Some destinations capture the British imagination and never let go. These are the places we’re happy to fly thousands of miles for, switch time zones, change hemispheres, and still come back to year after year.
Whether it’s winter sun, a splash of the exotic, or simply good air and a solid cocktail by the pool, certain long-haul favourites continue to top the list for a reason.
Ready to crown a new far-flung favourite without the hassle of visa paperwork? Let OnTrailVisa.co.uk take that off your hands before we dive into the top destinations that UK holidaymakers keep visiting time and again.
The United States of America
It’s no secret that the UK has a soft spot for America. In fact, the United States consistently ranks among the top 10 most visited countries for Brits — and we’re not just talking about Disney holidays or Route 66 dreams.
The facts don’t lie: the US is the seventh most popular country among Britons, behind only its closest European neighbours. And while America is vast, one destination consistently holds the top spot: New York.
That’s not a coincidence, either — London to New York (JFK or EWR) is the busiest intercontinental flight from the UK, with over 3.8 million travellers flying there each year!
For many, it’s practically a ritual: take a manageable six-hour hop over the Atlantic, do a bit of shopping, Broadway show, bagel brunch in Brooklyn, and back home before Monday.
While Big Apple is the big draw, it’s far from the only one. Brits flock to Florida for theme parks and sunshine, California for coastal road trips and Napa vineyards, and Arizona for canyon hiking and desert air. With its diversity of landscapes, cities, climates, and cuisines, the US serves up the kind of pick-and-mix holiday few places can match.
South Africa
When the UK is wrapped in grey skies and soggy afternoons (there’s a reason why it’s called Miserable March), South Africa turns on the charm thanks to its beaches, dramatic coastlines, and sunset wine tastings.
Direct flights from London to Cape Town take around 11 hours, but what awaits on the other side is worth every minute in the air. (As a nice bonus, there’s only a one-hour time difference between the UK and South Africa!)
Cape Town, in particular, has become a favourite for its mix of urban cool and natural beauty. After all, who can resist a chic brunch on Kloof Street, a hike up Table Mountain, or standing at the edge of the Cape of Good Hope? Add a drive along the Garden Route, and you’ve got a road trip that rivals any in the world.
It’s no wonder that Cape Town has been voted “the best value long-haul destination”.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been quietly rising up the travel charts — and it’s no mystery why. Compact, affordable, and full of contrast, it delivers big adventures in a small package. In fact, Hilton recently reported a 76 per cent increase in interest from British travellers to Sri Lanka in 2024, and it’s not slowing down.
Direct flights from London to Colombo take around 10 to 11 hours, but once you’re there, costs are low, accommodation options are better than ever, and the pace is delightfully unhurried.
In Sri Lanka, you can explore ancient Buddhist temples, hop on scenic railways through the jungle, or simply do nothing at all in a hammock by the sea. The country may be small, but it’s overflowing with character — plus, the welcome is famously warm.
The Philippines
The Philippines has long been overshadowed by more popular Asian destinations like Thailand and Bali, but that seems to be a thing of the past as more and more holidaymakers are making the 13+ hour journey to this archipelago.
First, the beaches. We’re not just talking golden sands — we mean powdery white shores, gin-clear water, and limestone cliffs that look straight out of a postcard. It’s no wonder why places like Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao have a cult following.
Secondly, the relaxed atmosphere. The Philippines is about slow living, savouring delicious mango breakfasts, barefoot walks along the shore, and chats with local fishermen. There is nothing to prove, nothing to rush about. It’s a place where you can relax not only your body, but also your mind.
Australia
Yes, the flight’s long. No, that doesn’t stop us.
Whether it’s seeing family, visiting your working holiday buddies (practically a rite of passage for British 20-somethings), or simply escaping the winter for the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, Australia is a regular fixture on the long-haul list. In fact, the UK holds the spot as Australia’s fourth-largest inbound market!
Sydney gets a lot of the spotlight, and, with its harbour views, Bondi surf, and rooftop bars, it’s a classic for a reason. However, Melbourne is a proper hit too, especially for those who like their holidays with a side of café culture and street art. Then there’s the wild beauty of Tasmania, the Great Ocean Road, and the jaw-dropping coral of the Great Barrier Reef.
Even the Outback has its fans, especially those looking for red earth, big skies, and great wide-open spaces.
No matter how far they are from home, these destinations offer something that keeps Brits coming back — whether it’s the promise of sunshine, rich cultural experiences, or the sheer joy of discovering somewhere unforgettable. When a place leaves that kind of impression, one visit is never enough.
