5 exciting long-haul holiday destinations to visit in 2026

One holiday simply isn’t enough to discover all the highlights of India, but you can pack a string of big sights and unforgettable experiences into a single tour. Don’t miss a visit to the Golden Triangle, to discover some of the greatest historic sites of India. From Old Delhi, with its 17th century Red Fort and some of the country’s best Mughal architecture to the Taj Mahal at Agra, you’ll travel to the former capital of the Mughal Empire, Fatehpur Sikri, along with the Amber Fort and beautiful palaces of Jaipur, known as the pink city.

Amber Palace, Jaipur

There’s more than history and heritage to discover in Rajasthan though, with the majestic Bengal tigers of Ranthambore National Park to spot along the way.

Or why not combine these highlights with a journey to India’s north and the glittering temples of Amritsar, before heading into the Himalayas with a stop at the former hill station of Shimla. Whisked around the country on India’s sprawling train network, our Great Indian Rail Journey includes a trip on the Kalka-Shimla 'Toy Train' - part of the UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railway, it’s one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world.

Is there any bucket-list holiday quite like Africa, with the chance to see some of the world’s best wildlife, along with natural wonders and spectacular scenery? Head to South Africa, where you can combine the best of the country into a single trip. Our Sensational South Africa tour starts with several days in Kruger National Park, the largest of the country’s national parks and home to the Big Five, not to mention a string of other fascinating creatures.

Garden Route, South Africa

Then enjoy some of the country’s best landscapes as you head south to the Cape, driving along the Garden Route, past Tsitsikamma National Park and Knysna on its shimmering lagoon, through Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, until you reach the Mother City, Cape Town itself.

You’ll find plenty to discover here, from the city’s cosmopolitan side to its important place in South Africa’s history, as well as a chance to soak up the views from Table Mountain, and venture to the bottom of Africa at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. But even these memorable views pale by comparison to the grandeur of Victoria Falls, the final stop on the tour just across the border in Zimbabwe.

Waterberg Mountains, South Africa

If it’s the wildlife which tempts you most, you can easily fill a week at a game reserve, enjoying daily game drives and bush walks, or even try your hand at lion tracking. Mabula Game Reserve in the north of South Africa is home to the Big Five and Little Five, plus some dazzling stargazing after sunset. Not far away, Qwabi Private Game Reserve is a private wilderness set in the Waterberg Biosphere, with 11,000 hectares of untouched African bushveld for a five-star safari experience.

Join the party in the Big Easy, with a visit to the ever enticing city of New Orleans on our Southern Sights and Sounds tour – and that’s only one of the stops as you explore America’s Deep South. Wander the French Quarter where you’ll find music on every corner, as you might expect in the birthplace of jazz, fuelled by sugar-dusted beignets, the traditional doughnuts that are as more-ish as the city itself.

French Quarter, New Orleans

But while you might be tempted to stay longer, cruising along the Mississippi on a traditional steamboat with its huge paddlewheel and letting the good times roll, there’s more to discover in this corner of the US, from the Deep South’s Civil Rights history to the origins of jazz, blues, country and rock’n’roll.

Nashville, Tennessee

A stop at the Grand Ole Opry is unmissable, for live country, bluegrass, folk and gospel music on its Nashville stage, then sip some Jack Daniel’s charcoal-mellowed Tennessee whiskey on a visit to the distillery. You’ll also visit sleepy Tupelo, the birthplace of the King of Rock’n’roll himself, with his two-room childhood home now transformed into the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum.

There’s literary history to find too, including at Monroeville and its old courthouse, made famous by the film of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.

Home to some of America’s greatest treasures, the Golden State is well named, and it’s easy to combine a trip to California with a few other jewels of the West as you venture into neighbouring states to explore the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park, plus stops in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and a drive along the eye-catching Pacific Coast.

San Francisco, California

After a taste of Hollywood and the west coast, enjoy the burnt orange landscapes around Sedona and Flagstaff, home to the Lowell Observatory, a key site in the history of astronomy. But even the wonders of the skies might need to take second place to the vastness of the Grand Canyon, stretching 277 miles through Arizona. Walk along the South Rim for jaw-dropping views, along with a chance to learn more about the unusual geology of this ancient part of the world.

Yosemite National Park

Not far away, you’ll find the high rollers and dazzling neon of Las Vegas before travelling on to the rugged unspoiled scenery of Yosemite National Park. From picturesque lakes lined with forests to waterfalls plunging down the cliffs and the majestic sight of the immense rock formation known as El Capitan, you couldn’t be further from the bright lights here.

Then it’s back to California’s coast again. No trip to the area is complete without a stop in San Francisco, to see the famous Golden Gate Bridge and explore some of the other attractions at the City on the Bay, including infamous island prison of Alcatraz. Then head down the Pacific Coast Highway past the cliffs and coves of Big Sur, driving along 17 Mile Drive and through coastal gems such as Monterey, Carmel and Cambria before reaching Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara.

Tempted by Canada’s great cities? How about a trip which combines visits to Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa with some of eastern Canada’s loveliest scenery, Niagara Falls and a chance to spot whales as you cruise the coast of Maritime Canada.

From multicultural Toronto and the spectacular cascades of Niagara Falls, discover a mix of countryside and urban attractions as you travel eastwards towards the coast, from the vineyards of Prince Edward County to the Thousand Islands, an archipelago made up of more than 1,800 islands.

Prince Edward Island

Explore cultural attractions at Canada’s capital Ottawa, set on a network of UNESCO-listed canals, before heading to the French-speaking province of Quebec to explore Montreal and Quebec City. Then there’s time to relax as you cruise up the St Lawrence River to the Gulf of St Lawrence, where you could spot some of the 13 whale species which call this area home, including blue, beluga and right whales. Whether the wildlife plays ball or not, you’ll have plenty to see as you cruise down the coast, past centuries-old fishing villages and the historic lighthouses which dot the cliffs.

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

It’s a first taste of Maritime Canada but not the last, with stops in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, to discover beautiful Cape Breton and the buzz of capital Halifax, known for its maritime history and modern food and art scenes. As a final bonus, there’s a taste of New England as you cross into the US, past Maine and into historic Boston too.

When you’re flying long-haul, the journey should be just as memorable as the destination. With Virgin Atlantic, your holiday begins the moment you step on board. Sit back with world-class entertainment and complimentary food and drinks - or elevate your experience with the perfect upgrade to suit your style.

For the ultimate in indulgence, Upper Class surrounds you with comfort, from exclusive lounge access and fully flat beds to 4-course fine dining with pre-order options - designed so you arrive refreshed and ready to go. Want the perfect balance of extra space and thoughtful details? Virgin Atlantic Premium offers wider seats, a deeper recline, generous legroom, and added touches like a footrest and adjustable leg support, making every mile feel effortless. And for travellers who love a little more comfort in the air, Economy Delight is a smart choice, giving you extra legroom and priority check-in - so your journey feels smooth from start to finish.

Plus, when you join Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club, you’ll collect points every time you fly - making it possible to upgrade a future trip for free. What better reason to start planning your next holiday?

Looking for more holiday inspiration? See our selection of holiday destinations, or browse our 2026 departures