One trick I’ve used a few times: instead of treating a self-transfer as a headache, make it part of the trip. Example, I once booked a cheaper long-haul out of Vienna, so I flew in a day early, spent two nights enjoying the city, and then continued on. Flight savings basically covered my hotel, and I got an extra destination out of it.
If you’re flexible, it’s a fun way to turn a layover into a bonus stop rather than just sitting in an airport.