Stopover Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stopover

[ˈstɑːʊpəʊvə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

during travel

A stopover is a break in a journey that lasts several hours or overnight, allowing travelers to explore or rest before continuing their trip.

Synonyms

break, layover, stop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stopover	Used when referring to a planned break in a journey, particularly in air travel, where you spend a period of time in one place before continuing to your destination. Typically involves an extended pause, such as overnight or longer. We had a 12-hour stopover in Tokyo before our next flight. During the trip to Europe, we had a two-day stopover in Paris.
layover	Similar to a stopover but more commonly used in the context of air travel. It refers to the time spent waiting between connecting flights. Layovers typically involve relatively short durations at an airport. I have a two-hour layover in Chicago on my way to New York. Our layover in Dubai was just enough time to explore the airport.
stop	A general term used to refer to a brief cessation of movement or activity, can be used in many contexts such as travel, work, or daily tasks. The duration can vary greatly but is usually implied to be shorter than a stopover. The bus made a stop in every small town along the route. We made a quick stop at the gas station.
break	Often used in multiple contexts referring to a short pause or rest from an activity, work, or travel. It can be as brief as a few minutes or a bit longer, depending on the situation, but generally not as long as a stopover. Let's take a five-minute break and grab some coffee. We stopped for a quick break during our road trip.

Examples of usage

The flight included a stopover in Dubai before reaching its final destination.
We decided to schedule a stopover in Tokyo to visit some friends.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in aviation

In aviation, a stopover refers to a deliberate interruption of a journey by the airline in order to offer passengers additional destinations or to extend the range of the flight.

Synonyms

intermediate stop, layover, layover flight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stopover	Typically used in travel contexts, 'stopover' refers to a short stay at a location between the origin and the final destination, often for less than 24 hours. We had a brief stopover in Dubai on our way to Tokyo. The stopover gave us a chance to see a bit of the city.
layover	Widely used in North American English, 'layover' typically denotes a waiting period between connecting flights that can last up to several hours. We have a five-hour layover in Atlanta. Due to a long layover, we explored the airport's shops and restaurants.
layover flight	Commonly used when talking about flights specifically, 'layover flight' refers to a journey that requires travelers to transfer to another flight at an intermediate point. We booked a layover flight with a two-hour wait in Paris. For cheaper fares, we opted for a layover flight instead of a direct one.
intermediate stop	More formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation, 'intermediate stop' denotes a stop that occurs in the middle of a journey, often used in schedules or itineraries. Our flight includes an intermediate stop in Frankfurt. There will be an intermediate stop in Denver before we continue to Los Angeles.

Examples of usage

The airline offers stopovers in major cities for passengers to explore at no extra cost.
Passengers can opt for a stopover in Iceland on their way to Europe.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Travel

Many airlines offer special deals for flights with stopovers to encourage tourists to explore new cities.
Some travelers use stopovers as a chance to visit a city they wouldn’t otherwise see, turning a layover into an adventure.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, stopovers are seen as an essential part of travel, allowing for rest and exploration.
Visiting local attractions during a stopover can provide insights into different customs and traditions of a place.

Logistics

Airports often cater to stopover passengers with layover lounges and quick city tours for a unique experience.
Travelers are encouraged to check visa requirements for stopover countries to avoid any travel complications.

Economics

The stopover concept can affect airline pricing strategies, often making longer flights cheaper than direct ones.
Cities that promote tourism through stopovers see boosts in local economies as travelers spend on hotels, food, and activities.

Origin of 'stopover'

Main points about word origin

The term combines 'stop,' which originates from Old English, meaning to halt, and 'over,' suggesting a pause before continuing.
It first appeared in travel contexts in the early 20th century, reflecting the rise of commercial air travel.

The term 'stopover' originated in the early 20th century in the context of air travel. It was initially used to describe a planned break in a journey allowing passengers to explore a city or rest before continuing their trip. The concept of stopovers has since become a popular option for travelers looking to make the most of their journey by visiting additional destinations at no extra cost.