Six of the best long-haul holidays to take this summer from beautiful beach resorts to affordable luxe hotels
Thomas Cook has reported a ten per cent year-on-year increase in bookings for far-flung breaks and recent research from holiday operator On The Beach found getaways to Europe could easily set you back more than to farther afield.
On The Beach's Zoe Harris said: 'The gap between long-haul prices and short-haul has decreased and the idea of a new, far-out destination is clearly pulling a lot of Brits, hence why bookings are up.'
So, why not save your pennies and ditch your favourite sunshine spot for somewhere new and maybe even more exotic?
Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of long-haul holiday s for short-haul prices . . .
KANDY, SRI LANKA
SAVE around £500, if you swap a £1,200pp holiday on the Greek island of Santorini for a £769pp seven-night adventure at the 4* Radisson Hotel in the mountainous city of Kandy.
Sri Lanka, where coconut palms line the roads and wild elephants roam freely, is often reserved for special occasions, but with prices like this, it doesn't need to be.
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Carved into the hillside, the resort's modern and simple bedrooms come with lush views of tropical greenery.
Going with a breakfast-only package means you can tuck into plates of fresh fruit piled on top of hot waffles and thick yoghurt before setting off for a day exploring the beautiful country.
Kandy is the cultural capital of the island and is littered with intricately decorated temples.
GO: Seven nights' B&B costs from £769pp including flights from Heathrow on September 8. 2025. See loveholidays.com.
Orlando, US
THRILLSEEKERS should look to Florida instead of Europe for their summer break this year.
The Disney parks are just 15 minutes by car from the 3* Sonesta ES Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista, where a week costs less than £800pp with TUI.
But if you were to head to Paris – home to the European Disneyland – at the same time of year, you'd struggle to bag a TUI package for less than £1,000pp.
You can use the cash you have saved on travel costs to pay a visit to Epic Universe, the first new theme park to come to Orlando in 25 years.
When you are not being thrown upside down on a roller-coaster, the palm tree-laden ES Suites is the perfect place to relax with barbecue grills in the gardens, for guests to use.
GO: Seven nights' self-catering costs from £759pp based on two sharing a one-bedroom apartment and includes flights from Gatwick on 15. See tui.co.uk.
DUBAI, UAE
THE glittering skyscrapers of Dubai are easier than ever to reach, and you could save a fair whack by heading here for around £700pp instead of Spain' s Marbella, where a week's break in July can cost upwards of £1,000pp.
Well positioned – less than a five-minute drive from cultural sites like the Jumeirah Mosque and under ten minutes from glam beach clubs like Nikki Beach – the 4* Jumeira Rotana is an ideal base for first-timers.
Temperatures can reach 40C in summer, but don't let that put you off, as many of the city's top attractions are air-conditioned.
Make your way to the top of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper to soak up the best views of the skyline.
Or, if you really need to cool down, head to Ski Dubai, with 22,500 square metres of ski slopes.
GO: Seven nights' B&B costs from £723pp including flights from Manchester on July 2. See travelsupermarket.com.
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REP
WHEN it comes to fly-and-flop breaks, you may want to consider opting for the Dominican Republic over the Greek islands.
A 4* break in Mykonos will cost £2,700pp in June, much more than this On The Beach deal to Punta Cana for £739pp.
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The chic Sunscape Coco Punta Cana is a sleepy 4* resort on the Dominican Republic's eastern coast, where temperatures reach a balmy 32C towards the end of this month.
Expect white-sand beaches overlooking turquoise waters, cocktails and a cushioned cabana shaded by palms.
This place has everything within easy reach.
There's an outdoor pool, private beach, casino, poolside bar, watersports centre, a la carte restaurant, beach volleyball, spa and more.
And with an all-inclusive package, the only thing you need to focus on is topping up your tan.
GO: Seven nights' all-inclusive costs from £739pp including flights from Gatwick on June 21. See onthebeach.co.uk.
MUSCAT, OMAN
IF you are a fan of Dubai, but want somewhere more affordable, the Middle Eastern gem of Oman is the UAE's laid-back sister.
