10 far-flung flights for under £499
Looking to book a last-minute summer holiday? Planning for autumn half-term? Winter sun? There’s no need to blow the budget with these 10 great value mid to long-haul flights.
1. Miami, Florida from £429
Whatever your vice, whether you’re hipster, clubber or beach lubber, cool Miami is hot, hot, hot. Miami Beach is famously the hang-out of unnaturally beautiful people, so check the pecs on South Beach, get your skates on for a glide down Ocean Drive, and pose with a pre-club caipirinha at the aptly-named Sunset Lounge.
2. Mumbai, India from £380
Step through the Gateway of India - the ‘Taj Mahal of Mumbai’ - into the home of Bollywood. Whether you decide to head to the movies, check out a local cricket match, or stroll along Juhu beach, you won’t be far from a street food stall. Try belpuri, a traditional Indian rice dish, for authentic snacking.
3. Trinidad & Tobago from £387
Often touted as ‘the real Caribbean’, T&T still gorgeously lives up to the clichés with its tropical beaches, laid-back way of life and love of a party. This dual-island nation boasts some of the world’s biggest, most colourful carnivals. Get in the spirit of things and join thousands of islanders dancing in the streets ‘til the sun is high in the sky.
4. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from £310
The new Dubai? Perhaps. Once you’ve exhausted yourself (and your credit card) in Abu Dhabi’s extensive shopping malls, take a trip to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque - the sixth largest in the world. If you want to pick up the pace, get your thrills at Ferrari World, home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster.
5. Cancún, Mexico from £409
The setting for forthcoming Vanessa Hudgens flick Spring Breakers (yes, we’re excited!), Cancún has been dubbed ‘the party city on the Caribbean sea’. But it’s not all about partying college kids from the States. The Mexican resort is a long-haul favourite thanks to its awesome white sandy beaches and tropical climate.
6. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from £161
Nicknamed the ‘Red Sea Riviera’, Sharm El Sheikh has proven popular with Brits looking for bargain year-round sun. With affordable luxury accommodation, some of the best dive spots in the world and vast golden beaches, only a five-hour flight away, who can argue?
7. Boa Vista, Cape Verde from £231
With temperatures that never fall much below 24C, Cape Verde has been dubbed ‘the new Caribbean’ by sun worshippers. But Boa Vista is still pretty exclusive and there are only a handful of hotels on the island. Apart from the laidback tiki bars, nightlife amounts to a midnight tour to see loggerhead turtles nesting on the beach.
8. Marrakech, Morocco from £56
It’s only three-and-a-half hours away by plane from London, yet it’s another world when you step into Place Djemaa El Fna, the main square of Marrakech. Snake charmers, story tellers, live dentistry (!) - it’s an Arabian Nights carnival of delights. Or you can just sunbathe by the pool.
9. Jamaica from £445
Jamaica is sure to get a few more visitors thanks to Usain Bol's exploits, and don’t forget James Bond – the classic Live and Let Die was filmed in Montego Bay. Go tubing on the rapids of the Great River for a hit of adrenaline, and see some tropical wildlife along the way. Stay refuelled with some real Jamaican soul food classics like jerk chicken and like fried plantain.
10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from £441
If you’d prefer a long-haul city break to a tropical flop, give the beach the KO and try KL. As well as shopping, eating and plenty of five-star luxury, the Malaysian capital also excels in really tall buildings. For some spectacular cityscape views, head 86 storeys up the Petronas Twin Towers.
