It doesn’t matter if you love tropical beach vacations or prefer a culturally infused escape away; join us as we uncover the top five amazing long-haul destinations you can travel to from North America. From the surfing beaches of Sydney, Australia, to the spectacle of an African Safari outside the city limits of Nairobi, Kenya. If you have a wanderlust for far-flung destinations, these are the five must-see places that need to be seen to be believed.
Home to the iconic Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and a stunning array of sun-kissed beaches, we couldn’t think of a better location to kick off our round-the-world tour of the best long-haul travel destinations. Also host to the 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney makes for the perfect long-distance city escape and tops the suggestion lists of every Australian travel guide available.
It goes without saying that the two most recognisable landmarks on our bucket list of things to do in Sydney must be to take a tour of the Sydney Opera House or challenge yourself to a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, as the views of Sydney Harbour from both are impeccable. In addition to this, and located just a short ride from the heart of Sydney, the city’s sandy beaches offer the chance for you to swim and surf the legendary Manly Beach and Bondi Beach hotspots.
Heighten the magical allure of any trip to Sydney, Australia, by booking your hotel accommodation at the glorious Aiden Darling Harbour.
Next, we head to the tropical island paradise of Phu Quoc in Vietnam, where the crystal clear waters gently break on the shores of its palm tree-laden beaches. Often fringed by the lush jungle backdrop, snorkelling or diving the island’s coral reefs is an absolute must for any visitors keen to explore Phu Quoc’s aquatic marine wildlife.
If you’re keen to discover the sights and sounds of this far-flung haven, we strongly recommend heading across to the UNESCO-listed Phu Quoc National Park to hike or bike its bounty of rich jungle trails to spot the island’s rare and exotic wildlife. Another top tip for things to do in Phu Quoc has to be to visit Vinpearl Safari, Vietnam’s largest zoological park, home to over 3,000 animals, including the Bengal tiger, white rhino, and a collection of native breeds of species unique to the island itself.
Enhance your entire trip to this tropical Vietnamese island by booking your stay at the lavish Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc in Vietnam.
Our next incredible long-haul destination finds us in the cultural heartland of Bali, Indonesia, famed for its emerald rice terraces, sacred temples, and jungle waterfalls. Bali is synonymous for its wellness-inspired attractions that allow visitors to reconnect with nature and find inner peace, all while being surrounded by the region’s striking rainforest backdrop.
Guests are encouraged to enjoy a sunrise yoga session every morning to kick-start the day off in style, before heading over to witness the breathtaking scenic views of the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. However, the highlight of any trip to Bali must be to visit the revered Tirta Empul Temple to experience a full-body spiritual rejuvenation by drinking its famous sacred spring water.
Uncover the true essence of Bali’s enchanting culture and outstanding landscapes with a stay at the exquisite Best Western Premier Agung Resort Ubud in Bali, Indonesia.
Heading to South America on our shortlist of the best long-haul travel destinations, we next head to the magnificent Pajucara Beach in Maceio, Brazil. Here, this gorgeous Brazilian coastal sanctuary boasts endless beaches with turquoise seas and natural tide pools all teeming with marine life, making it an idyllic overseas destination to unwind in.
Long-distance utopias don’t get more laid back than Pajucara Beach, where the palm-lined promenades and fresh seafood stalls all feed into the relaxed coastal vibe. Unquestionably, the two key highlights of visiting Pajucara Beach have to be taking a Jangada Raft Ride to the Natural Pools in the middle of the ocean, and trying the regional specialty seafood dish, Peixada Alagoana.
Recharge your batteries by securing a great night’s sleep every night when you book your accommodation at the superb beach-fronted Best Western Premier Maceio in Maceio, Brazil.
Our final top destination on our shortlist of the best long-haul vacations outside of North America has to be to visit the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Nairobi, Kenya, in Africa. Renowned for being the gateway to East Africa’s natural wonders, Nairobi offers visitors all the benefits of a long-haul city escape, with its spectacular native wildlife on its doorstep.
If you’re visiting Nairobi, be sure to spend some time discovering the riches of the Maasai Market, where you can buy locally made handmade jewelry, fabrics, and traditional Kenyan art. Nevertheless, the highlight of any trip to the capital of Kenya has to be an excursion to Nairobi National Park, where you can spot lions, giraffes, and rhinos, all with the city skyline backdrop in the distance.
Immerse yourself in the ultimate African long-haul vacation destination when you stay at the marvellous Best Western Plus Westlands in Nairobi, Kenya.