Best All Inclusive long-haul holidays

Dreaming of a land far, far away? A long-haul trip has to be worth the time spent in the air, due to the incredible destinations waiting for you. It’s a pretty big world out there – sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where we come in. From soft sandy beaches and steamy jungles – hello Mexico – to laidback vibes and colourful coral reefs – we see you, Barbados – here are five of the best picks for an All Inclusive long-haul holiday. 

Thailand – happy island hopping

Did you know Thailand is nicknamed the Land of Smiles? Say cheese. When you’re so far away from home, there is nothing like the welcoming hospitality of the locals here to put you at ease. They have more than just one thing to be happy about, too – Thailand is teeming with natural beauty and first-class street food. Embrace your indecisive intuition and don’t just book one place to visit – pick two, three or four and make proper use of your time on this side of the globe. Head to Phuket for some prime Thai tourism and check out the buzzing beach scene at Bang Tao and Tri Trang Beach that’s tucked into the mountains. Then, visit the secret spots of the Phi Phi Islands – they’re so nice you have to say it twice – or visit Khao Lak, with a wild landscape for free-roaming elephants. Finally, change up the pace yet again and chase the bright lights and big city of Bangkok.  

Flight time: 13 hours and 10 minutes from London Gatwick
Currency: Thai baht (THB) 
Time difference: GMT – 6  

 Sound like a bit of you? Take a look at holidays to Thailand. 

Mexico – margaritas, Mayan ruins and mariachi bands

Mexico serves up a spicy mix of scenery, offering just as much variety on land as you can find on its menus. Bustling cities, cactus-dotted deserts and tropical jungles are just a few of the sights to expect. The showstopper? Probably the country’s white-sand west side – from Los Cabos to Cancun. In the heart of it is Banderas Bay – a 50-mile-long stretch of powder-soft sand. When you’re not chilling there, get snap happy at the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum, or make tracks for the jungle. With tasty taco restaurants, boutique shops and exciting diving spots out in force, too, it’s all Mexi-go go go.  

Flight time: 11 hours and 10 minutes from London Gatwick
Currency: Mexican peso (MXN)
Time difference: GMT – 6

It’s a date. Make a getaway to Mexico. 

Jamaica – rum and reggae  

You don’t have to worry about a thing on this casual-cool island. Think white sands fringed by tall palm trees and beach bars serving up jerk chicken to Bob Marley’s beats. But it’s not only these favourite Caribbean clichés that’s secured Jamaica a place on this top long-haul list. Mother Nature has worked her magic on the hidden waterfalls, soaring mountains and banana plantations, too. So, when you’re not sunning it up on Montego Bay‘s soft shores or taking a boat trip around the blue lagoons, you can explore colourful coral reefs at Public Beach or river raft along the Martha Brae. 

 Flight time: 9 hours and 45 minutes from London Gatwick
Currency: Jamaican dollar (JMD)
Time difference: GMT – 6 

Be jammy with a holiday to Jamaica. 

Barbados – beachside bliss 

Long-haul holidays to Barbados are a no-brainer if you love lounging beachside with a frozen cocktail or three (who’s counting?) That’s the All Inclusive way. The island’s home to more than 92 kilometres of sandy shoreline, so it’s ideal for a chilled-out, grown-up break or a luxury family holiday. Flying the flag for Barbados is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, a hub of reggae bars and some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. Spot fancy fish in the coral reefs, sunbathe on award-winning Crane Beach or try flying fish at a waterfront restaurant. After dark, the buzzing nightlife scene in St Lawrence is your go-to party starter.

Flight time: 8 hours and 45 minutes from London Heathrow
Currency: Barbadian dollar (BBD) 
Time difference: GMT – 5 

Feeling inspired? Check out these breaks to Barbados. 

Costa Rica – the mighty jungle

Like your countries layered like an onion? You can keep peeling away at Costa Rica but it’s definitely got Central American adventure right through to its core. On one day, you can trek through the jungle in search of toucans and tree frogs. The next, take to the waves for the surf of your life. Then zip-line over the forest floor, venture up volcanoes, scuba dive down to coral reefs, swim with manta rays, go horse riding, or white-water rafting – that enough to inspire you? Planet Earth is a real picture in these parts, so pack your camera and prepare for paradise.  

Flight time: 11 hours and 35 minutes from London Gatwick
Currency: Costa Rican colon (CRC)
Time difference: GMT – 6 

Catch a look at these Costa Rica holidays. 

Sold on a long-haul holiday? Find your pick from these long-haul holidays. Or, if you fancy a long-haul city break instead, read about the best ones.

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Author: Lily Owen and Jessica Houtby

Last updated: 10/08/2023