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Long haul holidays 2025

Long haul holidays

Deals from £549 per person

Long haul holiday? Don't just book it. Thomas Cook it.

Low deposits

Low deposits

Secure your next holiday from £19pp

Spread the cost

Spread the cost

Pay monthly without any extra fees

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Long haul holidays & deals

Long-haul holidays 2026 and 2027 take you beyond the usual short-haul routes, with direct flights of eight hours or more to the Caribbean, USA, Middle East, Indian Ocean and Asia. You can also find winter sun in Dubai, in the Caribbean, or with a trip to Thailand where you can tick off things like temples, markets and street food - experiences you won't get from a short flight.

Families, couples and groups can take their pick from tons of resorts and hotels offering different board bases, all of which are fully ATOL and ABTA protected. If you’d rather have meals and drinks covered before you go, All Inclusive holidays can take some of the day-to-day spending out of a longer trip.

Trending top long haul destinations

Why choose a long-haul holiday?

Going long haul puts year-round sunshine and a completely different kind of trip on the table. You could see elephants in Thailand, snorkel among tropical fish in the Maldives or spend a day out in the desert in the Middle East. And travelling further doesn’t always mean complicated journeys – many of the main airports have direct flights from the UK.

Resorts are often geared towards 7-14-night stays, with pools, restaurants, kids’ clubs and activities on site. That works for families, couples and groups, with enough going on to fill a week or two away.

What makes Thomas Cook the smart choice for long haul holidays?

More travellers than ever before are booking long haul holidays in 2026 and 2027 with Thomas Cook. Here’s why:

  • Low Deposits - Secure your long haul getaway without breaking the bank
  • Easy Payments - Spread the cost with clear, fee-free monthly instalments
  • Flight-Inclusive Protection - ATOL cover keeps your long haul holiday safe
  • Travel with Confidence - ABTA backing ensures trusted, high-quality experiences
  • 24/7 Support - We’re here whenever you need us
  • Price Match Promise - Get the best deal on your long haul adventure
  • Endless Choices - Explore a wide range of far-flung destinations
  • One-Stop Booking - Plan and book all in one place


So, from the most popular USA holidays to exotic adventures in Singapore or Sri Lanka, find your perfect long haul holiday right here.

Types of long-haul holiday
All Inclusive long-haul holidays

Long-haul All Inclusive holidays can make budgeting for a bigger trip simpler, with meals, drinks and often snacks included in the cost. Mexico and the Caribbean have lots of resorts on this basis, including family hotels with kids’ clubs and larger pools, plus adults-only hotels for couples. All Inclusive long-haul holidays also cut down on decisions once you’re there – handy when you’re staying for a week or two and would rather spend less time thinking about where to eat.

Family long-haul holidays

Taking children long-haul can mean a longer flight, but you get a very different holiday at the other end. Florida has resorts geared towards family stays, and Mexico pairs days at the beach with   resort-style stays where you can spend a whole day at your hotel without the need to head out. The practical details matter too: direct flights, transfer times, kids’ clubs and family rooms can make a real difference, particularly when you’re away for a week or two.

Luxury long-haul holidays

Long-haul is where some of the more special hotel experiences come into their own. In the Maldives, you can stay on a private island with the sea just outside your room. Dubai has five-star hotels with pools and beach access, and Mauritius has beachfront resorts with towns and mountains to explore beyond the hotel. A higher-end trip doesn’t mean staying behind the hotel gates either. Think about what you’ll actually use – a private pool, spa, upgraded room or a more inclusive board basis – before paying extra for it.

Long Haul Holidays for Couples

Long Haul Holidays for Families

Best long-haul destinations

Long-haul holiday destinations range from Caribbean islands and US cities to the beaches of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. Where you go comes down to the kind of trip you want.

Caribbean & Mexico

Mexico is Thomas Cook’s second best-selling long-haul destination, with most bookings for 7-14 nights, more than 90% on an All Inclusive basis, and over a third made by families. Cancun has large resorts and lots going on, Playa del Carmen puts you close to restaurants and shops, and Riviera Maya has long beaches with resort hotels spread along the coast. Puerto Morelos feels smaller and quieter.

For a different Caribbean trip, St Lucia, Jamaica and Barbados each have their own reasons to go, from St Lucia’s Pitons and food in Jamaica to Barbados’ west-coast beaches.

Long Haul Holidays to Mexico

USA

A long-haul holiday to the USA doesn’t have to mean two weeks of sightseeing. In Florida, the Orlando area accounts for 30% of Thomas Cook’s USA sales, with half of Florida bookings made by families. Most stays are 7-14 nights in three or four-star hotels, usually Room Only or Bed & Breakfast, so eating out becomes part of the trip. Florida holidays can take you beyond Orlando too. Or do something completely different and spend a few nights in Las Vegas.

