I do it all the times - book a flight with a layover - near your desination ... visit the layover place - and then train or drive to your destination for the return .. works like a charm ..
Because you can board your return flight only from the destination - not from layover place ..
For example - if you are planning to visit Japan - book a flight to Osaka with a layover in Tokyo .. it will be lot cheaper than flying direct ..
Exit in Tokyo (assuming you have only carry on luggage) .. spend time in Tokyo and then take a bullet train to Osaka for your return and checking out Kyoto / Nara in addition to Osaka ..
