Chase the winter sun on our top 10 long-haul adventures

Flight time: 11 hours 35 mins

South Africa’s Mother City is an urban metropolis beside the sea. With vast soft-sand beaches, such as Camps Bay, Clifton and Muizenberg on its doorstep, Cape Town is a beautiful city in which to spend a few days. 

Bustling markets, art galleries and coiuntless cafes and high-end restaurants reside around its infamous V&A Waterfront. 

Sitting in the shadow of its iconic Table Mountain, the city also exudes history. Out in the Bay is Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison. The trip to see his very cell serves as a compelling reminder of apartheid’s brutality. 

Cape Town is the perfect starting point from which to take in many of the highlights of the Rainbow Nation. 

Hire a car and visit Cape Point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans collide; tour vineyards and sample South Africa’s favourite wines (sorry driver, you may have to abstain on this one) and then set off along the country’s famous Garden Route. 

Perhaps you might spot a whale from the shore in Hermanus as you make your way to the unmissable town of Kynsna. Take a canoe out on the river and keep an eye out for the flashes of a kingfisher. Plettenberg Bay in our opinion is one of the most impressive beaches in the country. 

And of course, you can’t do South Africa without doing a safari. There are a number of private game reserves in the Eastern Cape. One of our favourites is Kariega Game Reserve, perfectly positioned overlooking the Bushman’s River. You’ll have 11,500-hectares to explore and meet the Big Five. 

Your drive finishes in Port Elizabeth where you can fly back to Cape Town for your return flight home. 

Flight time: 9 hours

The southern Indian state of Kerala is known as ‘God’s Own Country’ and is as green it gets. It’s got a more laid back vibe than you’ll find in the rest of India, yet it’s just as colourful. 

You’ll fly into Kochi (also known as Cochin) where you’ll find lively bazaars and upscale restaurants, all shrouded in a colonial vibe from British rule and jam-packed with a fascinating culture.

From here you can venture into the hills of the Western Ghats and the gateway to Periyar National Park, home to Asian elephants, Bengal tigers and leopards.

These mountains are carpeted in plantations growing coffee, tea and all manner of spices from cardamom, pepper, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. No wonder Kerala is renowned for its flavoursome and colourful cuisine. 

And then, back to the coast, it’s time to board a riverboat and explore Kerala’s backwaters. This labyrinthine of lagoons, lakes, interconnected canals and rivers create more than 900 km of tranquil waterways. Spend a night or two on your own  private houseboat as you gently drift along being waited on by your private crew. 

And to complete your tour, the beaches beckon. Kerala’s beaches are vast. Kovalam is probably the best known, but we also love serene Marari Beach surrounded by coconut groves and Varkala with its line of beach shacks and shops. 

Flight time: around 22 hours, including connection

When it comes to this vast country it’s hard to know where to start. But we think this driving itinerary packs a punch, taking in some of the country’s big highlights in just under three weeks. 

We suggest starting off in the vibrant city of Adelaide, on the outskirts of which sits the picturesque Barossa Valley, home to the famous wineries of Rockford, Penfold and Jacobs Creek.

Then it’s on to tick off one of the most iconic drives in the world - The Great Ocean Road. This famous road snakes along the coast from the quaint town of Port Fairy to the surf-capital of Torquay. On route you’ll see the famous London Bridge rock arch and the famous pillars of the Twelve Apostles rising out of the surf. And all of this is hugged by dense rainforests teeming with wildlife, forest walks and waterfalls. While only 150 miles long, you should certainly reserve at least two to three days to take in all the sights, finishing up in the Victoria state capital of Melbourne.

Lose yourself in this cosmopolitan city as you explore the markets, ride the trams and partake in its thriving coffee culture. Perhaps go for a walk along the river or hop on a tram and head down to the vibrant seaside suburb of St Kilda.

It’s now time to ditch the car and take an internal flight (in a country this vast flying is the best way to pack it all in). In around two hours you’ll land in Sydney. There are so many icons in this city – its opera house, its bridge and Bondi Beach. If you’ve never surfed before, Bondi is the coolest place to learn. 

After a couple of days of sightseeing, escape the city and explore the rugged landscape of The Blue Mountains which lie about an hour and a half away. There are no end of hiking trails and gorgeous boutique hotels in the mountains offering you a perfect way to round up your Australian adventure before flying home from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. 

Flight time: 10 hours +

Many people have heard of Cancun, Mexico’s hedonistic beach resort, alongside the club-tastic Playa del Carmen. If you want glorious beaches then you can’t go wrong. But we feel so sad when our clients don’t seize the opportunity to explore further afield because the Yucatan Peninsula and Riviera Maya is awash with spellbinding attractions that really shouldn’t be missed. 

