WHEN booking a holiday on a budget, it’s easy to think of short-haul as the most affordable option.
But in recent years, the opposite has often proved true as long-haul flights are nearly the same price as short-haul ones from the UK.
Once you factor in that hotels are likely to be cheaper in far-flung destinations than ever-popular European spots, travelling further for your annual break looks increasingly appealing.
So why not branch out in 2026, and pick somewhere you’ve never been before?
Sun Travel has found six long haul destinations to travel to this year, with affordable prices.
Prices were correct at time of publication.
Read more on travel inspo
Toronto, Canada
Looking at flights throughout the year from the UK to Toronto, the cheapest Sun Travel found was April 20 or 23 from London, costing just £119 for one way.
The return flight would cost you the same if you flew back on April 28, with the round trip setting you back £238.
There is no shortage of hotels in Toronto and the good news is that many are under £100 per night.
For example, you could stay at the four-star Pantages Hotel Downtown Toronto for as little as £71 or the Best Western Parkway Hotel Toronto North from £69.
For those heading to Toronto there is a vast variety of things to do depending on your interests.
Top sights in the city include the CN Tower and Kensington Market – a lively area with vintage shops and independent restaurants.
The city is also the ideal spot to stay in if you want to head to Niagara Falls.
New Delhi, India
Looking at flights throughout the year from the UK to New Delhi, the cheapest Sun Travel found was March 12 from Manchester, costing just £154 for one way.
The return flight exactly one week later would set you back £153, with the round trip setting you back £307.
A mid-range hotel in New Delhi is likely to set you back around £42 a night.
But there are also three-star hotels available for as little as £8 a night, such as the Hotel Sun International.
For something a little more glamourous, like The Royal Plaza or Radisson Blu, you can expect to pay between £68 and £105 per night.
New Delhi is the ideal destination for those who love a blend of culture and urban life.
The city is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as bustling markets.
For example, you could head to Humayun’s Tomb, which is built out of red sandstone and marble and set in a symmetrical garden inspired by the Taj Mahal.
As for the markets in the city, Chandni Chowk is one of India‘s oldest and busiest markets and is known for specialising in spices and jewellery.
Boston, USA
Looking at flights throughout the year from the UK to Boston, the cheapest Sun Travel found was for various dates in March, April, May and October from London, costing just £127 for one way.
Returns tend to be between six and eight days after your outbound flight or two weeks after your outbound flight, with prices as low as £126, making a round trip £253.
Admittedly, Boston is a bit more spenny to stay in than the other destinations on this list, with a three-star hotel likely to set you back around £164.
There are some cheaper options like The Verb Hotel, costing around £100 a night or The Bostonian Hotel for £94 a night.
There is even a DoubleTree by Hilton at Boston Bayside costing around £69 a night.
But if you are struggling to find somewhere on a budget, opt to stay in Somerville or Cambridge (where Harvard University is) just outside of Boston.
Both destinations are well worth exploring and hotels, such as a Holiday Inn, can usually be found for around £60 to £80 a night.
Other than exploring the world famous university, make sure to walk the Freedom Trail, which is a 2.5 mile red brick path that connects 16 significant Revolutionary War sites, such as the Old State House and the Paul Revere House.
Cape Town, South Africa
Looking at flights throughout the year from the UK to Cape Town, the cheapest Sun Travel found was for May 14 from London, costing just £174 for one way.
Returning exactly one week later you can expect to pay another £174, making a round trip £348.
In Cape Town, you can expect to pay around £66 per night for a three-star hotel or £174 for a four-star hotel per night.
For example, the four-star hotel Hawksmoor House would set you back around £95 a night and DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town would cost you around £111 per night.
The port city’s main attractions include Table Mountain Nature Reserve, which is home to an aerial cableway and the V&A Waterfront – a former prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.
Visitors can even catch a glimpse of penguins at Boulders Beach.
Or head to Muizenberg Beach to learn to surf and see pretty, colourful beach huts.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Looking at flights throughout the year from the UK to Abu Dhabi, the cheapest Sun Travel found was for March 1 from London, costing just £136 for one way.
Returning either five or nine days later and you can expect to pay another £142, making a round trip £278.
Hotel prices in Abu Dhabi vary greatly, but the good news is that the city has a lot of them.
For example, you could stay at the Corinche three-star hotel from £78 a night, or the Novel Hotel in the city centre from £56 a night.
When in the city make sure to explore the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, made from white marble – it is one of the largest mosques in the world and is free to enter.
Abu Dhabi also has its own Louvre, which is home to global artworks.
Of course, there is also Yas Island, which is the ideal destination for families as it features a number of theme parks such as Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World.
Los Angeles, USA
Looking at flights throughout the year from the UK to Los Angeles, the cheapest Sun Travel found was for various dates in January, February and March from London, costing just £160 for one way.
Return prices a week later are similar, but cost as low as £159.
It is worth noting that throughout the year there are flights every month around the £165 to £180 mark, for one way, too.
Of course, Los Angeles isn’t the cheapest of destinations but thanks to its huge size there a plenty of different areas to choose from when it comes to looking for somewhere to stay.
If you don’t mind being in a hostel, then head to Samesun Venice Beach – it costs from £50 a night but is practically on the sand of Venice Beach.
If you would prefer to stay near Hollywood, then head to the Hollywood hotel costing from just £70 a night.
Chain hotels such as Hotel Indigo and DoubleTree by Hilton then can cost as little as between £100 and £130 a night.
Los Angeles is a huge city to explore, with famous spots including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and the Griffith Observatory.
Though the city is known for its high prices, lots can be done on the cheap – it doesn’t cost a penny to walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or head to Venice Beach or Santa Monica.
For more holiday inspiration, these are the bucket list 2026 holidays you should go on for every month of the year.
Plus, our top picks for ‘fun under £5’ across all £9.50 Holiday destinations in the UK.