A 5* luxury holiday at the Sheraton Oman Hotel, will only set you back £669pp.
This price is staggeringly low if you compare it with a stay in a European Sheraton hotel – a package for its Mallorca hotel during the same week is just shy of £1,200pp with British Airways.
Muscat is a great spot for culture vultures – home to winding souks crammed with spices, breathtakingly beautiful mosques that shimmer in the sun and golden sand dunes stretching for miles.
Make sure to take advantage of the hotel's outdoor Courtyard Oasis, crammed with tropical plants, a restaurant and the spa – which claims to be one of the best in Oman.
KHAO LAK, THAILAND
WE'VE all got White Lotus fever.
But instead of visiting Sicily (where the second series was filmed), head to Thailand (the location for series three) to bag a proper bargain.
7
A seven-night TUI package at the 4* The Leaf On The Sands, by Katathani costs just over £800pp, while a holiday in a 4* hotel in Sicily, during the same week, could set you back about £1,000pp or more.
Surrounded by tropical greenery, in the beach resort region of Khao Lak, a little north of Phuket, The Leaf On The Sands offers two swimming pools where you can catch the rays while listening to birdsong.
Do not get too comfy, though, as there is so much adventure waiting – treks through the Lam Ru National Park, trips to the Wat Suwan Khuha Temple or snorkelling around a shipwreck.
GO: Seven nights' B&B is from £838pp including flights from Heathrow on September 11. See tui.co.uk.
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Telegraph
40 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The 20 best things to do in Goa
There's more to Goa's attractions than beaches. In fact, despite visiting primarily in the summer as a child, I was often taken on hikes with my father deep into the rainforests, past waterfalls, ancient temples and towering trees. It is a versatile state, with a sandy coastline hugged by the mighty Western Ghats. As one of the region's many festivals will showcase, it is the people who truly make Goa stand apart from the rest of India. Beyond their food and fantastic music scene, their art, architecture, adventure and wellness offerings all have elements of susegad – complete relaxation. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Goa. Find out more below, or for more Goa inspiration, see our guides to the region's best hotels, restaurants, bars and beaches. Find things to do by type: Best for families Best free things to do Best for the great outdoors Best for culture Best for wellness Best for families Museum of Goa Explore Goa's contemporary art scene Fondly called MOG by locals, the Museum of Goa showcases the state's extensive contemporary art scene. Renowned Goan artist Subodh Kerkar, who founded the gallery, showcases why Goa is different to the rest of India. His expressions, especially Goa's Ark from his permanent exhibit, bring forward the deep-rooted Portuguese history and the complexities of inter-religious life. Insider tip: Allow at least two hours to explore the museum. It is worth booking a guided tour, which can be done upon is also a terrace, an outdoor garden with artworks and a restaurant serving Goan classics like ros omelette. Spice Farms Visit a local plantation Touring a spice plantation as a visitor is fascinating, as it gives an insight into Goa beyond its beaches. Learn the incredible details of the spices that grow in the region, like black pepper, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves. Most tours include walking through plantations within the state's rainforests and end with a traditional lunch. Insider tip: Choose a spice plantation tour that offers extras like accommodation, cookery lessons (especially Saraswat cuisine, which uses most of the spices grown). Some, like Dudhsagar Plantation, offer bird watching and dedicated activities for children, such as zip lining and rock climbing. Mario Miranda Gallery Flick through a cartoonist's gallery Many of us in India grew up admiring Mario Miranda's cartoons in national newspapers – he'd present readers with vivid and witty illustrations of everyday Goan life. He travelled the world and even worked with famous cartoonists like Charles M. Schulz and R.K. Laxman before retiring to his ancestral home in Goa. His galleries are scattered across Calangute, Porvorim and Margao, each offering unique souvenirs to take home. Insider tip: Set in an old Goan laterite home with an enchanting garden, the gallery in the bucolic village of Porvorim is the region's prettiest. Best free things to do Basilica of Bom Jesus Visit Goa's prominent pilgrimage site Old Goa is one of the state's most charming regions and was the capital under Portuguese rule. Ask any local what to see here and they'd point you in the direction