For starters there’s Chichén Itzá. This Mayan city dating back, some say, to 400AD was once the undisputed capital of the region and its five square kilometres was home to 50,000 people. Today the ruins stand as a reminder of the Mayan’s ingenuity and strength. Taking centre stage is El Castillo, a dramatic pyramid-shaped structure measuring almost 100 feet high. Plus the Great Ball Court is where the locals played sports. 

Other important Mayan archeological sites include Uxmal and Tulum. 

Dotted across the Peninsula are picturesque colonial towns, with the gleaming white city of Merida being the cultural capital. Today Merida is a beguiling blend of colonial charm and cosmopolitan style, where colonial churches and mansions sit beside bustling plazas and some amazing museums.

Also on the list of must-see colonial towns is Valladolid in the centre of Yucatan and Izamal, where all the buildings are painted yellow. 

Another aspect that makes this region so special is that it’s peppered with cenotes. If you don’t know what a cenote is then you’re not alone as they’re a distinctly South American phenomenon. 

A cenote was once an underground lake, which was exposed after the limestone roofs that hid them collapsed. The waters that fill these subterranean pools have been filtered through the limestone, making them exceptionally pure and clear. Swimming in cenotes is a magical experience and it'll definitely be a highlight of any holiday to Mexico.

There are countless cenotes on the Peninsula, so you never have to go too far to get your thrill jumping down into the pools. One of our favourites is Cenote Suytun. This is particularly great for photos, because there’s a hole in the ceiling that allows a perfect beam of light to stream through allowing you to grab your moment in the spotlight. 

For wildlife lovers, the coastal mangrove-draped marshes at Sian Ka’an are host to a biosphere reserve heaving with wildlife or take a trip to Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve to see more than 400 different species of birds–from herons to flamingos. There are lots of crocodiles here too.

To complete your Yucatan tour, the beaches just have to be bathed upon. If you prefer to escape the crowds, then the laid-back island of Isla Mujeres lays just a 20-minute boat ride away from Cancun.

Flight time: 10 hours

As one of the sunniest US states, California earns its nickname: ’The Golden State’. 

San Francisco is a great starting point for this unforgettable classic drive down the Pacific Coast Highway – even better if it’s done in a convertible!

However, hang out in San Fran for a few days before you get going as there’s lots to see. 

Fisherman's Wharf is an ideal base for your time here as there are many easily accessible restaurants, family-friendly museums and, of course, the playful sea lions that bask in the sun at Pier 39.

It’s from here that you can catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island to tour the legendary Alcatraz prison –famed for being the ultimate maximum security prison housing some of the most notorious criminals in American history. You’ll be given a headset so you can listen to audio from ex-inmates relaying the history of the island. 

San Francisco may be a patchwork of distinct neighbourhoods, and despite its notoriously steep hills, it’s easy to explore either using the city’s beloved clanging cable cars or on two wheels. Hire a bike and pedal around San Francisco Bay, before two-wheeling it over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. On the other side you'll be in the quaint bayside town of Sausalito for a well-earned post-cycle bite.

With San Francisco done, it’s time to buckle up and hit Route 1. Take in the views as you drive through the undulating Santa Cruz Mountains and along the coastal highway to Monterey. This is the spot to embark on a whale-watching trip to catch a glimpse of blue whales, Risso’s dolphins, humpback whales, northern right whale dolphins and orcas.

Drive on passed the rugged landscape known as the Big Sur, taking in gorgeous coves and stretching your legs for some glorious forest walks as you make your way to Hollywood baby! 

Be sure to snap a shot of that famous Hollywood sign and then brave the thrills and spills on offer at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

To complete the trip, a few days on the beaches of San Diego should set you up for the flight home.

Flight time: 12 hours

Once the reserve of backpackers, today this long and narrow country that hugs the Pacific Ocean is captivating mainstream tourists in their droves. And for good reason. It boasts glorious beaches, incredible limestone pillar-esque islands, rainforests, tea plantations, a tumultuous history and a colourful culture. 

The winter is one of the best times to tour Vietnam. Start off in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). It’s a typical Asian city, bustling, chaotic and teeming with bikes and tuk tuks. 

The top reason to visit HCMC (as it’s referred to) is to see the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, dug by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Today you can crawl through the camouflaged openings and into the tunnels to discover a dark, underground world of rooms and passages. It’s not for the claustrophobic but a visit to the area is a must for all history buffs. 

