Side trip

A side trip is a short journey taken from a traveler’s main destination to visit a nearby location before returning to continue the original trip. It’s often planned as part of a circle trip or open-jaw itinerary, but it can also be a spontaneous decision made during the course of travel.

Side trips add flexibility and variety to a traveler’s experience, allowing them to explore nearby cities, landmarks, or attractions without altering the main purpose of their journey. 

These trips are common in both business travel and leisure travel itineraries, especially when organized by inbound tour operators or destination management companies (DMCs).

Travel agencies and tour operators often recommend side trips to help visitors make the most of their stay by experiencing additional destinations that complement the main trip.

When booking flights, side trips can sometimes be combined with the main ticket, depending on the fare rules or through partnerships with codeshare airlines.