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9 long-haul holidays for unforgettable experiences in 2026
Looking to make 2026 a year to remember? How better than on an unforgettable holiday to see one of the world’s most fascinating countries or natural wonders? And while a short-haul break is always fun, it’s hard to beat a long-haul escape.
We fly to a string of tempting long-haul destinations with our partner Virgin Atlantic, so whether you’re looking for wildlife, fabulous scenery or a party to remember, here’s our pick of the best long-haul holidays for 2026.
1. Visit New Orleans during festival season
Let the good times roll! Start the year with the party to end all parties at Mardi Gras in New Orleans, on our Southern Sights and Sounds tour, which includes a stop in the birthplaces of jazz, blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll. But whenever you plan your trip, there are few places better to celebrate and paint the town rouge than New Orleans. With over 130 festivals in the city each year, you won’t miss out if you can’t make the special February departure; there’s everything from the French Quarter Festival in April, as well as Jazz Fest in late April/early May, plus the city’s film festival in late October to name a few.
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2. Go on safari in India’s jungles
You might associate safari with Africa, but a chance to see the wilder side of India isn’t to be missed. Head to Pench National Park, the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, where you can spot sloth bears dozing and crocodiles in the network of lakes, as well as the spectacular Bandhavgarh National Park, so spot both white and Bengal tigers, leopards and elephants among other wildlife.
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3. See Victoria Falls and cruise the Zambezi River
The original name of Victoria Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates to The Smoke that Thunders, and as you gaze out onto this astonishing torrent of water, it’s easy to see what inspired the monicker.
Look for rainbows in the mist and soak up the sight of the world’s largest sheet of falling water, twice as high as Niagara Falls, stretching 1,708m along the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Follow it up with equally memorable views of some of Africa’s incomparable wildlife along the banks of the Zambezi River.
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4. Experience New England in the autumn
The glorious colours of the autumn leaves in New England are so enticing, they’ve even coined a new word to describe those enjoying this seasonal beauty; leaf peepers. As the landscape turns a dazzling rainbow of deep crimson, burnt orange and gilded yellows, it’s the perfect time to explore the north-eastern US, with picturesque towns among the forests and national parks, as well as historic Boston to discover along the way.
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5. Explore the Himalayas
With snow-capped mountains soaring high in the distance and a string of colourful flags fluttering in the breeze by ornate temples, a voyage to the Himalayas is an adventure to remember. Discover Dharamshala, nicknamed the ‘little Lhasa of India’ after the Dalai Lama who lived here in exile, and Shimla, the ‘Queen of the Hills’, where the British once escaped the sweltering heat of Indian summers. You’ll also find tea plantations and colonial heritage along the way, plus a chance to ride on the narrow gauge railway, fondly nicknamed the toy train.
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6. Discover the treasures of Eastern Canada and Niagara Falls
You might not think of the eastern coast of Canada when it comes to cruises, but it’s one of the best ways to see everything from the country’s great cities to the splendour of Niagara Falls and lakeside vineyards by Lake Ontario. On our Treasures of Eastern Canada and Niagara Falls tour, you can spot whales as you cruise the St Lawrence River and Gulf of St Lawrence, journey through the archipelago of tiny islands near Ottawa, known as Thousand Islands, explore Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa, plus some time in Boston and Maine for an added New England bonus.
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7. Go stargazing in South Africa
In the heart of the South African bush, far away from any light pollution, the night sky is a dazzling carpet of stars. As you gaze up to constellations and planets above one of the country’s game reserves, only awed whispers – and perhaps the occasional lion’s roar - break the silence. As well as stargazing at the luxury lodge in Mabula Game reserve, you can spend your days spotting the Big Five and Little Five, venturing out on a lion-tracking experience and bush walks, plus game drives.
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8. Learn about the USA’s historic cities
Travel through US history on a tour of the country’s east coast, from current capital Washington DC to Charleston, where the first shot of the civil war was fired, via Williamsburg, the former capital of the Virginia Colony until 1789, and Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. From colonial mansions to the vast living history museum of Colonial Williamsburg, and George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, there’s no better way to time travel.
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9. Go on a great Indian rail journey
India’s train network is famously vast, stretching across the entire country and linking every corner from the Himalayas to Kerala, the beaches of Goa to the bustling capital New Delhi. But instead of trying to navigate this often overwhelming system yourself, our Great Indian Rail Journey tour takes you to some of the highlights of India on six separate rail journeys, all accompanied by expert guides. See the Taj Mahal, tigers in Rajasthan and the foothills of the Himalayas, spy ancient forts, jewelled palaces and colourful bazaars. Along the way, you can ride one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railways.
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Flying long-haul with Virgin Atlantic
Start your trip in style with Virgin Atlantic, where your holiday begins the moment you board. Enjoy world-class entertainment that makes the hours fly by, along with complimentary food and drinks throughout your journey. Want a little more wiggle room? Upgrade to Economy Delight for extra legroom, step up to Premium for added comforts and services, or indulge in the luxury of Upper Class, featuring fully flat beds, exclusive lounge access, and 4-course fine dining with pre-order options. Plus, when you join Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club, you’ll collect points every time you fly - making it possible to upgrade a future trip for free. What better reason to start planning your next holiday?
Explore our range of holiday destinations, and find the perfect 2026 touring holiday
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Cathy Winston is a London-based travel journalist, who’s steadily working her way around the world – 60+ countries visited so far.
Cathy Winston | About the author
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Why choose a Titan tour?
Titan Travel have always been about seeing more and doing more – which is why we meticulously plan our award-winning escorted tours so that our expertly crafted itineraries make sure that so much is included. Once you book your holiday, you can relax knowing that every element has been taken care of. Choose the tour that gives you more.
Nationwide return chauffeur service
Getting to the airport is easy, thanks to our nationwide return shared chauffeur service, which is included on every tour.
More value
From excursions to hotels, entry tickets and dining packages, we include more than any other tour.
More knowledgeable
Be guided by some of the most passionate and knowledgeable tour managers in the world, on hand to help every step of the way.
More flexible
Feel free to amend or extend your travel plans, up until final payment, and enjoy free time on your tour with us too.
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