You can take a coach from the city centre to Cu Chi but it’s a long 90-minute stop-start drive. Instead, we highly recommend taking a speedboat along the Saigon River. It’s a magical journey and gives you an insight into life on the river and a sneak peak into the boat houses that sit precariously on stilts along the shore. 

Getting around Vietnam is a mix of train, bus, plane, bike and buffalo! 

Next stop is to the ancient, charming port city of Hoi An. It’s a treasure trove of winding pedestrianised streets full of history and a vast food market bursting with colour and aromas. This is a great place to do a Vietnamese cooking class. 

A three-hour drive north sees you in Hue, a city chocker block with palatial imperial palaces.

And then further north sits hectic Hanoi, the usual gateway to the spectacular limestone pillars that are generously strewn across Halong Bay. The best way to admire the otherworldly scenery is to board a junk boat and spend a couple of days winding in and out of the islands. Even better when you get even closer and explore via kayak. 

You’ll fly home from Hanoi. 

Flight time: 11 hours 30 mins

This teardrop-shaped island sitting off the south east coast of India is a treasure trove of sacred pilgrimage sites, grand Buddhist temples, green tea plantations and beautiful beaches. And it’s all coated in culture and seeped in exotic spices.

Considering its size, there’s a vast amount to do here. 

In the centre of the island sit five Unesco heritage sites, the uncontested jewel being Sigiriya Rock. This immense granite monolith soars 600 feet above a canopy of thick jungle, atop of which clings a 5th century palace and fortress. Those who complete the steep climb to the top are rewarded with astounding views.

Also within the island’s cultural triangle is the charming lakeside city of Kandy, home to the Temple of the Tooth, believed to shelter one of the Buddha's teeth. Three ceremonies are performed here each day and travellers are welcome to join.

Carpeting the centre of the island are vast, verdant tea plantations. Popular hill stations include Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Hatton – all worth a visit for a cuppa. The train that chugs through the misty mountains from Kandy to Ella is spellbinding. 

Another of Sri Lanka’s selling points comes in the form of wildlife. The island has the highest biodiversity in Asia with 25 national parks dotted throughout the island. Yala National Park is the most famous, with the highest density of leopards in the world. Yala is also known for its elephants, saltwater crocodiles, wild boar, sloth bears, monitor lizards and a huge variety of birdlife all of which can be spotted on an exciting safari.

And then it’s down to the coast. A visit to Galle has to be on your list. This fortified Dutch-Portugese town is a must-see for its colonial architecture, boutique hotels and cafes and its impressive Unesco 16th century Dutch fort.

Dotted along the shores are beautiful and relatively untouched beach resorts. Weligama and Mirissa are popular surf destinations, while Unawatuna is a glorious seaside village where tourists can experience Sri Lankan life through its cookery classes or yoga sessions. 

Flight time: 11 hours

If you’re craving adventure, love wildlife, long to lounge on glorious beaches and are a self-proclaimed coffee addict, then you’ll love Costa Rica. 

Its dense jungles, active volcanoes, rushing rivers, spectacular waterfalls and vibrant cities are a veritable playground for travellers.

Renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and lush rainforests, this central American country is a pioneer in eco-tourism and sustainability. As well as being one of the best destinations in the world for an adrenaline-fuelled holiday, it’s also so laid-back and peaceful that it doesn’t have an army. The country often ranks at or near the top of the list of happiest countries in the world.

You’ll find yourself river rafting, canyoning, cave tubing and zip lining through the forests. 

One of the best things to do in Costa Rica is to take a hike, especially in Tenorio Volcano National Park, where you can see the stunning Rio Celeste waterfall.

About 30% of Costa Rica is protected through national parks providing a haven for more than 500,000 species of animals, including scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, humpback whales, green iguanas, sea turtles and sloths. Among the reptiles, Costa Rica is one of the world’s largest nesting grounds for four species of sea turtles, and it is teeming with iguanas, geckos and snakes. 

With the Pacific kissing its western shores and the Caribbean Sea to the east, Costa Rica takes great pride in preserving its beaches. These golden swathes of sand are global magnets for surfers.The Nicoya Peninsula is especially popular for its laid-back beach towns like Santa Teresa and Montezuma. 

The capital of San José is quickly becoming a hot spot for foodies, especially since innovative chefs have been opening new restaurants and bars there.

Mid-December to mid-April is considered the ideal season to visit Costa Rica. Across most of the country this is the dry season with the least rainfall and warm temperatures reaching highs of 30-32°C.

Flight time: 7 hours

Welcome to the city of superlatives. The world’s tallest tower; the largest fountain; biggest ferris wheel; highest swimming pool…. it goes on. Dubai is out to impress. Starting out as little more than a fishing port in the desert, whether you like its audacity or not, you can’t help but be impressed with Dubai’s achievements and making the seemingly impossible possible. 

