Five long haul holidays to inspire you in 2016

You deserve a holiday, don’t you? A proper holiday, right? Yes, we thought so. With more airlines flying to more places, a new holiday experience is much more achievable than ever before. The hardest part is often deciding which destination will cater to your interests as well as those of everyone you’re travelling with; particularly if you are in a large group or, like increasing numbers of us*, taking a trip with your immediate or wider family. This all-too-common dilemma was highlighted by recent research from American Express. For example, the study** showed that British parents are forgoing new holiday experiences, like long-haul holidays (42%) or city breaks (26%) due to concerns about whether they can cater for all ages. However, considering something more adventurous isn’t as difficult as you think. To help you, we’ve partnered with American Express and selected five long haul destinations all of which are family friendly and offer the sort of experiences you’ll never forget.

Colombia

One of the most picturesque countries in South America, Colombia is a vibrant, lively destination accessible to tourists of all ages, yet its fairly recent emergence as a holiday destination means going there stills feels like a bit of an adventure. If you’re in beautiful Bogota, we recommend you try the popular, family-friendly Santa Fe Cafe & Restaurante. You’ll find tasty traditional food that really tells your tastebuds that you’re in South America, as well as more universal fare such as hamburgers, sandwiches and a very tasty sweet menu for the kids.

Tasmania

Less obvious than mainland Australia, Tasmania is proving to be a surprise hero of Oz’s art and food scene. For anyone looking to get away from it all with friends, family or a partner (and it certainly doesn’t get much further away than Tasmania), we recommend Mount Wellington. For families or friends who love to go on bike trips together, this would be a trip to treasure. Expect the sort of views that will make jaws drop and have you reaching for the camera.

Sri Lanka

With its sweeping countryside landscapes, towering waterfalls, galumphing elephants and golden sand beaches, Sri Lanka is a perfectly formed slice of paradise. With eight UNESCO World Heritage sites packed on to the small island, there are stunning historical marvels to keep the adults happy and rolling surf, elephant rides and even whale watching for the kids. Check out Jetwing Eco tours for wildlife-related trips (say, a leopard or elephant safari) designed with the animals’ welfare in mind. 

Japan

Japan is beautiful, cultural, historical and spiritual – and you can tap into every bit of it on a family trip, especially with the newly built bullet train linking Tokyo to Hokkaido. Mandarake in Akihabara is a must-visit for any teenage anime or manga fans. The eight-floor store is rammed with characters, mascots and used and new comic books. Then spot geishas in the Gion district, gasp at Mt Fuji’s mist-shrouded peak and eat as much sushi as you can fit in.

India

Last year, India introduced e-tourist visas for British citizens so it’s now easier for families to travel there. Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, is a magical land of abandoned cities, national parks and stunning wildlife with a myriad of temples and forts for adventurous kids to explore. Stay in Mahua Kothi for a bit of luxury within the breathtaking Bandhavgarh National Park. The trip is worth it – it’s a hotel famous for its tiger spotting tours.

HAVE FAMILY, WILL TRAVEL 

American Express helps smooth the path for family holidays

A family holiday needn’t be a compromise – long haul, multi-destination or city trips can all be manageable and fulfilling options for every age group.  For help with making your choice, check out our mini travel guides to Long Haul Destinations, A to B Family Adventures and Emerging City Breaks, which have been designed to help you to get even more out of your trip, whoever you are travelling with and wherever it is that you’re going.

What’s more, if you’re an American Express Cardmember you have access to:

•Over-the-phone advice to get connected with an approved English speaking doctor or lawyer almost anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, with Global Assist®¹

•Discounts or complimentary wine or treats when dining at any of 400 specially selected restaurants – each one has been specially handpicked by locals²

•The opportunity to redeem Membership Rewards® points on eligible car hire with Europcar, Hertz and Sixt³

For family travel tips and to find out how we could help you on your way, visit americanexpress.co.uk/whyamex