Experiences
Long-haul holidays: experiences around the world
Safari in Africa, cherry blossom in Japan, island hopping in Thailand and turquoise water in the Caribbean. The experiences worth the long flight, and the hotels where they happen.
Serengeti
A Tanzania safari is one of the great long-haul trips.
How to choose a long-haul holiday
A long-haul holiday should be about something you cannot find closer to home: wildlife on the savannah, Japan’s temple towns, a coral reef or a culture that celebrates its dead with flowers and music. Here are the experiences we would travel far for, and when in the year they are at their best.
December to March: Thailand, the Caribbean, Mexico and South Africa.
March and April: cherry blossom in Japan and the dry season in Mexico.
June to October: safari in East Africa and Botswana, Bali and the Gulf of Thailand.
October and November: autumn colours in Japan and the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
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Safari and Africa
Africa is the home of the safari. Our guide to safari holidays in Africa helps you choose a country and lodge. For the Great Migration, read about Tanzania safari and Kenya safari and the Masai Mara. South Africa safari combines Kruger with Cape Town, and Botswana and Victoria Falls brings elephants and the smoke that thunders. Finish with a Zanzibar safari and beach trip.
Victoria Falls
The view from the terrace at The Victoria Falls Hotel.
Japan
Japan is tradition and the future on the same street. Plan spring around cherry blossom in Japan, and put the trip together with our Japan itinerary by train. See the temples of Kyoto, the views of Mount Fuji and Hakone, and spend at least one night at a ryokan with onsen.
Kyoto
Autumn in Arashiyama.
Thailand
Thailand is a long-haul classic, and there is always more to discover. Read our guides to Thailand island hopping, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. In the north is Chiang Mai with its elephants and temples, and start or finish with the best of Bangkok.
Bali
Bali is temples, rice terraces and surf. Start in Ubud, see the best things to do in Bali and take the boat to Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands. Planning a honeymoon? Read about the best honeymoon destinations.
Bali
Sun and sand on Bali.
The Caribbean and Mexico
In the Caribbean, choose between a Caribbean cruise and the best Caribbean islands, or long beaches and whale watching on a Dominican Republic holiday. In Mexico you will find cenotes and Chichén Itzá, Tulum and the Riviera Maya and the Day of the Dead.
Prefer to stay closer to home? Explore our experiences in the Nordics.
Long-haul holidays FAQ
Where is hot in winter?
Thailand, the Caribbean, Mexico, South Africa and Zanzibar have their high season during the European winter, with dry, warm weather.
When is the best time for a safari?
The dry season from June to October is best across most of East and Southern Africa. In the Serengeti, calving season is around February.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
Spring with cherry blossom from late March and autumn with red maples in November are the most beautiful times.
How long should a long-haul holiday be?
Two weeks is a good starting point. It gives you time to get over jet lag and see two or three places without rushing.
Where should I stay on a long-haul holiday?
Choose a hotel where the experience happens: a lodge in the Serengeti, a ryokan in Hakone or a resort on Railay. Each guide lists the hotels we would book.