10 free stopover cities

Where: Shanghai, China

On the way to: Sydney, Australia

Why: To discover China’s most modern metropolis

Short-stoppers should ascend the 421m Jinmao Tower for unbeatable views, stroll or cycle the longtang (lanes) of the French Concession – the historical heart of Shanghai  – and promenade along the Bund, the riverside walkway where all humanity gathers. Longer-stayers should head out to the pagoda-dotted lake at Hangzhou. Note: you will need a visa if you plan to stay in China for more than a 24-hour flight transit – arrange this before you leave the UK (020 7631 1430, www.chinese-embassy.org.uk).

How: China Eastern Airlines, from £679 return (price valid for departures 1-30 November; no minimum stay; maximum stay six months). A hotel is provided for one night if there is no same-day connection.

Where: Amman, Jordan

On the way to: Bangkok, Thailand

Why: To gape at a world wonder Westernised Amman is no Cairo, offering limited souq hubbub. But, just one hour’s drive north sits the impressive Roman crumble of Jerash; one hour south beckons a salty soak in the Dead Sea; and only two hours further south you can delve into the rock-carved splendour of Petra.

How: Royal Jordanian, from £519 return (price valid for departures 18 Aug-12 Dec; no minimum stay; maximum stay one year)

Where: Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

On the way to: Quito, Ecuador

Why: To dive the Caribbean’s best bits

After a Latin overload, a few days of Caribbean relaxation – on Bonaire’s sometimes rocky, sometimes pink-coral-sand beaches – is just what the returning traveller ordered. But it’s diving and snorkelling that rule here – voted one of the world’s top three dive spots, reefs are close to shore and heaving with fish, and the water clear as crystal. Just remember: flying within 24 hours after diving is dangerous.

How: KLM, from £874 return (price valid for departures 1 Sep-9 Dec; minimum stay seven days; maximum stay three months)

Where: Brunei, Borneo

On the way to: Perth, Australia

Why: To taste Borneo in brief

For short stops Royal Brunei Airlines will whiz you round this diminutive Sultanate on a free tour; if you have a day or two you can add some rainforest trekking in Ulu Temburong National Park, a sail among the stilt villages of Kampung Ayer and a stay at an Iban longhouse. Sabah and Sarawak are just short boat rides away.

How: Royal Brunei Airlines, from £865 return (price valid for departures 15 Aug-4 Dec; no minimum stay; maximum stay three months)

Where: Mauritius

On the way to: Sydney, Australia

Why: To go multicultural in the Indian Ocean

Far more than brochure-friendly beaches, Mauritius is a spicy blend of African, Chinese, Indian and French styles, with lively markets and séga-pumping bars. Mahébourg International Airport is in the island’s south, the best – and least visited – part to explore. Drive the coast road, hike into Black River Gorges National Park and dive off the delightfully named town of Flic en Flac.

How: Air Mauritius, from £799 return (price valid for departures 30 Aug-16 December; no minimum stay; maximum stay three months)

Where: Seoul, South Korea

On the way to: Fiji

Why: To live life in the fast lane – before slowing down

In contrast to the laid back South Pacific, frenetic Seoul is a blur of bright lights, old sights and sizzling beef (bulogi to the locals). Don’t miss Gyeongbokgung (the Palace of Shining Happiness), the War Museum to gen-up on recent history and a raucous night out – and maybe some karaoke – in neon-garish Itaewon. If you want to sneak a look at North Korea, book a tour (you have to go on a tour) to border village Panmunjeom, 55km away.

How: Korean Air, from £1,096 return (price valid for departures 18 Aug-4 Dec; no minimum stay; maximum stay one year)

Where: Taipei, Taiwan

On the way to: Brisbane, Australia

Why: To shop, shop, shop

Isn’t everything made in Taiwan? Maybe not, but a stroll around Ximending will almost convince you it is – this is the place to soak up the country’s youth culture and buy a pair of trendy jeans. For food shopping, go to Shinlin Night Market – noodle soup, mango pudding, turnip cake… pack a big appetite. The weird rocks of Keelung Island are a perfect day trip from the city or, as UK nationals can stay 30 days visa free, explore further south – try hiking in Taroko Gorge and hotsprings (a national pastime) at Lisong.

How: China Airlines, from £764 return (price valid for departures 21 Aug-9 Dec; no minimum stay; maximum stay six months)

Where: Colombo, Sri Lanka

On the way to: The Maldives

Why: To immerse yourself in the Indian Ocean

This is no ’24 hours in…’ – use this flight combination to explore Sri Lanka properly (including hill-hemmed Kandy, beachside Galle, the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle) before retreating to the Maldives for super diving and snorkelling; both are good year round, with whale sharks, manta rays and hammerheads all lurking offshore.

How: Sri Lankan Airlines, from £719 return (price valid for departures 11 Aug-9 Dec; no minimum stay; maximum stay one year)

Where: Madrid, Spain

On the way to: Johannesburg, South Africa

Why: To get a taste of Spain

If you only have a day – and Madrid is a perfect 24-hour stop – make it Sunday, when the knick-knack-tastic El Rastro fleamarket takes over the streets and the vast Prado museum (recently extended, and home to glorious art masterpieces) is free. Don’t miss a night out – start at about 11pm (early for Madrileños) and graze on tapas till the wee hours.

How: Iberia Airways, from £676 return (price valid for departures 21 Aug-14 Dec)

Where: Reykjavík, Iceland

On the way to: Boston, USA

Why: To find quality of life

The coolest stopover option? The UN certainly thinks so – last year it named Iceland the world’s best place to live. Break a flight to the states with up to seven days here – enough time to café-hop in Reykjavík, scoot round the geysers and glaciers of the Golden Circle, and dip in the Blue Lagoon. Top tip: sign up for Icelandair newsletters – the airline sometimes runs free accommodation offers for stopover passengers.

How: Icelandair, from £376 return (price valid for departures until 31 Dec; minimum stay Saturday night; maximum 180 days)

Note: Prices are supplied by Trailfinders (0845 050 5892, www.trailfinders.com). They are correct as of May 2008; prices include prepaid taxes and are only valid between dates shown.