03 November 2023 , 11:49
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Holidaymakers are eyeing up new long-haul destinations as appetite for big trips further afield grows.
According to loveholidays there has been a 291% increase in long haul destination searches this year. Despite the cost of living at home rising for many, the appetite for travel remains very strong. Whether due to pent up demand caused by lock-down travel restrictions or a desire to burn through savings, people are planning big trips.
According to the travel firm, the 20 November to 29 November window is the cheapest when it comes to departure dates if you're going long-haul.
New Jersey, USA, ranks as the cheapest long haul destination overall, with packages to the destination coming in at an average of £660pp. Just a stone’s throw from Manhattan, New Jersey embraces autumn with highs of 14°C in November and an average of ten hours of sun a day.
For those looking for a sunny escape, the cheapest winter sun destination on the list, offering highs of 30°C, is Boa Vista in Cape Verde, at £504pp. If you’re looking for the best value for your money, Puerto Vallarta in Mexico offers luxury for less, offering the cheapest price (£818pp) for a ten night stay in a 5-star hotel.
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New Jersey is one of the cheaper spots for a break (Getty Images)Loveholidays has revealed some of the cheapest long-haul holidays including the average price of a week's package holiday with various UK departures. Check them out below...
- Southampton to New Jersey, USA on November 20: £660
- Manchester to Boa Vista, Cape Verde on November 30: £693
- Manchester to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on November 20: £717
- Manchester to Maharashtra, India on November 13: £738
- Manchester to Phuket, Thailand on November 21: £765
- London Heathrow to Cap Cana, Dominican Republic on December 5: £906
- Manchester to Varadero, Cuba on November 29: £1,066
- London Heathrow to Negril, Jamaica on November 29: £1,122
- London Gatwick to Flic-en-Flac, Mauritius on January 24: £1,153
- Manchester to Worthing, Barbados on November 27: £1,478
Al Murray, chief marketing officer at loveholidays, said: “We appreciate long haul travel can sometimes feel out of reach, however there are great deals to be had if you know where to look. For example, our analysis shows 7-10 day holidays to the likes of the USA, Cape Verde and Mexico can be secured over the next couple of months from as little as £660 per person on average. At loveholidays, we also often suggest flexibility and an open-mind when it comes to when and where you travel to help you find the best price.”
While these flights may represent good value for money, how much bang you get for your buck when you arrive is also important. According to the Post Office, a no-expenses spared day and night out in one of the world's most intriguing holiday destinations can cost you just a touch over £50.
Although getting there is difficult and likely expensive, the Post Office has highlighted the long-haul destinations where your British pound will go the furthest. If you are in the mood for a big trip but want to keep your daily expenses low, then Hoi An in Vietnam is the place to go.
A drop in local prices and the falling value of its currency, the dong, have combined to bring costs down by 19.2% since last autumn. At £52.66, the barometer basket of 10 tourist staples, including a three-course evening meal for two and range of drinks, is over 11% lower than its nearest rivals – Mombasa Beach, Kenya and Cape Town, South Africa.
Beer costs £1.60 in the Vietnam city, coffee £1.36, a litre and a half of water 41p, and dinner for two people including a bottle of house wine coming in at £34.03. Hoi An isn't just cheap, but also a particularly interesting place to visit. The coastal settlement is known for its well-preserved ancient town that is made up of a mixture of styles including wooden Chinese shophouses, temples and colourful French colonial buildings, all cut through with canals.
Generally the flight takes around 22 hours with one stop and costs around £900, although return tickets can occasionally be bagged for closer to £700. The environmental impact of flying so far and the price of the fare will take a fair few cheap meals out to offset.