Compare long-haul holidays

Sun-drenched sands, gin-clear tropical waters, palm trees swaying in the gentle sea breeze… your holiday in paradise is not as far away as you think. From Cuba to Cape Verde, Mexico to the Maldives, discover the best long-haul destinations for a holiday in the sun.

Barbados

Barbados has everything you’d want from a long-haul getaway, with swanky resorts, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters that make you feel about as far away from home as you can get. Add its laidback Bajan lifestyle and a lush interior that’s made for adventure, and Barbados is sure to tick all your holiday boxes.

Cape Verde

With its Caribbean-style climate, great-value beach breaks and shorter flight time, Cape Verde is a top pick for a long-haul holiday without the jet lag. Still a relative up-and-comer, this archipelagic nation off the coast of West Africa is one for the wishlist. Sal and Boa Vista are its two most popular islands.

Cuba

A holiday to Cuba is unlike any other. Resort towns such as Varadero and Cayo Coco are classic beach break territory, where you can fill your days with watersports, snorkelling and sunbathing in luxury resorts. And be sure to make time for its capital Havana – full of classic cars and Art Deco buildings, it’s a fascinating step back in time.

Florida

With mile after mile of beaches, the Sunshine State is packed with places to go. Atlantic breakers pound the east coast resorts of Daytona, Fort Lauderdale and Miami; the Florida Keys string out south of the state becoming ever more Caribbean the further south you go; and the warm waters of west coast beaches make cities such as Clearwater, St Petersburg and Naples must-stop locations.

Goa

On India’s southwest coast, Goa is a top pick for a great-value long-haul getaway. A mix of luxury resorts and affordable guesthouses pepper its pretty coastline, and you’ll find everything from yoga classes and all-night parties to activities for kids and, of course, plenty of beaches. Whether you’re after a family-friendly stay, a spiritual retreat in the sun or a week-long party on the beach, Goa is the place to be.

Maldives

Imagine a paradise beach break and you’ll probably conjure up something that looks like the Maldives. This island nation is pure luxury, a place where you can wake up in an over-water villa and dive straight into warm Indian Ocean waters. Holidays here can be expensive – the islands’ remoteness means you’ll usually need to arrive via sea plane – but they’re guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Mauritius

Holidays to Mauritius are equal parts relaxation and adventure. When you’re not stretched out on a sun-lounger, you can chase waterfalls, discover a colourful underwater world on a diving tour or trek through the rainforests of the Black River Gorges National Park. Mauritius’ north coast is a popular place to stay, but you’ll also find plenty of resorts on the west and east coasts.

Mexico

Mexico’s Caribbean coast – think Cancun, Riviera Maya and Playacar – is lined with great value for money resorts and you’ll be close to some of the county’s most recognisable sights (we’re talking Tulum and Chichen Itza). On the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Mazatlan are a little more laidback.

South Africa

Long-haul holidays don’t get much more diverse than South Africa, where you can sip world-class drops at renowned wineries, spot the ‘Big Five’ on a safari and sunbathe on white-sand beaches. Table Mountain is Cape Town’s iconic spot, but you’ll also find plenty of culture, museums and beautiful beaches. Or, fly into Durban for Indian Ocean breakers and chilled out vibes.

Thailand

The trickiest bit about visiting Thailand? Choosing just one of its dreamy resort areas. Phuket to Krabi, Pattaya to Hua Hin, Koh Samui to Khao Lak… wherever you pick for your faraway escape, expect pristine beaches, mouth-watering food and adventurous tours on land and under the sea.

The UAE

With its so-called ‘seven-star’ hotels, gorgeous beaches and larger-than-life shopping malls, Dubai is a holidaymaker’s playground. It’s certainly the best-known emirate for Brits – but it’s not the only option for a long-haul holiday in the UAE. All high-rises and high luxury, neighbour Abu Dhabi is a worthy rival, while low-key Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE’s latest up-and-comer.

