Why should you plan a long-haul trip this autumn? There are a lot of reasons to do so. First of all, some destinations aren’t fit to visit when it’s summer or spring in the UK, whether it be because they are in the winter season or because they are packed with European tourists who can only escape during the typical holiday months of June-August. Secondly, when it’s autumn or winter at home, going the distance is one of the few guarantees for warm, summer weather.
The sunniest destinations for autumn holidays
To find the best weather while temperatures drop in the UK, you need to head as far south as possible. For example, to long-haul destinations in the Indian Ocean like the Maldives, Mauritius and Bali.
Maldives
An idealic destination is the Fihalhohi Island Resort in the Maldives, where you can stay in overwater bungalows.
Bali
In Bali, you can find the best deals in autumn, however, if you plan to go in December before winter officially rolls in, keep in mind rain should be expected.
Barbados
Beautiful beaches, beach resorts for all budgets, smashing night life, friendly locals and great food. The weather is generally warm and sunny all year round with an average daytime high of 30°C!
Dubai
Dubai is one of the few destinations where you should most definitely wait until autumn or winter rolls around, unless you have a knack for 45°C temperatures. Even with the A/C on full blast, Dubai is probably a bit too warm for most Central Europeans during the peak of summer. Because of this it’s a great place to plan a holiday to during autumn or winter.
Miami
Florida and the Caribbean are also good destinations for long-haul travel during the months of September-December. With temperatures between 25°C to 30°C, the climate is still shouting summer even if the calendar is not. However, if you go in November, tropical thunderstorms are to be expected. The same applies to some regions in Thailand, mainly the southern parts of the country, Trang and Phuket are two examples.
Tips for cheap long-haul destinations during autumn
Usually the main concern holiday-goers have about travelling to destinations outside of Europe and nearby countries is that long-haul flights can get expensive. However, it is worth it to consider that many of the long-haul destinations may require you spend more to get there, but once you’re there, you will spend less. For example, Bali, Thailand and Caribbean holiday spots are relatively cheap compared to European coastal towns. In order to save on long-haul flights, it’s necessary to book in advance or to book flight and hotel packages which give you the best deal.
Another great tip to save money on long-haul flights is to go in the off-season. Places like Mauritius or the Maldives can be up to 40% cheaper if you avoid the peak seasons. However, make sure you do a bit of research beforehand so you don’t end up stuck in a monsoon or hiding out in your hotel room to avoid the 45°C weather. For the most part, most long-haul destinations can be visited in the low season, as long as you book with a general overview of the average weather conditions in mind.
What to consider when travelling overseas
The weather isn’t the only thing you need to consider when planning a long-haul holiday, as many countries require various vaccinations to keep you safe while travelling. When planning a trip make sure you keep the cost of precautionary travel vaccinations in your overall budget. According to the NHS, “the cost of travel vaccines at private clinics varies, but could be around £50 for each dose of a vaccine”, with many vaccines requiring more than one dose. Find out more about pre-travel immunisation on their website. Another important item you need to keep in mind when booking a holiday to a foreign land are the country specific travel risks to ensure smooth travels.
