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Best long-haul destinations

Check out our round-up of the best places to go for an exotic escape.
East or west? Island or mainland? Beach getaway or city escape? Whether it’s a jam-packed Jamaica break or a memory-making stay in Mexico, our top long-haul destinations have you covered. Sure, a sightseeing weekend in Rome is top tier, but swap it for a week-long adventure in colourful Jamaica, and you’ll never look back. Read on for the long-haul lowdown...

Then, book your exotic hotspot with our best long-haul deals.

Barbados

If you’re on the hunt for a long-haul destination with a difference, the coconut coastlines of the Caribbean’s Barbados have what you’re looking for – from Bridgetown to Brown’s Beach. And with just an hour’s drive between north and south, there’s plenty to fill your island agenda. Stroll through the capital Bridgetown, and you’ll stumble on some home comforts like tea and cricket against a backdrop of pastel-painted buildings, shopping centres and restaurants. For the thrill-seekers, there’s catamaran sailing to try your hand at. Our pick? Boarding a boat to see scarlet sunsets – some even drop anchor for swimming and snorkelling.

Check out our holidays to Barbados.
Colourful houses on the tropical island of Barbados.

St Lucia

Looking for long haul and low key? Say hello to St Lucia – think panoramic volcanic vistas and secluded beach scenes. Pick up the pace with a trip to the Piton Mountains, a pair of UNESCO-protected peaks near the southwest coast. Or, head to Gros Islet, a five-minute drive from Rodney Bay for a sunset ‘jump up’ party, where street food meets dance music. Tempted? We knew you would be.

Check out our holidays to St Lucia.
A view of the Piton Mountains, reflected on the still blue waters.

Mexico

Palm-fringed, white-sand beaches? Check. Ancient history by the bucketload? Absolutely. It’s no surprise long-haul holidays to Mexico offer a fiesta of fun. Choose between the Caribbean Coast – think colourful Cancun – and the Pacific Coast, where buzzing Puerto Vallarta tops the bill. Either way, sun-drenched days await here. Plus, you can meet exotic marine life (tropical fish, sea turtles and more) in the Mayan River – home to the second-largest Barrier Reef in the world.

Check out our holidays to Mexico.
Panoramic view of the northern peninsula of the Hotel Zone in Cancun, Mexico.

Jamaica

Craving some ‘do not disturb’ days? A long-haul holiday to Jamaica is calling your name. Stretch out on the white sands of Seven Mile Beach – one of Negril’s big-hitters – and enjoy a spot of al fresco dining. Want to up the idyllic ante? Blue Hole in Ocho Rios is an unspoilt sinkhole swimming spot surrounded by waterfalls. Dip, dive or paddle in blue waters.

Check out our holidays to Jamaica.
A Jamaican man playing guitar along the white sands of Seven Mile Beach.

Florida

From white-sand coastlines to rollercoasters in the theme park capital, a long-haul holiday to the Sunshine State is waiting to wow. Here with the kids? Or, just a big kid yourself? Make tracks for Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, and you won’t be shy of thrilling rides. Or, head south to slow the pace in nature-loving Naples, home to The Everglades National Park. This place is teeming with big-name wildlife like alligators, dolphins and flamingos.

Check out our holidays to Florida.
An airboat zipping along the lilypad filled waters in Florida.

The Dominican Republic

Combining toe-sinking coasts – over 30 miles enough for you? – colonial cities and mountain-topped scenery, the Dominican Republic dials up the long-haul holiday ante. Sip your way around the rum bars in Bavaro or make tracks for Catalina Island, once a hideaway for the Hollywood elites. Here, calm waters and even a sunken shipwreck welcome you.

Check out our holidays to the Dominican Republic.
A young couple walking alongside the white sands of Saona Island.

The Maldives

Relax, recharge, repeat. The Maldives is the cream of the crop when it comes to relaxing and All Inclusive long-haul holidays. This tropical spot is made up of 26 atolls, and you’ll find private villas are the only way to stay – hello, luxury. Savour the secluded silence in your own stilted hut and spend your afternoons snorkelling or scuba diving.

Check out our holidays to The Maldives.
A couple walking hand-in-hand towards the turquoise sea, with over-water villas in the distance.

Thailand

Calm beach living meets buzzing city energy in the Land of Smiles – perfect for a long-haul holiday with an edge. When you’re not trying out the true taste of Thailand with an authentic Pad Thai, there are over 33,000 temples to explore – the most sacred of which, The Grand Palace, is a must-see when you’re in Bangkok. Feeling the party vibes? Neon-lit Patong is Phuket’s playground and buzzes with beer bars, live music, street performers and clubs open past sunrise.

Want both tropical coasts and cultural cities? No two parts of Thailand are the same. See it all with a multi-destination trip.

Check out our holidays to Thailand.
Elephant in the baths at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.

Mauritius

Get yourself a slice of paradise with a long-haul holiday to Mauritius. Thanks to the island’s tropical temps all year, the best time to visit is, well, always. Unsurprisingly, luxury is the name of the game here, too – whether you spend your days dipping in teal waters or lounging by a pool in one of the many high-end resorts. Look inland to Poste Lafayette for the jungle canopies of Bras d’Eau National Park. Here, you’ll find some of the world’s rarest animals and the island’s top snorkelling spots.

Check out our holidays to Mauritius.

Goa

Blending Portuguese and Indian culture, Goa is a pocket-size paradise. Expect charming European-style cathedrals and churches – like the imposing Basilica de Bom Jesus – in the city’s old town. Swap your sandals for something more robust as you amble around the quaint quarter of Fontainhas, where foodies will find some of the oldest Goan-Portuguese bakeries. The south boasts the best beach retreats, and Cavelossim – a sleepy seaside village – is a must-see. With a long white-sand beach on one side and the Sal River on the other, this place is laidback to a tee, with just a handful of restaurants and food shacks to tickle your tastebuds.

Check out our holidays to Goa.

All set to get going?  

Secure your sunny spot by booking your long-haul break today.

Plus, take off and touch down feeling refreshed with our long-haul flight tips – from what to wear to what to drink. 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: Laura Wilkinson

Last updated: 04.02.2026

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Destination

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