Europe doesn’t have a monopoly on city breaks. Long-haul cities from New York to Singapore are famous for a reason and you can easily spend a week discovering their charms without even thinking of the beach! Whether you’re after ancient history or bright lights and late nights, these are some of the best destinations for a long-haul city break.

Bangkok: A real mix of ancient history and fast-paced modern life, Bangkok will quickly get under your skin. Discover its grand palaces, contemporary museums and intricately decorated Buddhist temples by day, then hit the night markets for antiques, trinkets and, of course, dinner. The shopping continues at sprawling malls such as Siam Paragon and Central World.

Cairo: History buffs will love Cairo. The Egyptian Museum with its Tutankhamen exhibition is here, and you’ll find the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx on the outskirts of the city. Other highlights include the Khan el-Khalili souks and the panoramic views from Cairo Tower. Even better? You can get there in around five hours from the UK.

Cape Town: Cape Town might be a 12-hour flight away, but it has pretty much no jet lag to speak of, meaning it’s great for shorter breaks as well as a longer holiday. Table Mountain soars above the city centre – head to the top for panoramic views out to sea – and you’ll be in easy reach of the Cape’s and the penguins at Boulders Beach.

Dubai: For a long-haul city break and beach holiday combined, Dubai is an easy choice. This is a city that doesn’t do things by halves – it’s home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the world’s longest urban zipline and even has an indoor ski slope! Visit Dubai Marina for upmarket dining with views of skyscrapers and super yachts.

Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s dramatic harbour setting is just the start of this city’s charms. Eating out is a joy here, with retro hotpot joints, thriving street food markets and some serious fine dining all on offer, and cultural attractions ranging from the huge Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island to the Hong Kong Museum of History. There’s even a Disneyland if you’re travelling with kids!

New Orleans: You’ll be captivated by New Orleans from the moment you arrive. Spanish, French-Canadian, Caribbean and Native American cultures combine in this Deep South city and the result is its mouth-watering Creole cuisine. Be sure to try gumbo, a meat and shellfish stew, and deep-fried beignet pastries. Nights out here are as addictive as the food, and it's all set to a soundtrack of jazz and blues.

New York: There’s always something happening in the City That Never Sleeps. If you’re a first-time visitor to New York, checking out iconic attractions such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and the Empire State Building will easily fill a week-long holiday. Return visitors, meanwhile, have boutique shops in Brooklyn, some of the world’s best bars and tons of top-notch restaurants to keep them busy.

San Francisco: For an altogether different vibe, head west to San Francisco. Long-haul holidays to this laidback city are less about the sights – though you’ll want to stop by the Golden Gate Bridge and the infamous prison at Alcatraz – and more about exploring the city’s diverse and eclectic neighbours. Visit SoMa (South of the Market) for museums, the Mission for nightlife or the Castro to be in the heart of one of the world’s most famous LGBTQ spots.

Singapore: Want to spend a week exploring shops, hitting up theme parks and dancing the night away? Singapore could be the long-haul city break for you. Highlights include Supertree Grove, Marina Bay Sands and the views from the 57th floor of the SkyPark Observation Deck. Save a day or two to explore Sentosa Island. Universal Studios has a theme park here, plus there’s beautiful Palawan Beach, where swanky beach clubs and kid-friendly activities await.

Sydney: Many of Australia’s most recognisable sights are found in Sydney. The Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach… you could easily spend a week here taking it all in. Hop on the Manly ferry for a cheap way to see that harbour, visit world-class museums such as the MCA, and prepare to eat well. Try Chinatown, Surry Hills and Paddington for a great selection of restaurants.

Vancouver: Vancouver, in Canada’s western province of British Columbia, is a melting pot of Pan-Pacific food, culture and people – and it has one of the best settings of any city, surrounded by mountains and overlooking the Strait of Georgia. Culture cravers will love the city’s galleries, which are packed with work from local indigenous artists and if you’re after outdoor adventures, there are plenty of mountain trails and ski slopes close by.