Discover the World with First Class Holidays
There’s a world of extraordinary places waiting to be explored. Whether you’re dreaming of spotting bears in Canada, watching the sunrise over Australia’s Red Centre, witnessing the Great Migration in Africa or experiencing Japan’s rich traditions, every unforgettable journey starts with the right expertise.
At First Class Holidays, we believe planning a long-haul holiday should be just as exciting as the journey itself. That’s why we’ve launched our Number 1 for Long Haul campaign – celebrating the destinations we know best and inspiring travellers to discover just how many incredible experiences are possible around the world.
Why choose First Class Holidays for a long-haul holiday?
First Class Holidays specialises in creating tailor-made long-haul holidays designed around the individual traveller. Our destination specialists combine expert knowledge with carefully selected accommodation, experiences and routes to create holidays that suit your interests, travel style and budget.
From iconic rail journeys and luxury cruises to self-drive adventures, safaris and escorted tours, we can help you create a long-haul holiday that is completely your own.
Tailor-made long-haul holidays designed around you
No two travellers are the same. Some want to explore independently by car, while others prefer the comfort of a luxury cruise or the expertise of an escorted tour. You may want to focus on wildlife, food and wine, culture, adventure or simply discovering somewhere completely new.
Rather than offering one-size-fits-all holidays, our travel specialists create personalised long-haul itineraries based around how you want to travel.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, celebrating a special occasion or ticking off a lifelong bucket-list adventure, we’ll help create a journey that is completely tailored to you.
Where can you go on a long-haul holiday?
Our Number 1 for Long Haul campaign showcases some of the world’s most inspiring destinations, from Canada and Australia to Japan, Africa, India and Southeast Asia.
Canada
Canada combines spectacular scenery, vibrant cities and unforgettable wildlife.
Travel aboard the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer, drive through the Canadian Rockies, cruise the Inside Passage, search for the Northern Lights in Yukon or experience the spectacular colours of autumn in Ontario and Québec.
With such incredible variety, Canada is ideal for both first-time visitors and returning travellers looking to discover a different side of the country.
Australia
Australia is a destination of incredible contrasts, from vibrant cities and tropical coastlines to dramatic outback landscapes.
Explore Sydney and Melbourne, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, drive the spectacular Great Ocean Road, discover the rugged landscapes of the Northern Territory or relax along Queensland’s tropical coastline.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, wildlife, beaches, food and wine or iconic Australian experiences, a tailor-made Australia holiday can be designed around you.
New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the world’s great road-trip destinations.
Discover dramatic mountains, pristine lakes, spectacular coastlines and welcoming towns. Explore both islands on a self-drive holiday, travel by rail, visit renowned wine regions or experience Māori culture alongside some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
With incredible scenery around almost every corner, New Zealand is ideal for travellers looking for adventure, nature and independent exploration.
Africa
Africa offers unforgettable wildlife, spectacular landscapes, vibrant cities and luxurious experiences.
Watch elephants roaming the plains, stay in luxury safari lodges, explore Cape Town, travel along scenic rail routes, discover South Africa’s famous wine regions or relax on the beaches of the Indian Ocean.
From a first safari to a return visit, our specialists can create an African holiday around the experiences that matter most to you.
Japan
Japan combines ancient traditions with cutting-edge modern life, making it one of the world’s most fascinating long-haul destinations.
Discover ancient temples, bustling cities, peaceful gardens, snow-capped mountains and exceptional cuisine. Visit during cherry blossom season, experience vibrant autumn colours or discover winter festivals and powder snow in northern Japan.
Every season offers a different way to experience Japan, making it a destination worth returning to.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia offers remarkable cultural and geographical diversity.
Explore the bustling streets of Bangkok, relax on Thailand’s beaches, discover the landscapes and cities of Vietnam or experience the cultural treasures of Cambodia.
Southeast Asia is particularly well suited to multi-centre and multi-country holidays, allowing travellers to combine different destinations and experiences within one unforgettable journey.
India
India is a destination that captivates the senses with its history, culture, wildlife and cuisine.
