranging from five-star stays in Doha to Nordic shopping and sauna experiences in Helsinki. Below are the seven cities that are making the most compelling cases for the connecting flight.

Jean Nouvel’s Louvre Abu Dhabi, a stunning museum that opened in 2017. Photo: Getty Images

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Etihad invites its passengers to spend 48 hours in Abu Dhabi free of charge. The airline has partnered with an array of three- and four-star properties that will comp two-night stays for Etihad travelers. More lucrative, though, is the airline’s two-for-one promotion that includes, as its name suggests, one free and one paid night at one of the city’s luxury hotels, like the posh St. Regis Abu Dhabi, the sleek Edition, or the sweeping, beachfront Emirates Palace. Those who reserve the latter hotel promotion are also eligible for discounted city excursions with tour operator Hala Abu Dhabi.