Some spots in the world require a great deal of organisation on your part before you can even step foot on that plane, which is why for many people they don’t seem like great holiday destinations.
However, make it your mission to plan a trip to one of these long haul locations and ensure you have everything in place on the checklists provided:
Cuba
A holiday to Cuba might seem like it would need a lot of preparation in advance. There’s the long flight time to contend with, an expensive tourist card that must be applied for and currency can only be obtained on arrival. But it’s a country definitely worthy of the extra hassle.
The beaches alone are just one of the reasons to pay this beautiful country a visit, with clear warm waters and white sand but Cuba is also perfect for the culture seeker, who wants to know more about the country’s heritage and traditions. Pay a visit to Havana Bay and Morro Castle – a fortress that dates back to the 16th Century and that has seen a great many battles in its harbour.
- Flight time: 9 hours 45 minutes
- VISA requirements: You must have a tourist card when travelling to Cuba – this allows you to stay in the country for 30 days. These can be obtained via this form.
- Health: Cuba is classified as a country at risk of Zika virus transmission, this means precautionary measures should be taken to reduce mosquito bites while in the country – i.e. regular application of insect repellant and use of mosquito nets. There are no compulsory vaccinations required.
- Currency used: Cuban Convertible Peso (tourist currency). It’s worth noting that you cannot exchange your currency before entering the country.
Thailand
Bustling cities, mysterious temples, delicious food and a stunning landscape to explore, it’s no wonder Thailand is a popular tourist destination. Once reserved for backpackers, Thailand is becoming a destination for families and luxury holidaymakers but there are still a few things to sort before you can check in at the airport.
Once these are sorted you can plan an island hopping trip travelling from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi and Krabi or plot a trip to Northern Thailand to spend some time with the hill tribes living there.
- Flight time: 11 hours 25 minutes
- Visa requirements: You can stay in Thailand for 30 days without need for a Visa. If you intend on staying for longer than 30 days then you will need to apply for a Visa.
- Health: It’s recommended that you obtain booster jabs for the MMR and Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio vaccines before visiting Thailand.
- Currency used: Thailand uses the Thai Baht, which can only be exchanged upon entering the country.
India, Delhi
New Delhi, the most popular tourist spot in India is a sight to behold and a location on many bucket lists. However, planning a trip to India can feel like a lot of hard work beforehand but it’s definitely worth it.
Whether you intend on exploring the historic sites such as Humayan’s Tomb, planning an excursion to the famous Taj Mahal or trying local dishes, India is proving popular with visitors from overseas.
- Flight time: 8 hours 35 minutes
- Visa requirements: You will need a Visa before travelling to India, to make things a little easier these can be applied for online via an e-Tourist Visa website.
- Health: When travelling to India it is recommended you have booster vaccinations for Diphtheria, Hepititis A, Typhoid and Tetanus. You may also wish to have jabs for Cholera, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Hepatitis B.
- Currency used: India has closed currency, which means you cannot exchange yours until you arrive in the country. It’s worth noting that there was a currency crisis in India late in 2016, which meant that people were unable to obtain cash from machines. This problem is starting to straighten out but you may find that a lot of ATMs are still empty and queues for banks are very long, as locals and tourists attempt to get hold of their money and exchange old notes.
