Long Haul Holidays On a Budget
Looking for an tropical holiday without breaking the bank? From Miami to the Maldives, check out my travel tips and best travel deals to find the perfect long haul holidays on a budget.
The trend for Irish holiday-makers seeking more authentic experiences and adventure holidays is definitely on the rise! There are now over 40 direct flights each week to the Emirates and Asia from Dublin airport, which is resulting in very competitive airfares. Long haul destinations grew by 19% in 2017 from Dublin airport alone! New direct flights to Hong Kong and Beijing have opened up Asia even further and Qatar Airways direct links to Chang Mai in Thailand and Penang in Malaysia means you only need one stop to get to these tropical destinations. But is it possible to find long haul holidays on a budget?
The biggest mistake people make when booking long haul holidays is not comparing package deals with holidays that are booked independently. Sometimes specialist tour operators will be able to offer cheaper packages than if you bought a flight and hotel separately. They may book a larger number of rooms in a particular hotel or get discounted rates from an airline which will offer you a better rate than if you booked direct.
Similarly with airlines, low cost carriers, like Norwegian charge high amounts for baggage, allocated seating, even meals on long haul flights. Compare these with airlines such as Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines who include a generous baggage allowance, all meals and even drinks on board. My advice is always compare like with like when booking any holiday. Here are some long haul holidays on a budget that I have found with travel agents and tour operators in Ireland. With most of these holidays you can add on extra nights, either with the travel agent before travel, or decide to book independent options and tours locally.
Sri Lanka, Flights, Transfers & 4* All Inclusive Hotel, 7 Nights, €1169
This is a great deal to experience one of South East Asia’s real treasures. The price includes flights and a seven-night stay with all meals and drinks included. I went to Sri Lanka last year and loved it. There is so much to see and do, you really need to look beyond the beaches. I suggest booking this beach week but adding on at least 4 / 5 days in the cultural centre. This can be done with Tropical Sky at the time of booking or directly with a tour company locally. There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka (FYI Ireland has three), thousands of elephants, hundreds of leopards, tea plantations, amazing food and it is so cheap on the ground. The island practically screams adventure. I climbed the 660 foot tall Sigiriya rock fortress (1202 steps ) and felt a great sense of achievement, you can read my highlights of Sri Lanka here.
View offer here
Thailand: Flights, Transfers & 4* Khao Lak, Hotel, 7 Nights, €1049
Luxury long haul specialists Hayes & Jarvis, have some great deals to top class hotels in Thailand for next year. My personal favourite is the highly rated Apsara Beachfront Resort and Villas in Khao Lak. This is the perfect spot for couples who are looking for a relaxing holiday on a superb beach. Price includes airport transfers, an upgrade to a superior room and a local free Thai cookery class. Flights are via Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific so if you wish to add on a few nights in Hong Kong or in any other part of Thailand just talk to the staff in Hayes & Jarvis. Check out the reviews on tripadvisor if you still need convincing.
View offer here
Mauritius : Flights, Transfers & 4* All Inclusive Hotel, 7 Nights, €1339
Mauritius, one of the Indian Ocean’s most idyllic islands offers year round sunshine, white sandy beaches, but surprisingly so much more! Explore the hidden waterfalls at the heart of the jungle and go in search of some of its extraordinary wildlife. Veranda Pointe aux Biches is a hotel that epitomises laidback luxury – guests are encouraged to go barefoot during their stay. Feel relaxed in the wellness lounge, enjoy some spa treatments or try the host of watersports available. If you fancy a change of scene, you can pop into the nearby village of Grand Baie, which has a wide selection of restaurants, shops and bars. Highly rated on tripadvisor, with all meals and drinks included in the price, this is excellent value for such a great hotel.
View offer here
Maldives: 4* Cinnamon Dhonveli, All Inclusive, Flights & Speedboat Transfers, €1949
If a trip to the Maldives is on your bucket list but your bank balance is telling you not to go – then this is the place for you! The Cinnamon Dhonveli is one of the best value ALL INCLUSIVE resorts in the Maldives. With all meals and drinks included in the price of your stay, you will need very little spending money. Located just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male airport and surrounded by stunning views of the Indian Ocean, this tropical island is highly rated on tripadvisor and is extraordinary value for a week in the Maldives!
View offer here
Check out this post for more all inclusive resorts in the Indian Ocean
Flights & 2 Night Stays in New York & Miami & 10 night Caribbean Cruise €1999
New York and Miami, two of our favourite American cities are included in this fourteen night trip of a lifetime. Enjoy a two night stay in Times Square New York followed by a two night stay in South Beach Miami, before boarding MSC Divina for a ten-night Caribbean cruise. Visit Antigua, Martinique, St Maarten and lots more. With numerous dining options including Eataly, a Broadway-size theatre and an infinity pool that offers superb Caribbean seaviews, you will be spoilt for choice for things to do.
View offer here
Hopefully one of my long haul holidays on a budget will suit you but if you still need inspiration, check out all my long haul destination guides here. All prices are correct at the date of issue, 15th November, but are subject to change.
Sarah
