The Best Long Trips to Take in 2024

Southeast Asia is a classic long stay destination, and this two-week Rail Trip ensures plenty of time is spent in bustling cities as well as luscious jungles. The trip will start in Bangkok, before we hop on the train to explore the ancient ruins of Sukhothai and the street food delights of Chiang Mai. We’ll head out to the tropical forests of Northern Thailand to visit an ethical sanctuary to feed and bathe elephants, go bamboo rafting on Wang River and spend a night barbecuing and glamping in the jungle. Across the Laos border, via Chiang Khong, we’ll start by swapping trains for a river cruise down the Mekong River. We’ll stop in remote villages, meet whisky-making locals and discover a sacred cave system. Next up is the most famous sight in Laos, as we hike to the ethereal Kuang Si Falls. Back on the tracks, we’ll take the high-speed train to Vang Vieng, a favourite destination among adventurous travellers, where you’ll be able to explore Nam Song River by kayak. We’ll cross back over to Thailand to take the sleeper train back into Bangkok, where we’ll have one last full day in the Thai capital, starting with a guided tour from our local expert.

Japan’s world renowned Bullet Train network means that, with a bit of guidance, you can explore an awful lot in just 12 days. Our Rail Trip takes you from Osaka to Tokyo, stopping off at major cities like Hiroshima, Kyoto and Hakone. You’ll also get to enjoy natural bounties like Miyajima Island, Arashiyama bamboo forest and Lake Ashi. You’ll see torii gates and geishas, try Japanese delicacies in local markets and stay in a traditional ryokan inn, equipped with soul-soothing onsen hot springs. In Tokyo you’ll learn how to roll sushi, try taiko drumming and watch sumo wrestlers train, not to mention a night of belting tunes out in a neon-lit karaoke bar. Only in Japan could you experience so much culture, see so many cities and traverse so many different landscapes in less than two weeks.

Bali offers a magical blend of adventure of relaxation, but if you don’t book enough time there, you might have to choose between the two. Our complete Bali experience ensures you get a healthy dose of both. The first six days are a little more adventurous, as you get to swim in waterfalls, trek through scenic rice paddies and climb Mount Batur at sunrise – for truly breathtaking views of the island. You’ll also make a traditional Balinese offering in a sacred temple, visit Tirta Gannga royal gardens and try FlyHigh yoga. On day seven we’ll speed over to the Gili Islands, where you’ll be able to snorkel with sea turtles, but also chill on the beach and enjoy the spa facilities and outdoor pools of our stunning beach resort. The theme continues in Canggu, where we’ll stay at another luxurious tropical resort and round the trip off with a traditional Balinese blessing ceremony and farewell dinner.