Long Haul Holidays to Florida

Middle East

Dubai accounts for almost three quarters of Thomas Cook’s Middle East bookings, and most stays run for 7-10 nights. More than half are in five-star hotels, where a pool day or morning at the beach are typically followed by dinner in the city. Families account for three in ten trips too. Looking at Middle East holidays? Dubai has more going on, from shopping to desert excursions, while Abu Dhabi is the quieter of the two.

Long Haul Holidays to Dubai

Indian Ocean & Asia

Far away holidays don't get much further than the Maldives, known for overwater villas and island-hopping by boat – the kind of trip where shoes become optional. Mauritius has more beyond the resort, with towns and mountains to see once you’ve had your fill of the beach. Asia changes the pace entirely. Thailand holidays are a different holiday altogether: temples and street-food markets one day, southern beaches the next, with hotels and meals often costing less than in the Indian Ocean.

Long Haul Holidays to Thailand

Long Haul Holidays to Mauritius

Long Haul All Inclusive Holidays 2026 / 2027

Cheap & luxury long-haul holidays

Cheap long-haul holidays are possible if you can be flexible on dates, departure airport or destination.

Faraway escapes don't have to cost more, and the same goes for cheap exotic holidays, particularly outside school holidays. Last-minute long-haul deals can sometimes save you money, and these offers may appear as travel dates approach.

Package holidays to far-flung destinations can help you see the flight and hotel cost together. At the other end, exotic holidays in Dubai, the Maldives and Mexico can mean five-star resorts, private pools and upgraded rooms.

Last Minute Long Haul Holidays 2026

Best time to book a long-haul holiday

Long-haul holidays tend to get booked earlier than short-haul trips, especially when dates are fixed or you’ve got a particular hotel or room in mind. September to December is a good time to start looking, before the January rush gets underway. You may pay less by travelling either side of the busiest dates too. Got more flexibility? You can leave it later and see what comes up, though prices can go either way the closer you get to departure.

Long-haul holidays FAQs

What counts as a long-haul holiday?

A long-haul holiday usually involves a flight of eight hours or more from the UK. That includes trips to the Caribbean, USA, Middle East, Indian Ocean and much of Asia. Flight times vary by destination, but these are the places that take you well beyond the usual European and Mediterranean holiday routes.

Do long-haul holidays include a stopover?

Not necessarily. Many major long-haul destinations have direct flights from the UK, so a stopover isn’t always part of the journey. Other routes may involve changing planes, and this can vary by departure airport and destination. If flying direct matters to you, the flight details will tell you whether there’s a change on the way.

Are long-haul holidays more expensive than short haul?

Long-haul holidays can cost more than short-haul trips, but not every trip will. Flights cover a greater distance and stays are often longer, so look at the whole holiday rather than the flight alone. Travelling outside the busiest dates or choosing All Inclusive can also change how much you spend once you’re away.

How far in advance should I book a long-haul holiday?

It’s sensible to start earlier for long-haul if you’ve got specific requirements. Direct flights from your preferred airport, family rooms and particular hotels can become more limited as bookings come in. If you’ve got flexibility on dates, airports and accommodation, you’ll have more scope to see what’s available closer to departure.

What’s the best time of year for long-haul holidays?

The best time depends on where you’re going – long-haul covers several climates and seasons. The Caribbean and Middle East are often  top choices for winter sun, while Asia has its own wet and dry seasons to plan around instead. Look at the weather for your destination and travel month rather than applying one rule to every long-haul trip.

Which long-haul destinations are best for families?

Florida and Mexico are two of Thomas Cook's main long-haul destinations for families. Florida offers resort accommodation geared towards longer stays, while family bookings make up more than a third of all Mexico holidays. Direct flights, family rooms, kids’ clubs and several places to eat at the hotel are all useful things to look for when travelling with children.

What are the pros and cons of booking All Inclusive versus Room-only packages for long haul holidays?

Plan to spend most of your time unwinding at the resort? An All Inclusive package keeps everything in one place - meals, drinks, and entertainment - making it super convenient and easier to manage your budget. Prefer to get out and explore the local culture, sights, and cuisine? A room-only option offers more freedom and flexibility, giving you the chance to discover hidden gems and often better control over your spending.

All Inclusive vs Room-only

All Inclusive packages

  • More control over your total holiday budget ✔️
  • Meals, drinks, and snacks included ✔️
  • Complete relaxation - everything’s taken care of ✔️
  • Activities and entertainment often included ✔️
  • Bundled savings on food, drinks and activities ✔️
  • Ideal for families and group travel

Room-only packages

  • Lower upfront cost ✔️
  • Pay-as-you-go for food and drinks ✔️
  • More immersive local experiences ✔️
  • Customise your itinerary on your terms ✔️
  • Only pay for what matters to you ✔️
  • Great for couples and solo travellers

Check out our easy board basis guide to what’s included.