of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is also a prominent pilgrimage site for Christians. This impressive church is built from granite and is famous for preserving the remains of St Francis Xavier, encased in a silver casket, who died in 1552. Insider tip: Expect heavy crowds from local tourists visiting the church between the end of December and early January. While you're here, walk across the gardens to visit other heritage structures, like Se Cathedral and Churches and Convents of Goa. Fontainhas Explore the Latin Quarters A stroll through Goa's charming Latin Quarters, Fontainhas, in the capital city of Panjim, is an excellent way to spend a day. You'll walk past many ornate Goan-Portuguese heritage homes, each painted in vivid hues of mustard, burgundy and ivory and nearly all cloaked under tropical trees and bougainvillaea climbers. The evenings here have a different energy – you'll see locals flocking to the tavernas and restaurants, but Fontainhas is best explored in the morning on a weekday. Insider tip: Fontainhas gets particularly lively during festivals like the annual Carnival, held in February ahead of Lent, and theSão João festival every June. Shops and restaurants open after 10am and close any time between 6pm and 11pm. Bakeries are ordinarily open between 8am to 8pm. Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Visit the region's Hollywood site This popular Baroque church façade has served as a backdrop for many Bollywood films and Goan postcards. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church was the first port of call for sailors from Lisbon, who stopped to give thanks for a safe voyage across the seas. Many here believe that the stairways were modelled on a smaller scale after those at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, Portugal, with a central landing area and symmetrical stairways on either side. Insider tip: Dress codes are strict here (no sleeveless vests or shorts above the knee allowed inside), but its elegant white and blue façade is worth admiring from afar. The Ruins of the Church of St. Augustine Picture the region's abandoned church and monastery In 1602, Augustinian Friars, who had arrived on Goa's shores to spread Christianity in 1572, constructed this prominent church and monastery. Choosing Monte Santo (Holy Mount) as their site in Old Goa, it was largely considered one of the key churches in the Iberian world. After being abandoned in the 19 th century, at present, only a part of the belfry stands tall – the rest has fallen into ruin and disrepair. The original bell was transported to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. Insider tip: It is ideal to visit during sunrise or sunset, when the sun's rays over the laterite-hued ruins make for excellent photos. Anjuna Flea Market Shop for local crafts and clothing Anjuna's popular flea market is open every Wednesday between October and April. Shop quintessential bohemian wear, plus printed shirts, embroidered scarves, Goa trance music CDs, Indian handicrafts, spiritual paraphernalia and essential oils. What I love about the markets in Goa is that even if you don't buy anything, the vendors are still happy to have a chat with visitors. Insider tip: Further south, head to Mapusa market for similar paraphernalia but also excellent local cashews (Zantye is the oldest and most trusted shop to buy cashews). Mapusa is also famous for pottery, spices and Goan chorizo. Festivals Join the local celebration India does have the most kaleidoscopic festivals, but Goa is a world apart. There's Carnival held every February, which sees floats, samba and Goan trance music. Every March or April, the spring festival called Shigmo is held across the state, where various parades and folk dances are performed by members of the Hindu-Konkani community. This is followed by the São João festival in June, where many Christian Goans merrily drink copious amounts of feni and jump in wells wearing floral coronets. June also sees the farming community celebrate Chikhal Kalo, a mud bath festival. South Goa comes to life during Diwali in autumn. Insider tip: Despite festivals being celebrated throughout the year, December is the busiest time in Goa as it celebrates the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Christmas Day and even Sunburn, an annual electronic dance music festival that attracts over300,000 visitors. Best for the great outdoors Chapora Fort Take in the famous view You might wonder why so many domestic tourists strike a pose upon the walls of this majestic laterite fort. It served as a backdrop for the famous Bollywood film, Dil Chahta Hai, released in the Noughties and has had a loyal fan base since. Don't let that dissuade you – the view overlooking the Arabian Sea meeting Chapora River is worth the short hike. This fort has been under the rule of the Marathas, the Portuguese and was the former site of the Sultanate of Bijapur. Insider tip: Head up here on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and if you still can't find a tranquil spot, head further south to impressive forts like Reis Magos, Aguada (fee payable on entry) or Cabo de Rama. Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary Head deep into a national park More than a sanctuary, this large wildlife reserve is a part of the Western Ghats. It's also home to the mighty Dudhsagar Waterfalls (see above) and Mollem National Park. As one of the top spots in Goa for bird watching, you'll easily spot some endemic species here like the state bird – the flame-throated bulbul, Malabar grey hornbill and the brahminy kite. If you're lucky, you'll also encounter leopards, elephants, cobras and pythons. Insider tip: Carry minimal items with you – hikes here can be tedious, and there are tribes of wild, curious monkeys that are notorious for snatching belongings from travellers. Deep in this national park, you can visit the 13th-century Kadamba-period Shiva temple, the oldest in the state. Dudhsagar Falls Trek to Goa's colossal waterfalls Nothing quite prepares you for the sheer magnificence of Dudhsagar Falls. Translating to 'a sea of milk' in Hindi, the Mandovi river comes cascading down four tiers, at 310 metres in height. Summers can be underwhelming as the falls aren't in their full, raw power, so the best time to experience them is in October after the heavy monsoon season. There are jeep safaris from Mollem National Park that you can hire for the day for a guided hike close to the falls. Be warned, it is a bumpy ride and a slightly demanding trek to the falls. If you want to spend a full day and night here, there are modest homestays nearby, such as Dudhsagar Plantation. Insider tip: For a cherished memory, head to the designated viewpoint (your guide will point this out to you) and wait for a train to pass along the railway bridge, with the colossal waterfalls in the backdrop. Divar Island Explore unspoilt Goa Take a break for half a day and catch a ferry to the island of Divar, an unspoilt part of Goa. You might even spot mugger crocodiles in the Mandovi River. Ferry boats operate (weather dependent) every 30 minutes from Old Goa, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. Don't miss the ornate Saptakoteshwar Temple, along with an ancient step well built by the Kadamba dynasty. Insider tip: The island is best explored on foot or by bicycle (permitted on the ferry). Back to index Best for culture Goa Chitra Museum Honour the region's agrarian life In the quaint, sleepy village of Benaulim is the Goa Chitra Museum, which labels itself as an ethnographic museum honouring Goa's agrarian life. Founder Victor Hugo Gomes observed how traditional tools in farming and cookery were fading from Goan lifestyles and decided to open this museum with a notable collection of more than 40,000 artefacts that he spent years collecting across the state. Insider tip: A guided tour is well worth it to understand Goa's rural life better. Combine this museum visit with a beach day at Benaulim Beach nearby. Menezes Braganza House Visit one of Goa's most opulent mansions A fine example of Goa's glorious, colossal mansions and Indo-Portuguese architecture is Braganza House in Chandor, South Goa. The aristocratic Braganza family was granted land by the king of Portugal in the 16 th century, with additions made over the years. Today, it is often used for wedding and fashion photo shoots as the opulence still stands; Portuguese ceramic tiles, oyster shell window panes, Belgian oak in the library, Italian marble and Venetian glass chandeliers in the ballrooms – and interestingly, a fingernail relic of St Francis Xavier in the chapel in the east wing. Insider tip: Pay a visit to the library in the West Wing, which belonged to notable journalist and activist Dr Luís de Menezes Braganza, who played a significant role in Goa's fight for independence from Portuguese rule. Sri Mangueshi Temple Take a moment in Goa's spiritual heart Goa's Saraswat Hindu community plays a significant role in the state. The exquisite Mangueshi Temple (also known as Mangeshi Temple), which is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, was originally built in the village of Cortalim. After the arrival of the Portuguese, many locals were converted to Christianity, which resulted in the Shiva Linga (a symbolic representation of the deity) being moved and the temple being rebuilt in the village of Ponda. Today, the main temple is painted in hues of turquoise, white and ochre and is open to all. Its intricate seven-storey lamp tower is lit up every night. Insider tip: Dress codes are not strict here, but it is advisable to cover your shoulders and knees. Photography is allowed outside, but is best avoided in the main temple. Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts Learn about the cultural legacies of Goa On top of a hill in Altinho, Panjim, lies the pearly white, cerulean blue and red oxide colours of the property of Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts. Founders Dipti and Dattaraj V. Salgaocar opened this space to preserve and promote the artistic and cultural legacies of Goa through collections and rotating exhibits. Former residencies have seen national and international artists portray traditional and contemporary paintings and sculptures, along with regular art festivals and lectures in their amphitheatre. Insider tip: After exploring, stop by their al fresco café called Bodega, which serves an all-day breakfast. All About Alcohol Museum Delve into the story of feni, the drink of Goa In a dedicated space in Candolim, Goa's first alcohol museum is more insightful than it sounds. All About Alcohol dives into ancient methods of distilling, making and consuming Goan liquor, mainly feni, a traditional beverage made from either cashew apples or coconut palm sap. There's a feni cellar, plenty of feni artefacts, ranging from old glassware to labels, but what makes this collection by Nandan Kudchadkar interesting is realising how much feni is interwoven into Goan life. Insider tip: Book a guided tour, which includes a feni tasting at the beautiful wrought iron-clad bar. Contact: 0091 703 007 7013 Opening times: Monday-Sunday, 11am-9pm. Price: £ Centre for Indo-Portuguese Arts (CIPA) Watch local performances Learn about the state's enthralling art and architecture at the Centre for Indo-Portuguese Arts (CIPA) in Panjim. In this 200-year-old mansion, you'll find the fascinating history of the region's traditional art, music and gastronomy. CIPA regularly hosts shows from bygone eras, including re-enactments of Serenata, a practice in Panjim where it was common for Goan men to serenade women. You can also book a traditional fado and mandó show – Goan soulful melodious music accompanied by vocalists and local percussionists. Insider tip: All show tickets include food and drink. Be mindful that at times dietary requirements cannot be catered to. Best for wellness Yoga retreats Find balance in a traditional setting Goa has earned a solid reputation as one of India's best destinations for yoga retreats. Purple Valley was one of the first establishments where travellers could learn ashtanga yoga with their week-long workshops. Today, there are thousands of retreats (often by the beach or in the rainforests), combining yoga, ayurveda treatments and guided meditation to help those seeking recalibration, balance and a peek into traditional yogic philosophy. Insider tip: Many traditional yoga centres can be basic in terms of accommodation, and the focus is very much on the yoga rather than comfort. Some high-end tropical eco retreats by Ashiyana are perfect for combining yoga and rejuvenation in a heavenly property (between October and April). How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Rashmi Narayan Having spent my childhood summers in India's famous seaside state – my father's birthplace – I am often escaping the chaos of London for some much-needed susegad, the Goan attitude towards leading a relaxed life.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Get unlimited data in over 200 destinations from £6 with Holafly eSIM
THERE's a simple hack that travel enthusiasts are swearing by to stay connected with loved ones while abroad. The digital eSIM from Holafly is a go-to for travellers who want to avoid pricey roaming charges and stay online with unlimited data in over 200 destinations. Save an extra 5% off Holafly eSIMs - use code THESUNHOLA5 Holafly costs as little as £6 and offers instant eSIM delivery via email or WhatsApp, and no physical SIM card is required. The Sun readers can get an exclusive extra 5% off using the code: THESUNHOLA5 at checkout. Once signed up, to get started, you simply scan the QR code or tap to activate on an iOS or Android phone, and you're connected. Holafly offers regional plans to Europe, Asia, or the Americas and a global eSIM that works in over 100 countries. It's ideal for digital nomads, frequent flyers or if you're planning to be abroad for an extended time and want a stress-free way to use your mobile data abroad. Best of all? There are no hidden fees, so the price you see is the price you pay. You'll also get a full refund for up to six months if there have been changes in your plans and you no longer need your Holafly eSIM. Save 5% off at Holafly Say goodbye to costly mobile charges while travelling with Holafly. The eSIM platform is hassle-free