Explore colourful cities, discover magnificent palaces and forts, search for Bengal tigers in national parks, experience luxury rail journeys and sample some of the world’s most diverse cuisine.
Beyond the famous Golden Triangle, India offers an incredible variety of regions and experiences to discover.
What types of long-haul holidays can First Class Holidays create?
Choosing where to go is only part of planning a long-haul holiday. We also specialise in creating holidays around the way you love to travel.
- Scenic rail journeys
- Independent self-drive holidays
- Escorted touring
- Small-group experiences
- Luxury cruises
- Cruise-and-land combinations
- Wildlife-focused holidays
- Multi-centre holidays
Our specialists can combine different experiences, destinations and accommodation to create an itinerary that matches your interests, available time and preferred way of travelling.
Why book a tailor-made long-haul holiday?
A tailor-made holiday gives you the flexibility to create a trip around what you want to see and do, rather than fitting your plans around a fixed itinerary.
With First Class Holidays, you’ll benefit from:
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your interests and travel style.
- Destination expertise from experienced long-haul travel specialists.
- Hand-selected accommodation and experiences chosen to complement your itinerary.
- Flexible holiday options across some of the world’s most inspiring long-haul destinations.
- Personal service from your initial enquiry through to your return home.
We take care of the details so you can focus on looking forward to your journey.
Which long-haul destination is right for you?
The best long-haul destination depends on the type of holiday you want to experience.
- For spectacular scenery: Canada or New Zealand
- For wildlife: Africa or Canada
- For adventure: Australia or New Zealand
- For culture and history: Japan or India
- For beaches and relaxation: Australia or Southeast Asia
- For rail journeys: Canada, Australia, Japan or Africa
- For a multi-country adventure: Southeast Asia
Our specialists can help you choose the destination, itinerary and experiences that best match the way you want to travel.
Explore the Number 1 for Long Haul campaign
Over the coming months, our Number 1 for Long Haul campaign will showcase destination guides, seasonal travel inspiration, suggested itineraries and expert advice to help you discover your next adventure.
Whether you’re dreaming of crossing Canada by rail, exploring Australia’s iconic coastlines, discovering New Zealand by road, embarking on an African safari, cruising through Alaska or immersing yourself in the culture of Japan, there’s a world of possibilities waiting to be explored.
Frequently Asked Questions about Long-Haul Holidays
What is a long-haul holiday?
A long-haul holiday is a trip to a destination that generally requires a longer flight from the UK, often involving travel outside Europe. Popular long-haul destinations include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, Southeast Asia and Africa.
What is a tailor-made long-haul holiday?
A tailor-made long-haul holiday is an itinerary created around your individual interests, travel style, budget and preferred experiences. Instead of choosing a fixed package, you can combine destinations, accommodation, transport and activities to create a personalised journey.
What are the best long-haul destinations?
The best long-haul destination depends on what you want from your holiday. Canada and New Zealand are ideal for spectacular scenery and self-drive adventures, Africa is renowned for wildlife, Japan and India offer rich cultural experiences, while Australia and Southeast Asia combine beaches, adventure and diverse landscapes.
Can I combine multiple destinations on a long-haul holiday?
Yes. Many long-haul holidays can be designed to include multiple destinations or regions. For example, you could combine different countries in Southeast Asia, explore both islands of New Zealand or create a multi-centre itinerary in Australia, Canada or Japan.
Can I include a rail journey in my long-haul holiday?
Yes. Scenic rail journeys can be incorporated into many tailor-made long-haul holidays. Options include the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, iconic rail journeys in Australia, Japan and scenic rail experiences across Africa.
When is the best time to take a long-haul holiday?
The best time to travel depends on your chosen destination and the experiences you want to enjoy. Different destinations have their own ideal seasons for wildlife viewing, road trips, rail journeys, festivals, beaches and outdoor adventures. Our specialists can help you choose the right destination and travel dates for your plans.
Start planning your next long-haul adventure
Ready to discover where your next adventure could take you?
Speak to one of our long-haul travel specialists today and let us create a tailor-made itinerary designed entirely around you. However you want to travel and wherever your imagination takes you, we’re here to make it happen.
The world, expertly planned around you.