Which tour operators or airlines have the best value for exotic holidays in 2026 / 2027?

At Thomas Cook, we’ve partnered with a top selection of long-haul airlines - including TUI, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways - all handpicked for their excellent value, service, and safety standards. Whether you're heading to the Caribbean, the USA, or Asia, our growing network of long-haul flights offers more flexibility, comfort, and competitive pricing than ever before.

And when you book through Thomas Cook, we’ll help with whatever you need. Whether that's choosing your dream faraway destination (how about Mexico holidays?), finding the cheapest long haul destinations to suit your budget, deciding which hotel to book or picking the best long haul airline for you. You can even get in touch with us while you’re out there if you need a hand!

With trusted OTA support and tailor-made packages to suit your budget, long haul travel has never been easier or more affordable. Don’t just book it. Thomas Cook it.

Are there any long-haul holiday deals under £1,000 all-in?

Absolutely! Our long haul deals start from £549 per person and, depending on the time of year and specific deals, it's possible to find all-inclusive holidays under £1000 pp in Cape Verde, Cuba and Dubai. Timing and flexibility are crucial though. The best long haul deals are often available during off-peak times like spring and autumn. Being flexible with your departure airport can also lead to cheaper long haul packages.

As well as filtering long haul holidays by dates, board types, child deals, and ratings, with Thomas Cook you can easily filter by budget too. Simply enter your preferences (destination, airport, when, how long for, rooms & guests), hit search and then apply the budget filter by adjusting the slider - in the “Budget” section, just below the “Popular filters” section. As you adjust the slider, holidays in your price range will appear. It's that simple!

👉 From Mexico to the Dominican Republic and Indonesia to Asia, check out our latest All Inclusive holidays for the best long haul holiday deals under £1,000. You can also sign up for email alerts and download the Thomas Cook Mobile App to get the latest long haul package deals straight to your phone as soon as they land.

Are there last-minute long-haul holiday deals available right now?

Absolutely! Last-minute long-haul deals from the UK often include Cancun (Mexico), Koh Samui (Thailand), the Dominican Republic (Caribbean), Bali (Indonesia), and New York. Whether you're dreaming of a tropical beach escape or an exciting city adventure, you can still find fantastic last-minute offers.

Look out for All Inclusive holiday packages, discounted flights, and free child places to maximise your savings. Being flexible with your travel dates, departure airport, and destination can also help you snag the best deals.

👉 Find inspiration with a range of popular long haul destinations, from glamorous holidays to Dubai to laid-back Thailand escapes. Explore our latest last-minute holiday deals and book your perfect long-haul getaway before it's gone.

Are there any hidden costs or extra fees I should watch out for when booking long haul holidays?

Good question! Hidden costs to consider when planning long haul holidays include:

  • Visas
  • Tourist taxes
  • VAT and Sales Tax
  • Resort fees - often compulsory in destinations like the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean
  • Peak season premiums
  • Booking fees
  • Baggage fees
  • Airport transfers

At Thomas Cook, we're committed to your consumer rights and complete transparency. So, whether it’s long-haul or short-haul, when you book with us you’ll never have to worry about hidden fees - with any additional costs clearly disclosed at every step of the booking process.

> Thomas Cook Booking Terms and Conditions

Long haul flight essentials┃What should I pack?

Rest better and arrive less jet-lagged with these long haul flight essentials:

📋 Important Documents & Health

  • Visa documents + Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), if required
  • Proof of vaccinations, if needed
  • Travel insurance details
  • Face mask

💤 Comfort & Sleep

  • Travel pillow
  • Eye mask
  • Ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones for restful in-flight naps
  • Comfortable clothing (layered for changing cabin temperatures)
  • Slip-on shoes for easy airport security checks
  • Compression socks to promote circulation

✈️ In-Flight Care Kit

  • Mini refresh kit: including moisturiser, lip balm, face wipes, and hand sanitiser (great for arrival selfies too!)

📱 Tech & Entertainment

  • Bluetooth adapters for in-flight entertainment
  • Portable chargers (preferably GaN chargers with multiple USB-C ports - efficient, safe, and airline-approved*)
  • Downloaded entertainment: books, magazines, games, films, TV shows, podcasts, etc
  • Set your devices to dual time zones before boarding to start adjusting your sleep schedule early

*Emirates has introduced a new policy banning the use of power banks during flights, effective from the 1st October 2025. So, always double check your airline's portable charger policy to avoid delays.

🍵 Snacks & Hydration

  • Healthy snacks to keep hunger at bay
  • Reusable water bottle (empty through security, refill after)

💛 Extra Tips

  • Use jet lag apps to help your body adjust smarter and faster
  • Choose your seat during check-in to avoid locations near toilets or with bad window views
  • Consider AI packing assistants or travel apps that tailor your packing list based on your destination, airline, and preferences for a stress-free packing experience

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