to use, affordable and provides unlimited data so you can always stay connected to friends and family while travelling. The Sun readers can save an extra 5% off plans with the discount code: THESUNHOLA5. How does a Holafly eSIM work? With Holafly, it's simple to get started and depending on your device, setup takes less than a minute. Once you've purchased your digital plan, you'll receive an activation link or QR code by email or WhatsApp. You can keep your existing SIM card active for calls and texts while using Holafly for data. With the new Holafly app, managing your plan, checking compatibility, and tracking your data usage is even simpler. Holafly is compatible with most newer iPhones, Samsung, and Google Pixel devices; you can check your phone's compatibility on the Holafly website. What is an eSIM? An eSIM or an embedded SIM is a digital version of a SIM card that's built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM, you activate the eSIM with a QR code or tap-to-install method. This means less hassle when you're travelling and no need to juggle multiple SIM cards to stay connected with your loved ones. Is it worth getting an eSIM for travel? We'd say absolutely. With options like Holafly, you'll get unlimited data, which is ideal for navigation, streaming, uploading content, or staying in touch with loved ones. An eSIM activation is instant, and you can keep your regular number active while using Holafly for your data needs. There's no plastic waste involved, and you'll have access to real human support 24/7 via WhatsApp or live chat. It's a game-changer if you're fed up with surprise roaming fees.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Moment tourist is reported to the POLICE for eating ice-cream in Japan
A tourist visiting Japan has shared the moment she was written up by a police officer after being reported for tucking into ice-cream in the street. In footage re-shared by @travel on Instagram, an American called Chloe recorded herself smiling nervously at the camera as she sat on the pavement in an unspecified part of Tokyo. She then panned the camera to a police officer wearing a cycling helmet with a clipboard in hand. In an accompanying caption, she gave context to the video, adding: 'Japan is great until someone calls and reports you for eating ice cream on the sidewalk.' Though the audio had been disabled in the clip, the officer can be visibly seen giving the tourist a stern scolding as he pointed to paperwork and proceeded to write her up. It is unclear as to whether the content creator, who goes by @kloikaaa on the social app, had been further reprimanded. While it's not illegal to eat on sidewalks in Japan, it's generally considered bad etiquette in residential areas, on trains and in quieter towns or neighbourhoods, according to Alpine Elements. One of the main reasons behind this etiquette is the nation's respect for cleanliness. Japan is known for its pristine streets, which locals take pride in maintaining, while a lack of public bins equally helps encourage individuals to take their rubbish home. Cultural etiquette advisor, Naomi Sato, who is based in Kyoto, added: 'Eating while walking is seen as careless or inconsiderate. It can inconvenience others - for example, if you spill food or take up space in a busy area. 'In Japanese culture, meals are intended to be enjoyed with focus, usually in designated places.' Eating in public spaces may be tolerated in popular tourist hotspots, such as Asakusa and Osaka's Dotonbori. In addition, during matsuri (festivals), or at food stalls offering quick bites, people are commonly seen tucking into food while standing. However, in all cases, it's still considered polite to step to one side and finish your food before continuing to walk. To avoid any offence to locals, tourists should look out for seating areas or standing zones near food vendors, observe their surroundings, opt for compact snacks and carry a small carrier bag for rubbish to take home. Naomi Sato added: 'Respecting these everyday customs shows cultural awareness and thoughtfulness. Japanese people are incredibly hospitable - and courtesy is deeply appreciated.' It comes as Redditor users describe some of the most groan-worthy etiquette errors tourists make abroad. The discussion was kickstarted by user 'danielgmal', after they asked: 'What are the biggest tourist no-nos you've encountered while travelling?' From dawdling pedestrians to visitors treating local wildlife 'like theme park attractions'... here's a list of behaviours you might want to leave at home. 'XenoVernix' says they're annoyed by people who 'get to a scenic viewpoint or landmark with a narrow angle for the photo everyone wants, then proceed to do a full-on model shoot with dozens of poses and retakes for Instagram'.
