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Destination daydreaming tends to take you somewhere far away. White sand, clear waters, palm trees… mentally, you’re already there. Long-haul trips are big on the holiday clichés, but clichés are clichés for a reason, and we’re here for it. Whether you’re planning your gap yah, your career-break travel era or just something worthy of two weeks of annual leave, these picks are giving big bucket-list energy.
If even bigger is better, why not bump yourself to All Inclusive for the whole package? Your food, drink and even some activities are all included in one sweet price, so you know exactly what you’re spending. It might seem boujie but it’s also a bit of a budgeting hack – you don’t need to pay any more while you’re out there if you don’t want to.
So, 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.
Feeling inspired? Check out our latest long-haul holiday deals.
1. Thailand for island–hopping
Thailand is literally nicknamed the ‘Land of Smiles’ – we dare you to go there and not love it. When you’re so far away from home, the amazing, welcoming vibe of the locals here really puts you at ease. They have more than just one thing to be happy about, too – Thailand has loads of natural beauty and first-class street food. So, 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 world by doing a bit of island hopping. 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 – 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 again and chase the bright lights and big city of Bangkok.
2. Mexico for margaritas, Mayan ruins and mariachi bands
Mexico serves up a spicy mix of scenery. Bustling cities, cactus-dotted deserts and tropical jungles are just a few of the sights to expect. The showstopper is probably the country’s idyllic Caribbean Coast – from Los Cabos to Cancun. In the heart of it is Banderas Bay – a 50-mile-long stretch of super soft sand. When you’re not just chilling there, get snap happy at the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza – it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Or, if you’re more of a city person or fancy moving around the country a bit, head to Mexico City. This culture capital is all about the festival feels, with Day of the Dead celebrations on the 1st and 2nd of November and loads of live music and salsa bars keeping it buzzing throughout the year. Foodies, trust us, this is your kinda pick… Tequila, tacos and tostadas – say less.
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3. Jamaica for rum and reggae
No worries allowed on this Caribbean island – it’s all chill. Think white sands, tall palm trees and vibey beach bars serving up jerk chicken to Bob Marley’s beats. Jamaica is everything you hope it will be and more. Mother Nature has worked her magic on its hidden waterfalls, mega mountains and banana plantations, too. So, when you’re not sunning it up on Montego Bay‘s 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. And, when in a rum-loving country like this, imagine the local spirits on offer in your All Inclusive hotel…
4. Barbados for beachside bliss
Long-haul holidays to Barbados are a no-brainer if you love lounging beachside with a frozen cocktail or three. The island’s home to more than 92 kilometres of sandy shoreline, so it’s ideal for a chilled-out, adults-only break or, whenever you fancy, the buzzing nightlife scene in St Lawrence is your go-to party starter to pick things up. You’ve got a UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital to explore, 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. This island is also a serious surf hotspot if you fancy learning to catch some waves – November to June gets the best swell.
5. Costa Rica for real jungle scenes
Costa Rica’s got Central American adventure right at 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. You can 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 sound like enough yet? It’s all about options and Costa Rica just keeps them coming. Planet Earth is a real picture in these parts, so definitely pack your camera and prepare for a serious holiday dump.
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Sold on going long haul? Find your pick from these long-haul holidays. Or, if you fancy a long-haul city break instead, read about the best ones.
Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.
Author: Lily Owen
Last updated: 28/05/2025
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