What makes Thomas Cook the smart choice for long haul holidays?
More travellers than ever before are booking long haul holidays in 2025 and 2026 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.
Long Haul Holidays for Couples
From the liveliness of Cancun to the more bohemian Tulum, Mexico is the perfect destination for a blissed-out beach ‘baecation’ with your other half. For something truly special, splash out on a long haul All Inclusive holiday on the Riviera Maya. Not all that far away from there in Florida, USA, couples can head to the glamorous city of Miami with its fantastic nightlife, enticing Latino food, and boujee South Beach vibes. Or, for a more laidback sun-kissed beach break, why not give Fort Lauderdale a try?
Long Haul Holidays for Families
Long haul family holidays will give your kids memories that’ll last a lifetime, so what better excuse to book that long-awaited trip to Orlando? You’ll need weeks to pack everything in, so take your time and choose your parks wisely to make the most of your break - or better still keep coming back for more! Want something a bit different? Try a Club Med getaway on the white sandy shores of the Dominican Republic or delight in the culture of the Far East.
6 hacks for long-haul flights with kids
Make long flights more comfortable for your tiny travel buddies with these long haul flight essentials:
- Plan Ahead – Entertainment needs prep, even with devices onboard
- Power Up – Bring fully-charged battery packs and chargers as backup
- Sleep-Friendly – Pack earplugs or sleep masks your kids already like
- Healthy Snacks – Keep hunger at bay with non-messy, nutritious options
- Dress for Comfort – Choose cosy clothes and bring extra layers for chilly cabins
- Airline Check – Compare long haul airlines to find the best fit for your family holiday
Long Haul Holidays to Florida
Florida is a US state with it all - cities, beaches, nightlife, the world’s best theme parks and fantastic shopping. Inland, you have the world-famous Orlando region complete with Walt Disney World, waterparks, shopping and entertainment. Want to see a different side to the Sunshine State? Head to the Keys off the tip of the mainland or the famous Everglades.
Long Haul Holidays to Mexico
Mexico has everyone covered! Couples will love soaking up the sun from its serene beaches and trendy hotels. Families can dive right into the fun activities from ziplining over the Caribbean to swimming in cenotes (water-filled sinkholes), and snorkelling in its eco parks. Looking for the perfect base? Known for its luxury All Inclusive resorts, you’ll find dreamy hotels close to Cancun’s clubs and Riviera Maya’s stunning beaches, as well as retreats just a short hop from Playa del Carmen’s buzzing town and must-visit night markets.
Long Haul Holidays to Thailand
Thailand is a “tick all the boxes” type of destination. From the famous beach backdrops of Koh Phi Phi to luxury retreats in Koh Samui and Phuket’s 5 star restaurants, lively nightlife and must-see temples - Thailand holidays are magical at any age. Go from relaxing on a hammock to immersing yourself in the culture with a trip to its lively floating markets. But Whatever you do, don’t forget to sample the street food for an amazing combination of sweet, spicy and sour flavours. Warning: Mango sticky rice is highly addictive!
Long Haul Holidays to Dubai
Want to head on a long haul holiday without travelling too far? Dubai’s the perfect choice. Taking around 7 hours from the UK, you don’t have to spend as long on the plane for a taste of something exotic. Luxury hotels, year-round sun, desert adventures, and must-visit malls await - there’s so much to do here. And it’s not just for adults either! Kids will love its world-famous aquarium, theme parks, and water parks too.
Long Haul Holidays to Mauritius
Long haul holidays don’t get much more tropical than Mauritius. This remote gem is all about chilling out by the Indian Ocean with a cocktail in hand. You could easily spend most of your trip sprawled out on its blissful beaches, but there are so many reasons to explore further. Tuck into the tastiest Creole dishes, discover natural wonders like Seven Coloured Earth (multi-coloured sand dunes), and spot amazing wildlife. Oh, and did we mention, there’s a bunch of watersports too, whether you want to relax on a catamaran or feel the thrill of soaring through the skies while parasailing.
Long Haul All Inclusive Holidays 2025 / 2026
From awesome kids' clubs in the Caribbean to adults-only escapes in the Maldives, we bring you the best deals on long haul All Inclusive holidays. So, if you're looking for unlimited cocktails, you've come to the right place! Designed for complete relaxation and packed with value, an all-in long haul holiday with Thomas Cook keeps everything easy and stress-free.
Last Minute Long Haul Holidays 2025
Fancy a spontaneous adventure, have some unexpected holiday leave, or simply chasing the sun? Swap stress for sunnies and burnout for beach days - bag yourself a last-minute long-haul holiday from our wide range of long haul steals below.
Frequently asked questions
What is a long haul holiday?
Often travelling across continents or oceans, a long haul holiday simply means your flight time is over six hours from the UK - perfect for faraway adventures and sunshine escapes.
Long haul flights closer to home: Taking around 6 hours from the UK, you can reach unforgettable destinations in North Africa and the Middle East like Cape Verde or Dubai.
Distant long haul flights: Taking around 17 hours from the UK, including stopovers. Escape to the furthest corners of the world for bucket-list breaks in Asia and Indonesia, such as Vietnam or Bali.
When's the cheapest time to book a long-haul holiday?
It’s usually best to book long haul holidays 6-8 months before your departure date if you want to spread the cost - especially with our £1pp low deposits on selected long haul deals.
You can also try using our filtered search to see if things like departure airport make a difference to the overall cost of your trip.
If you’re able to travel at short notice, a last-minute long haul deal is another great way to keep the cost down. If you have the funds to hand and you’re willing to wait until the last minute, you’ll often find some great savings in the winter too.
What are the cheapest long haul destinations?
There's a good choice of cheap long haul holidays, even if you do have to pay a little bit more to get there. Thailand, Vietnam and India are all wallet-friendly options if you’re looking for exotic holiday destinations that won’t break the bank, with plenty of affordable places to stay, eat and drink.
If you’re looking to hit the Caribbean on a budget, exotic holidays in the Dominican Republic offer fantastic value for money with plenty of reasonably priced packages.
What are the best long-haul destinations for couples/families/singles?
🏝️ Best exotic holiday destinations for two? Picture luxurious overwater bungalows in the Maldives (✈️11 hours), sun-drenched tranquillity on Thailand’s hidden islands (✈️12 hours), or the untouched beauty of Bali’s pristine beaches (✈️17 hours).
👪 Memorable long haul holidays for families? For a budget-friendly long-haul escape rich in activities and culture, Mexico (✈️10.5 hours) offers a wide range of all-inclusive resorts that deliver great value.
Looking for more family-friendly excitement? Packed with world-famous theme parks and attractions, Florida (✈️8 hours) is a firm favourite with adventure-loving families.
Treating the whole fam to a luxury long haul holiday? Dubai (✈️7 hours) boasts pristine beaches, exceptional family attractions, and a unique blend of tradition and cosmopolitan glamour you won’t find anywhere else.
🧳 Craving independence and the freedom to explore new cultures at your own pace? From ancient temples to cutting-edge cities, for a perfect blend of history, heritage, and adventure, Japan (✈️12 hours) is a top pick for solo travel.
Prefer an English-speaking environment? Singapore (✈️13 hours) is a fantastic alternative. Compact and easy to navigate, it lets you pack more into your itinerary in less time - just right for a fast-paced adventure that's full of energy.
Thailand (✈️ 12 hours) continues to be a top choice for solo travellers and backpackers, thanks to its affordability, warm hospitality, diverse cultural experiences, and excellent public transport.
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 2025 / 2026?
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.
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)
💛 Additional 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