Make long-haul travel your new year's resolution

So, why not make it your New Year’s resolution to plan an amazing long-haul holiday? Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of a certain country for years, or you’re longing to revisit a destination you fell in love with on a previous holiday. Or maybe it’s an experience rather than a particular place – an incredible wildlife encounter, a voyage on a heritage railway, a chance to immerse yourself in a completely different culture.

Our long-haul holidays tend to go on sale at least a year in advance, so you can plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get excited about your trip. Or if you just can't wait, there are often a couple of last-minute places available on our long-haul tours, so you could be packing your bags for a far-flung adventure before you know it.

Where to go on a long-haul holiday?

So, you've decided to make long-haul travel your New Year's resolution. But where to go? What to do? Here are a few ideas to spark your long-haul wanderlust...

Canada

For awesome scenery, there’s nowhere quite like Canada. The soaring peaks, velvet-green forests and glittering lakes of the Canadian Rockies are every bit as beautiful in real life as they are in photos (better, in fact!). We’ve curated a fantastic selection of Canada tours, ranging from ideal introductions to cross-country adventures, so if Canada’s for you, there’s bound to be an itinerary that takes your fancy.

For a really special experience, you might like to choose one of our Canada tours that include a journey on the famous Rocky Mountaineer train. You’ll glide through the Rockies and west to Vancouver in luxury, with panoramic views of your surroundings, delicious Canadian cuisine, and (of course) a glass or two of superb British Columbia wine.

Experiences you'll love in Canada

• Seeing the might and majesty of Niagara Falls

• Dipping a toe in the (freezing!) turquoise lakes of the Canadian Rockies

• Spotting a mama bear and its cubs in the wild

• Trying cheesy, gravy-drenched poutine for the first time

• Discovering the quaint seaside towns of the Maritime provinces

• Strolling around Vancouver, once named the world's most liveable city

Cuba

We named our first tour of Cuba 'Cuban Discovery' - and it really is. Over 12 days you’ll discover the heart and soul of this beautiful island, from its intoxicating capital city (brimming with cocktail bars, colonial charm and a big dose of 1950s nostalgia) to its verdant valleys. We also offer a longer itinerary, Viva Cuba, where you'll circle the island over 16 days.

What’s more, our Cuba tours all depart in spring and autumn, so you can swap drizzly days and chilly nights at home for sunshine, salsa and sandy beaches.

We asked product manager Cassie why she loves Cuba, and why she'd recommend the island to anyone planning an amazing long-haul holiday:

"Cuba is a one-of-a-kind island brimming with a certain magic that's hard to put into words. It's the perfect blend of atmospheric towns and cities steeped in history and culture, peaceful countryside and beautiful, relaxing beaches. I've loved every moment that I've spent in this fascinating country where the locals welcome you like family."

Experiences you'll love in Cuba

• Photographing colourful vintage cars in the unique and vibrant city of Havana

• - Learning how to mix the perfect mojito

• Exploring the revolutionary history and colonial charms of Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey

• Wandering through the warren-like streets of UNESCO-listed Trinidad and Sancti Spiritus.

• Living the island life of rum and rhumba on the Caribbean coast

India

There’s just something about India. Perhaps it’s the colours – the vibrant hues of saris and textiles, the ochre shades of the Rajasthani desert, the caramel colour of a steaming hot cup of chai, the orange flash of a Bengal tiger in the wild. Or the sounds – tuk-tuks and motorbikes, the clickety-clack of hill trains, the rustle of palm fronds in the wind. Then there are the sights – the Taj Mahal, the Palace of Winds, Khimsar Fort. Whatever it is, it’s kept the country high on our ‘most booked’ list for the past few years.

If you’re itching to explore, we’ve got plenty of India tours to choose from. Some of our itineraries include a Golden Triangle tour (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) plus a few extras (Ranthambore National Park, or Udaipur and the Great Thar Desert). Others focus further south, taking you to unspoilt wildlife reserves and quiet tea plantations. Many of our travel advisors have visited India, so why not ask them for a recommendation?

Experiences you'll love in India

• Sunrise safaris in search of rare Bengal tigers

• Witnessing a moving holy ceremony from a boat on the Ganges while in India’s most sacred city, Varanasi

• Watching the Taj Mahal change from dusky pink to alabaster white as the sun rises

• Riding the rails past jagged peaks and lush pine forests on the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train

• Bamboo rafting in Periyar, keeping eyes peeled for elephants soaking and sunbathing

New Zealand

A destination needs to be pretty special to warrant flying halfway around the world. Luckily, New Zealand more than delivers. Epic mountain ranges, art deco architecture, spectacular fiords, fascinating Maori heritage – it’s all waiting to be discovered.  

Our New Zealand tours are a minimum of three weeks long, giving you the chance to really explore this spectacular country. On ‘The Best of New Zealand’, travel around North and South Island, from the Bay of Islands right down to Fiordland National Park. ‘Great New Zealand Discovery’ is even more comprehensive, with more time on the wild west coast of South Island and an unforgettable overnight fiord cruise. Then there's The Best of Australia and New Zealand, a 40-day tour taking in both Australia and New Zealand. We don’t like to play favourites with our holidays, but it really is an incredible adventure.

Experiences you'll love in New Zealand

• Marvelling at majestic Mount Cook - the ‘Cloud Piercer’

• Taking a lakeside stroll in postcard-perfect Queenstown

• Savouring the silence on an overnight cruise through the serene and spectacular sounds of the Fiordlands

• Learning more about Maori heritage and tradition

• Floating through Waitomo's glowworm-lit caves by boat

Africa

Although we offer some fantastic holidays to Morocco and Egypt, if we’re talking long-haul then you’ll be looking at Southern and Eastern Africa.

For a classic African safari, there’s Kenya – one of the best places in the world for game viewing. If you’re interested in a safari but don’t want it to be the sole focus of your trip, take a look at our South Africa holidays, where you can combine wildlife watching with a trip along the beautiful Garden Route and time in cosmopolitan Cape Town. Special occasion? How about a 17-day adventure through South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, where you’ll travel aboard a restored vintage train, marvel at Victoria Falls and look for wildlife on a sunset cruise along the Chobe River?

Experiences you'll love in Africa

• Seeing eye-to-eye with the most graceful of creatures, the giraffe, in Kenya

• Travelling in vintage style on a three-night journey aboard Rovos Rail’s impeccably restored train

• Heading out into Kruger National Park in search of a prowling lion, herds of zebra, or a majestic elephant

• Savouring every mouthful during a fine dining experience in South Africa's culinary hotspot of Franschhoek

For more inspiration or help planning an amazing long-haul holiday, take a look at our latest Worldwide brochure or have a chat with our travel advisors.