Long haul Summer 2024

[Trixieboo87]

Hi , We would like a long haul holiday from the Uk next Summer , we’ve been to Canada , Asia and the USA . We really looking for somewhere that won’t be too hot
My oh fancies Australia but the long haul is putting me off I think we would have to stop off somewhere on the way
Any ideas please of experiences

I haven't been myself, but friends who have rave about the Garden Route in South Africa. They went in our Winter and the weather was hot, but you could go when the heat has eased there. They took the Blue Train (mega bucks apparently) and included a safari. Don't know if I'd fancy it personally, but it sounded amazing.

I'm sure there are others who will be along to suggest more.

Totally agree with South Africa. You can go to other areas such a KwaZuluNatal and then Kruger for game watching. Cold in the mornings but after that - fantastic. Cape Town is better in September but there should be some whales about! There’s also the wine region and the Little Karoo for somewhere different. Also look at Namibia.

We have been to Peru in August. Its a good time to go. We also went to the rainforest. There’s Alaska if you haven’t been. Perfect in August or early Sept. Bears fishing for salmon. You could also look at eastern Canada.

Peru is a good call, we had a great time. Lima, Amazon, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu trek (we just did the full day, not the 3), train to Lake T. We did cooking experiences, cycling, rafting, history, trekking, homestay, it’s a fantastic country.

Brazil will also be cooler then. We are planning to go there at some point as it’s huge and has loads to see and do.

We are heading to the Arctic, but Norway, so not long haul. Iceland was also cool, but again not specifically long haul. Iceland is amazing in the summer.

I would totally back Brazil. It’s steaming hot in our winter! We too have been to the Arctic and Iceland. Not so far but wonderful holidays.

Thankyou for your ideas , has anyone been to Argentina ?

No, but I’ve done research and concluded that we might ski there in the (our) Summer as an add on to a bigger trip. I think August would limit you to the north. Later in the year say October is better.

@Trixieboo87 Yes. We have been twice. Buenos Aires is a must and you fly into there anyway. The internal airline service is excellent and gives you access to the main visitor areas. If you go, you need to decide what matters to you most. We have been to Mendoza (Cordoba airport closed at the time so could not easily add that in). Brilliant wine tasting region around Mendoza and trips are available to watch condors in the Andes.

We drove from St Martin de los Andes around the lakes and part of Patagonia. We then went to El Calafate for the glacier. We had already been to Iguazu Falls so didn’t do that again.

On a second visit, apart from BA again, we went down to the Peninsular Valdez and saw surfing orcas for our Attenborough fix. We then went on an expedition ship to the Antarctic via The Falklands and South Georgia. Back via Tierra Del Fuego. It’s a very big country and I also know friends have loved estancia stays for something very authentic. Loads to see and do. Meat is very tasty and eating at a Parilla is a must do experience.

We mostly use Lonely Planet guides for planning and holiday agents who know the country well. If you go to El Calafate, it’s our winter only but that will be hot in Mendoza!

August limits you in the south of Argentina!

Thankyou for your informative replies , is it safe for tourists driving in Argentina ?
I appreciate that tourists need to be careful anywhere abroad , we went to South Africa two years ago & I was a bit worried after stories on trip advisor but thankfully we was fine

Yes. We have driven quite a lot. Not BA but in the beautiful Lake District countryside, yes. If you don’t, you would have to do an organised trip. So, for example, it’s easy to fly to Mendoza. Go to your hotel and do organised wine excursions and into the Andes. We did similar in El Calafate and Iguazu where you need to see both sides of the falls. We drove around Peninsular Valdes though. As in most places, don’t show belongings and be careful where you park etc . We have always found Argentina safe with standard precautions. Ditto in SA!