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Travelling isn’t on the cards right now, but if you’re longing for your next long-haul holiday, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up our favourite long-haul hotspots, most of which line up warm sunny days and balmy nights for most of the year – ideal if you’ve had to shift the timings of your holiday from summer to winter. So whether you fancy a tropical island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, like Jamaica, or a picture-perfect paradise in the Indian Ocean, like the Maldives, we’ve got plenty to keep you dreaming. So kick back, relax and soak up our top long-haul destinations. We’ve got some great long-haul holiday deals to check out, too.
It’s no wonder that Sri Lanka’s made it on to our list of top travel destinations for long-haul lovers. This island’s smaller than Scotland, but it lines up a huge amount of must-sees and must-dos. We’re talking sprawling tea plantations, elephant-watching safaris, world-class beaches, and ornate temples. And, its modest size means it’s easy to tick off lots of its best bits without tonnes of travel time.
Our pick –
Riu Sri Lanka
This five-star hotel’s all about the sea views – all the rooms are ocean-facing.
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Thailand might be a long way from home, but its locals will make you feel welcome from the moment you land. The country’s earned the nickname of ‘the Land of Smiles’ thanks to its friendly nature. That’s not the only thing this country has to offer. From its bustling cities to its island-scattered shores, there’s something to keep every type of long-haul holidaymaker happy.
Our pick –
ROBINSON Club Khao Lak
This hotel is on a footprint-free beach and Khao Lak National Park forms its backdrop.
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The Maldives has always held the crown when it comes to honeymoon destinations. But you don’t need to have just tied the knot to appreciate what this destination has to offer. It’s made up of nearly 2,000 islands, many of which are ringed by coral reefs. Dip below the surface, and you’ll find kaleidoscopic scenes. Plus, the white sands here are second to none.
Our pick –
ROBINSON Club Maldives
This adults-only hotspot combines standout scenery with lots of activities.
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Zanzibar is a group of islands which floats off the coast of Tanzania. It totals around 40 little islets, so island hopping is par for the course. Unguja is the main island, where most of the archipelago’s hotels are based. This place isn’t just for beach breaks, either – it’s got a UNESCO-ticked Old Town and pepper, vanilla, and nutmeg plantations to tour, too.
Our pick –
TUI BLUE Bahari
All Inclusive holidays are on the cards here, with six restaurants, four bars, and three pools in the mix.
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The Gambia’s a rising star on the winter-sun scene. This pocket-sized African nation boasts a coastline to rival the Caribbean, and it’s relatively crowd-free, to boot. The wildlife’s a big draw for travellers – the country’s namesake river's home to crocodiles and hippos, and it’s dotted with islands where chimpanzees swing through the trees.
Our pick –
Kairaba Beach
This beachfront hotel’s gardens are home to peacocks and vervet monkeys.
See more holidays to The Gambia
When it comes to long-haul package holidays, crowd-pleasing Mexico’s established itself as a go-to. It’s got a varied selection of hotspots – from Cancun’s lively shores to Puerto Vallarta’s endless beaches. Plus, there are the likes of ancient Mayan ruins to discover, and world-famous dishes to tuck in to.
Our pick –
TUI BLUE El Dorado Seaside Suites
Set in the postcard-perfect resort of Riviera Maya, this adults-only hotel’s got a reputation for being romantic.
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Known for its laidback vibes and classically Caribbean beaches, Jamaica serves up some serious holiday inspiration. It’s got everything from big-name sights like Dunn's River Falls and Seven Mile Beach, to hidden gems like Rick's Café and the Appleton Estate distillery.
Our pick –
Riu Ocho Rios
You’re within easy reach of Jamaica’s most famous attraction at this hotel – Dunn’s River Falls.
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Florida’s a favourite for long-haul family holidays. And considering its winning combination of theme parks, action-packed cities, and gold-standard beaches, it’s no wonder. Plus, there’s a generous helping of national parks. The Everglades is a prime spot. This protected area features Florida’s most famous wildlife – alligators.
Our pick –
The Grove Resort and Spa
During a stay here, you'll be perfectly placed between Orlando’s theme parks and natural sights.
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The Dominican Republic is bigger than your average Caribbean Island, so there's lots to see here, on top of the island's impressive beach scene. Mountains, mangrove lagoons and waterfalls complete the line-up of natural sights. When it comes to places to stay, the country offers up both sleepy resorts and lively towns, so you can pick whatever vibe suits you.
Our pick –
TUI SENSATORI Punta Cana
A daybed-dotted beach is right on your doorstep when you stay at this hotel.
See more holidays to the Dominican Republic
Think city break, think New York City – the Big Apple’s a big name in the long-haul holiday business. Here, you can tick off a shopping list of iconic sights, from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty. There’s New York’s famous foodie scene to get your teeth into, too. And, theatre buffs will have plenty to keep them busy, thanks to an ever-changing line-up of Broadway shows.
Our pick –
Riu Plaza New York Times Square
This hotel puts you right in the thick of Manhattan – in Times Square no less.
See more holidays to New York
All set to jet off?
Book your long-haul break. Then, get clued up on our long-haul flight tips and have a read of our top packing tips. You can even download our packing checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Hannah Stratton
Published: 11.06.2020.
Tags: latest
Countries: Sri Lanka , Thailand , Maldives , Tanzania , Gambia , Mexico , Jamaica , United States Of America , Dominican Republic
The ROBINSON Club Khao Lak strikes the perfect active-unwind balance with plenty of pools, a busy sports schedule and a tranquil on-the-sand postcode.
The ROBINSON Club Maldives blends its trademark high-octane activities with the relaxing atmosphere of a tranquil island getaway.
This place is like a small village, adding up six restaurants, four bars and three pools, right by a beautiful white-sand beach.
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All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Some of the flights on this website are also financially protected by the ATOL scheme, but ATOL protection does not apply to all flights. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each flight before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to the other holiday and travel services listed on this website.