Autumn/Winter breaks: Dreamy long-haul destinations on a budget

In the rush to book the perfect family summer holiday, breaks for the colder months can go forgotten. We’ve found the best long-haul destinations for a great getaway over October half-term and the Christmas season – and they’re cheaper than you might think.

1/9 Phuket, Thailand

6 nights’ hotel accommodation with flights from Heathrow, £1,916

An idyllic tropical getaway for families who need to unwind, Phuket offers the perfect balance of relaxation and activities to suit every style of traveller. Centara Kata resort is an upscale hotel that fuses authentic Thai aesthetics with modern convenience and has panoramic views over rolling green hills. There are three sundecks and pools to choose from, including one with a waterslide. There’s also a great kids’ club, well-equipped gym and a children’s playground. The hotel is a short walk from Kata beach which offers watersports such as kayaking and scuba diving trips. The south end is ideal for kids as it becomes shaded later in the day.

2/9 Riviera Maya in Mexico

7 nights’ hotel accommodation with flights from Heathrow, £2,560

Located just six minutes’ walk from the beach, Hotel Dos Playas is an ideal base for a simple family holiday in the coveted area of the Riviera Maya. Spend the day sunbathing, have a massage on the beach, help the kids make sandcastles or just go for a dip in the outdoor pool. If you don’t fancy walking to find somewhere to eat you can dine at the hotel’s international restaurant where you are sure to find something to suit everyone. Local day trips include a snorkeling cruise in the crystal clear water or a visit to ancient Chichen Itza for a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Mexico.

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3/9 Miami, Florida

7 nights’ hotel accommodation with flights from Heathrow, £2,188

If the hustle and bustle of the city appeals, but you also want to soak up the sun on a beach, Miami is a great place to get away. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities as the hotel is steps away from Miami Exotic Auto Racing and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. There’s also Miami Children’s Museum, the Miami Seaquarium and the beautiful Venetian Pool with waterfalls. Of course a trip to Miami wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along Miami Beach.

4/9 Marrakech, Morocco

7 nights’ riad plus with flights from Gatwick, £1,050

Sizzle your senses with a trip to the exotic capital of Morocco for a Christmas like no other! Staying in a traditional riad you will be able to experience the authentic Moroccan way of life, dining on the rooftop terrace and sipping fresh mint tea as you look over the city. Inhale the aroma of spices as you visit the nearby souks and famous Rahba Kadima square.

5/9 Manhattan, New York USA

4 nights’ hotel plus flights from Heathrow, £1,976

A visit to the Big Apple is a magical event with or without children, but bringing the kids along adds another level of excitement to the city that never sleeps. Stay in the heart of the city at the Edison Hotel, just a stone’s throw from Times Square. Absorb the magic of New York at Christmas with a walk in Central Park, visit the iconic ice-skating rink that has featured in countless blockbuster films and let them pick out their Christmas presents at the Lego store on 5th Avenue.

6/9 Phnom Penh, Cambodia

6 nights’ B&B with flights from Heathrow, £1,902

Discover a whole new world and culture with a trip to South East Asia’s hidden gem, Cambodia. The Anise Hotel has consistently won Tripadvisor awards for its outstanding service and is a home away from home when visiting Phnom Penh. Book an in-room massage or relax with a book or dvd from the hotel library; even Whatsapp pictures to family back home with the free Wifi throughout the property. Outside, walk along the picturesque Mekong river or visit the Silver pagoda, with a floor made from 5000 solid silver blocks. Take a camera to capture memories made at the local temples and learn all about Cambodia’s history at The National Museum.

7/9 Hanoi, Vietnam

5 nights’ B&B with flights from Gatwick, £1,893

Experience the whirlwind that is the Vietnamese city of Hanoi with a stay at the opulent Skylark hotel, which has all the mod-cons and services that you would want when travelling with a family. After you have unwound with a film and helped yourselves to the mini bar, why not book a day tour to see what the country has to offer? Try your hand at ceramic pottery, visit an ancient village or float on an authentic Vietnamese boat along the river in a natural reserve. If you are really feeling adventurous, book a four-day tour with the hotel to see the highlights of Vietnam, including a visit to hill tribes and the magnificent Halong Bay.

8/9 Dubai, UAE

4 nights at The Hilton plus flights from Heathrow, £1,450

Within (camel) spitting distance of the famous Jumeirah beach on the coast of the Persian Gulf, the Hilton is a great place to base yourselves for a luxurious family break. There are a million and one things for kids to do in the area, from the Wadi Wadi water park to the WOW kids’ amusement arcade. For those after a little more culture, why not steel yourselves for the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa or take a trip into the desert for an Arabian night of 4×4 safari adventures. Of course, a trip to Dubai wouldn’t be complete without a shopping spree and the largest mall in the world makes for a great place to pick up the latest fashion pieces and souvenirs.

9/9 Orlando, Florida

7 nights’ hotel accommodation with flights from Heathrow, £1,887

If your family are scattered all over the world and Christmas Day ends up with you sweating over a still-defrosting turkey, this holiday is for you. Escape to sunny Orlando and give the kids a fantastic Christmas present that won’t lose its novelty when it runs out of batteries. The Disney parks are open over Christmas and decorated to give extra sparkle to an already magical setting. Fly out on the 18th and absorb the excitement and anticipation of the season whilst staying at the Radisson Orlando Celebration resort. The hotel has a free-form pool, a 42-foot waterslide and even a waterfall to cool off in! For those keen to keep the Christmas pounds from piling on there is also a well equipped on-site gym and sports courts.

Find out more about affordable winter sun breaks for 2017:

1. Phuket, Thailand: Find out more about Centara Kata resort and to book with Travel Bag

2. Riviera Maya in Mexico: Find out more about Hotel Dos Playas, the snorkeling cruise and Chichen Itza and book with On the beach

3. Miami, Florida: Find out more and book this holiday with Away Holidays

4. Marrakech, Morocco: For more information and to book this holiday visit Away Holidays

5. Manhattan, New York: For more information and to book this holiday visit Travel Bag

6. Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Find out more about The Anise Hotel and book with Travel Republic

7. Hanoi, Vietnam: Find out more about a Hanoi day tour and book this holiday at Travel Republic

8. Dubai: Find out more about Burj Khalifa and 4×4 safari adventures and book with Away Holidays

9. Orlando, Florida: For more information and to book visit Away Holidays

Want more adventure ideas for your long haul holidays? Here are the best picks for 2017