How to Pick the Perfect Long Haul Destination

Written by Ella Cawthorne Last updated October 23rd 202423/10/24

Temple at Wat None Kum in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand

^Temple at Wat None Kum in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand

If you’re ready to book your ideal long haul holiday but are unsure on where to go, we have created a handy guide to help you decide which destination is best for you.

Often long haul holidays can be a little more expensive than short haul holidays, so you want to ensure that you have booked the right destination so you get the most out of your break!

To help you decide, we have split some of our favourite long haul destinations into key categories of what you might fancy getting up to while you’re away.

^Blue Hole Waterfall, Jamaica

Jam Packed Activity Itinerary

For a fun-filled holiday that will help you make memories to last a lifetime, Florida or Thailand are perfect destinations to choose.

^Florida Mangroves

Florida has a renowned reputation for being a great, family-friendly break, thanks to the much-loved Walt Disney World® Resort. With so many theme parks and water parks to enjoy, you won’t get bored during your visit!

For the days that you don’t fancy an adrenaline rush on world-famous rides, Florida is an exciting place to explore in itself. Florida is a fantastic place to visit if you’re interested in golfing, not to mention the glorious year-round weather you can enjoy. For the foodies out there, America is known for supersized portions of mouth-watering meals which are sure to have your taste buds tingling!

When thinking of an exotic holiday destination with lots to do, Thailand always springs to mind. With a wide range of beaches to explore, animals to see and cities that never sleep, you’re in for a wild ride.

While you can enjoy tonnes of cocktail bars and lively nightclubs, that’s not all that Thailand has to offer. You can also find eye-opening art projects and installations like the FantaSea Show, where lights, colour and sound see Thai myths merging with some outlandish modern twists.

Kick Back and Relax

For ultimate relaxation on a luxury, All Inclusive holiday, there’s nothing better than white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. If you can picture yourself taking shade from glorious sunshine under towering palm trees then the Maldives or Barbados should definitely be on your hit-list.

When you think of the Maldives, it’s hard not to picture over-water bungalows surrounded by turquoise blue water. Package holidays here are nothing short of world class, and you will be surrounded by luxury throughout every aspect of your holiday.

If you’re the type of holiday-er who wants to do nothing other than sip cocktails and work on your tan, we just know you will LOVE the Maldives.

With 92km of golden sands, what’s not to love about a serene break to Barbados. Enjoy utter tranquility at a choice of beaches that boast beautiful shallow waters perfect for adults and children alike.

Though not your average family holiday destination, if you’re looking for the perfect spot to switch off from school or work, then there’s no better place to be than on miles of super soft sand.

All Inclusive resorts in these tropical destinations often pride themselves on having first-class spa facilities, and what better way to relax than at an exotic spa, with the sound of waves lapping in the distance and a colourful cocktail in hand. Go on, you know you want to.

Explore Interesting Cultures

If your perfect holiday involves getting to grips with interesting cultures and exploring everything they have to offer, the enticing countries of Senegal or Jamaica will have you gripped!

Though new to the package holiday scene, Senegal sure knows how to create an unforgettable holiday experience. With breaks able to enjoy from winter 2022, you won’t be short of cultural experiences and fascinating affairs.

Streets are lined with tasty food stalls full of French delights inspired by the country’s Portuguese heritage. While the coast is lined with high-end hotels and bougie restaurants, the country is still in touch with its traditional African roots – with colourful clothing stalls bursting with hand-crafted wares and intricately painted wooden fishing boats bobbing on the waves at the harbour.

Though a great destination to relax if you wish, Jamaica has a rich history just waiting to be explored. The birthplace of Bob Marley often hosts tours and experience days with a truly immersive reggae experience.

Throughout your island stay, you will find lots of stalls and markets where you can find unique gifts and trinkets to bring home as a reminder of the culture filled tropical paradise. For decades, the island has also been used as movie backdrops, so exploring the spots featuring in the likes of Cool Runnings and Pirates of the Caribbean are a must-see!

Dive Deep or Run Wild with Exotic Animals

The closest the UK gets to wild animals is your local town centre on a Saturday night! If you want to walk on the wild side with some of the world’s most exotic species from land or sea, Aruba or Gambia won’t disappoint.

The tropical island of Aruba is known for its stunning beaches, but it’s what lies beyond that fills us with excitement! Dip your head below the waters to explore abandoned shipwrecks which have become the hiding place for so many different species of fish. There are plenty of natural reefs to investigate too – you will be busy for days!

If on-land experiences are more your style, Flamingo Beach is not to be missed. As the name suggests, these powdery sands are home to a flamboyance of flamingos. Their beautifully bright pink feathers stand out against the turquoise waters and white sands, as they stroll along the peaceful beach.

For a truly wild experience, Gambia has some of the best wildlife reserves and forests in West Africa. Just south of Cape Point, in the town of Bakau, you will find the Kachikally Crocodile Pool, a sacred spot used for fertility rituals where crocodiles skim the surface.

If creepy crocs aren’t really your cup of tea, why not visit the Bijilo Forest Park? It’s a protected area teeming with monkeys and some of Gambia’s huge array of bird life. Abuko Nature Reserve is the country’s first designated wildlife reserve, and here you will find even more monkeys, as well as crocodiles and cobras (eek!), plus more than 200 bird species.