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Top long haul destinations 2014
  • Why we love it: Warm seas, white sand, swaying palms: this string of islands in the Indian Ocean is the epitome of paradise.

    When to go: Temperatures remain between 25-30C throughout the year. December to April is drier and hotter.

    Holiday highlights: Spectacular coral reef diving, luxury accommodation, gourmet dining.

  • Why we love it: Charming people, exciting cities, beautiful beaches, great food and value for money.

    When to go: Peak season is from November to February. It's hotter from April to May and wetter from June to October.

    Holiday highlights: Krabi's spectacular limestone cliffs, the royal beach resort of Hua Hin, the temples of Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

  • Why we love it: This is the land of opulence and extravagance, a glittering city that guarantees fun, sun and endless tax-free shopping.

    When to go: November to March, when the temperatures are around 25C. May to September are the hottest months.

    Holiday highlights: Dubai Creek (the oldest part of the city), Jumeirah beach, desert excursions to Abu Dhabi.

  • Why we love it: Golden sands and verdant jungles, ancient monuments and blazing blue skies: this little country at the toe of India is an adventurer's gem.

    When to go: November to March, and July and August

    Holiday highlights: The Sacred Temple of the Tooth, the rolling hills of Nuwara Eliya, the ruined cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

  • Why we love it: This country encompasses everything from idyllic islands to high-rise metropolises and glacial wonderlands to otherworldly desert landscapes.

    When to go: Florida has year-round sunshine, New York is freezing in the winter, Las Vegas is hot and dry in the day and cold at night due to its desert location

    Holiday highlights: New York City, the Grand Canyon, San Francisco.

  • Why we love it: This spectacular island of white sand beaches, sugar cane fields and spectacular mountains offers a marvellous mix of African, Indian, European and Oriental influences.

    When to go: The warmest month is February (28C), the coolest is July (22C).

    Holiday highlights: The cascading Tamarin Falls, Pamplemousses Royal Botanical Gardens, day trips to the stunning Ile aux Cerfs.

  • Why we love it: Remarkable wildlife, ever-expanding metropolises, tranquil rural villages, tropical rainforests, glorious beaches: this country is all things to all people.

    When to go: Any time between February and August is ideal - but this is a year-round destination.

    Holiday highlights:  Mount Kinabalu, the islands of Langkawi, the city of Kuala Lumpur.

  • Why we love it: With its fascinating history, this island boasts elegant towns and stunning beaches. As the last bastion of world communism, it offers the holidaymaker something completely different.

    When to go: Hottest months are July to August. February is the coolest, with temperatures of around 22C.

    Holiday highlights: The bustling city of Havana, the cocoa plantations of Baracoa, the beaches of the Jardins del Rey.

  • Why we love it: This  picture-perfect Caribbean paradise with clear turquoise waters reveals an abundance of wildlife is ideal for tropical relaxation or exploration.

    When to go: Between December and June.

    Holiday highlights: Nelson's Dockyard National Park, Shirley Heights, Dickenson Bay beaches.

  • Why we love it: A bewitching blend of East and West and a melting pot of cultures, Singapore is renowned for its shopping malls and world class restaurants as well as its colourful events and natural beauty.

    When to go: The wettest period is November to January. Temperatures remain consistently high all year.

    Holiday highlights: The Mount Faber cable car, the Buki Timah Nature Reserve, Sri Mariammam Temple in China Town.

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