Top 5 destinations for long-stay holidays

Taking a long-stay holiday in 2016 might be the treat you have been waiting for. Winter is the perfect time to linger in the sunshine, so escape those long cold nights and make your holiday stretch that little bit further with our favourite long-stay destinations…

The Caribbean

The Caribbean is the queen of long-stay destinations with everything you need to relax. 

Pick any idyllic isle and take advantage of the warm local hospitality and beautiful resort hotels, or opt for a cruise to increase your island-hopping opportunities. 

Who wouldn’t want to stay for a few more days on the pure white beaches of St Lucia, enjoying the Latin rhythms of Cuba or exploring the green and floral British Virgin Islands?

Related: Make the most of your next holiday to the Caribbean with hints, tips and inspiration from Saga Magazine. 

China

A holiday can turn into a fascinating cultural experience if you make it a long-stay in Asia, and China in particular offers a whole world of contrasts to explore. 

On a longer tour, you can fit in the landmark Great Wall, learn about the millennia-old Tang Dynasty and soak up the energy of futuristic cities like Shanghai. 

Ever wanted to taste tea straight from the plantations or stand shoulder to shoulder with the imposing Terracotta Army? Now’s your chance.

Related: 13 breathtaking things to do in China. 

New Zealand

It’s no wonder New Zealand made such a fitting backdrop for the Lord of the Rings film trilogy: its spectacular scenery is wild, otherworldly and constantly surprising. 

But it’s not all majestic fjords and glacial mountains – there’s wine-tasting in the cool vineyards of Central Otago, dolphin-spotting in the Bay of Islands and the chance to sample some inspired Pacific cuisine in the restaurants of Auckland or Wellington. 

The longer flight time from the UK (around 24 hours) makes it well worth extending your holiday and with this much to do, you’ll be glad you have those extra days!

Related: Cities and landscapes to visit in New Zealand. 

The Andes, South America

Intrepid travellers might want to look to South America for the kind of unforgettable journey that Indiana Jones would enjoy. 

Consider staying a little longer to see several countries, or choose an Andes tour, in which you can check the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru and the salt lakes of Bolivia off that bucket list, all the while travelling down the ancient spine of the Andean mountains.

Related: From the peaks of Patagonia to the culture of Buenos Aires. Get the best tips and holiday inspiration with Saga Magazine

Africa

Countries as vast and varied as Namibia and Zimbabwe beg for in-depth exploration, so if you’ve always longed for an African adventure, make the most of it with an overland tour. 

With the benefit of extra days, you can stay at bush camps with front-row seats to watch wildlife like rhinos and zebras, and take game drives through stunning natural areas like the Etosha National Park. 

Make sure you visit Victoria Falls. Spanning the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this beautiful sight is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the world.

Related: Discover the best of Southern Africa with Saga. 

Why stop at one destination...

Fancy taking a few months off, instead of a few weeks? If you’re pulling out all the stops for a dream long-stay holiday, a world cruise might just be the one .

With more than a hundred days of exciting sea travel, stops from Easter Island to the Red Sea region and luxury, door-to-door packages available, you won’t have to worry about missing anything out! We also do some great long-stay packages in destinations a little closer to home like Malta and Tenerife.

Saga offers a range of holidays and cruises for varying lengths. Find out more today.