This city may not be everyone’s cuppa tea - it’s brash, it’s bold, it’s brazen. It’s glitz and glamour to the extreme. And it’s like nowhere else on earth But, in our opinion, it’s worth going just to check out what all the fuss is about. 

The Dubai Mall – yes, the biggest in the world – comes with aquariums, vast waterfalls, lakes, dancing fountains and almost every retail label you could imagine. 

Standing tall looking down on the emirate is the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower at 830m high. This jaw-dropping pinnacle sits among a host of stunningly weird and wonderful architectural masterpieces. The Dubai Opera house, The Frame, the sail-shaped Burj al Arab and the geometric, calligraphy-covered Museum of the Future are all distinct landmarks that will make you go ‘wow’. 

But amongst all this cutting-edge, modernist ‘art’, sits remnants of a much older world harping back to how it all began. The old original souks still thrive beside the Dubai Creek selling spices, textiles and gold. And still preserved are the beautiful ‘wind towers’ that once served as homes to wealthy merchants – now converted into museums, hotels and courtyards. 

To get another taste of life of a bygone era, venture out into the desert – you don’t have to go far before you’re in the middle of an ocean of sand dunes. This is where bedouin tribes resided with their camels. Today, the desert serves as a modern-day natural playground for desert safaris, jeep adventures (they are wild), sand skiing, hot air ballooning and watching incredible sun sets. 

There are a number of opulent desert hotels in which to soak up the tranquility and otherworldly landscapes – Bab el Shams being the most famous desert resort in the emirate. 

But back in the midst of the city, among the skyscrapers, five-star hotels and lavish resorts is what Dubai excels at. It’s taken luxury to a whole different level. 

At the very tip of Palm Jumeirah – that’s the manmade island built out in the Arabian Sea in the shape of a palm tree – the iconic Atlantis the Palm sits poised. Here you’ll find a huge aquarium, a thrilling waterpark and a collection of Michelin-style restaurants. 

Over the past decade Dubai has become home to a host of amazing, adrenalin-fulled theme parks, giving tourists yet another twist on this extraordinary destination.

The largest island in the Caribbean Sea is bursting with a colourful and tangled history. Many say Cuba is living history, as a trip into the centre of its iconic capital city will prove. Havana is almost trapped in a time warp with its streets full of classic American cars like Buicks, Cadillacs and Chevrolets lining streets filled with colonial-style buildings dating back to the 16th century. 

And beyond the capital, picturesque towns wait to be explored, like Camaguey with its maze-like streets, Trinidad with its squares and the coastal town of Cienfuegos with its vast boulevards.

Santa Clara is a must visit for those who are really interested in Cuba’s history. It’s teeming with colonial and revolutionary history and marks where the last battle of the revolution was fought. A notable landmark includes the Che Guevara mausoleum.

A quarter of the island is covered in lush forests, plus numerous nature reserves and mountains throwing up a huge opportunity for outdoor adventures. We particularly recommend the 13km trek through Las Terrazas to reach the marvellous San Claudio waterfalls.

Exercise also comes in the form of salsa dancing. Big cities, like Havana and Trinidad, are filled to the brim with live music clubs where you can learn from and practice with professional salsa performers.

The Cuban people are famous for their hospitality. When you visit Cuba you should definitely try out some of their famous Paladares – local family-run restaurants that give you the chance to sample local cuisine in authentic surroundings.

And of course, there are the beaches. Varadero beach is easily the most popular one, thanks to its white sands and lively cultural setting. If you want to escape from the crowds, there are many quiet and beautiful beach resorts in Cuba to explore. Jibacoa beach is a tranquil stretch nestled on Cuba’s northern shore, between Varadero and Havana.

The paradise island of Cayo Santa Maria is situated off the north coast of Cuba within a UNESCO-protected archipelago. This dreamy isle boasts beautiful white powdery sands that stretch for eight miles. 

Meanwhile, Cayo Coco is a small tropical island ideal for nature lovers. It’s renown for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, azure lagoons, tropical mangroves and for playing host to one of the largest native colonies of pink flamingos in the Americas!

Looking for a truly unforgettable adventure? With access to Not Just Travel’s network of experts and insider contacts, I can elevate your holiday from good to exceptional, tailoring every detail to make it uniquely yours.

From hidden gems to seamless logistics, I’ll handle all the planning so you can relax and enjoy the experience from start to finish—and it won’t cost you a penny more than booking it yourself.

Ready to escape the British winter? Give me a call or drop me an email today.