Adapt To The Future Of Travel By Planning A Longer Trip 

Why take longer holidays?

1. Save money

In recent years, cheap flights and bargain breaks have grown in popularity, and many of us have tended to take a few shorter holidays each year, rather than one big one. This could change though, as we choose instead to visit more of the destinations that we've always dreamed of visiting. The flexible modular aspect of Llama Travel holidays means that you can take two or more of our tours back-to-back, creating a longer, multi-country holiday for the lowest possible price. So rather than paying for two sets of flights, opt for a longer trip to make the most of your trip of a lifetime.

2. Reduce your carbon footprint

An important aspect to consider when booking a holiday is what impact it is having on the environment, and how you can reduce your carbon footprint when travelling to faraway countries. The more long-haul destinations you visit at once, the fewer flights you’re taking and the less you're impacting the environment. So rather than just taking a trip to Peru, why not do some research into its neighbours and add an extension into Bolivia or Ecuador? 

Llama Travel supports the work of Practical Action, a UK-based development charity. When you book a trip, you have the option to contribute your carbon offset amount to them, which we match. Find out more about how you can offset your Llama Travel holiday here.

3. Improve the local economy

Many countries rely on tourism to survive, and the current pandemic has meant that this has ground to a halt, and they need your support more than ever, when it is safe to travel. By visiting more destinations, you are supporting more economies and helping local communities get back on their feet.  

At Llama Travel, we recognise that tourism has a significant impact, both on the lives of local people and on the natural environment. Find out more about travelling responsibly here.

4. Less hassle

When choosing your next big trip, you're likely to put a lot of effort and thought into exactly where you want to go and what you want to do. Now that safety precautions will be heightened and booking procedures may become more complex, spending time planning your holiday is even more important. By planning a longer holiday, you can make the most of visiting far-flung destinations, have more time to relax and immerse yourself in new cultures.

Multi-Country Holidays: Top 9 Picks

So if you're flying all the way to Peru, why not visit Bolivia's salt flats while you're there? How about mixing Costa Rica's wildlife with Guatemala's authentic culture? Or add Cape Town onto your Botswana safari? To make it easy for you, we've listed some of our best long holidays below, in no particular order.

1. Argentina + Chile

Visit the extreme southern tip of South America, a land dominated by immensity and contrasts: the Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. Our Best of Argentina And Chile Holiday combines the soaring peaks and sweeping valleys of Chile’s Torres del Paine with the breath-taking Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina, as well as spending time in the iconic capitals of Santiago and Buenos Aires. To make it even more spectacular, you can add on our Tierra del Fuego extension to venture to the archipelago at the end of the world. 

2. Peru + Galapagos

Good for once in a lifetime trips, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands are two unique destinations that should be on everybody’s lists. On our Incas & Conquistadors + Galapagos Island Stay Holiday you’ll meet indigenous communities in the Andes Mountains, explore numerous Inca sites, discover colonial cities and traditional markets then snorkel with turtles and penguins, hike on volcanic islands with giant tortoises and much more. Of course, there's no denying that the Galapagos is an expensive one to visit. Read our blog to find out more about the costs involved.

3. Costa Rica + Guatemala

Many people visit Costa Rica, and then a few years later decide to go back to Central America for a trip to nearby Guatemala. The former offers wildlife, greenery and adventure whilst the latter offers a more authentic, undiscovered feeling with colourful markets, Mayan temples and charming colonial cities. They are both home to happy, friendly people. Our 18-day Grand Tour of Guatemala and Costa Rica Holiday combines the cobblestone streets of Antigua and the traditional communities of Lake Atitlán with the turtle beaches of Tortuguero and the sloths and monkeys of the cloud forest.

4. Peru + Bolivia + Chile

The Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia are popular amongst photography enthusiasts for their neverending white landscapes allowing for fun perspective shots. Their location in the middle of the Andes makes the whole trip magnificent though, as you drive in a 4x4 for several days through otherworldly landscapes that might remind you of a Salvador Dali painting. Salt lakes filled with flamingos, bubbling geysers and rocky landscapes home to foxes and guanacos are just some of the things you’ll spot on the overland journey from Uyuni to San Pedro. Tick off several of South America’s most amazing sights by adding this onto the end of a classic Peru trip.

5. Colombia + Peru

Many people think twice before thinking about booking a holiday to Colombia, only associating it with its troubled past and not knowing how far it has come since then. Spend time discovering Peru’s Inca sites and Andes traditions then fly to Colombia for some well-deserved beach relaxation. Home to monkeys and diverse birdlife, Tayrona National Park on Colombia’s north coast boasts unspoiled palm-fringed beaches and nature trails through the lush rainforest, with a year-round warm climate. Find out more here.

6. Brazil + Argentina

Samba, Tango & Iguazu Falls is one of our most popular holidays due to its sheer variety and excellent value. In just 11 days you can learn to dance tango and discover the European culture of Buenos Aires, visit a Wonder of the World in Rio de Janeiro and admire the jaw-dropping Iguazu Falls from Brazil and Argentina. One side promises panoramic views of the falls while the other lets you get up close and personal as you stand right above the so-called Devil’s Throat. It’s up to you to decide which side you prefer.

7. South Africa + Zimbabwe + Botswana

There are many ways to do this multi-country combination. Our core South Africa itinerary includes several days in Cape Town, South Africa’s Mother City where you can ride a cable car up Table Mountain for stunning views, meet penguins on the beach and visit the island where Mandela was imprisoned. Then, head out of the city and go whale watching in the sleepy seaside town of Hermanus, drive along the lush Garden Route where you can walk through beautiful national parks and meet ostriches, then spend time in the picturesque winelands. Add on a few days in Victoria Falls, one of the Natural Wonders of the World, where time is spent taking a tour of the falls themselves, cruising down the Zambezi River with a sundowner and you can even take a safari excursion to spot elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, lions and more  in Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Alternatively, begin your holiday with an introductory few days in Cape Town then spend a week and a half on an epic mobile camping adventure in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, surrounded by pure wilderness and with two daily game drives, then stay in a beautiful safari lodge in Chobe before finishing at the falls. That’s this holiday.

8. Namibia + South Africa

Perfect for disconnecting from the modern world, Namibia is made up of vast landscapes and very few people. A road trip is a great way to explore, and the long journeys are all part of the experience as you watch the scenery change from the striking red sands of the Kalahari Desert and soaring dunes of Sossusvlei to the relaxed coastal town of Swakopmund, and from the untamed Damaraland where rhinos reside to Etosha National Park, home to lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras and endless birdlife. Follow this with a few days in Cape Town for a real contrast, as you go from arid plains dotted with acacia trees to the vibrant life of South Africa’s most beautiful city.

Spend more time in one country

As well as these multi-country combinations, you can also make the most of your time in one country by really getting to know each region. Here are some of our favourites:

1. Grand Tour of Peru

2. Extended Mobile Delta Safari

3. Natural Wonders of Chile + Atacama Desert + Easter Island

4. Galapagos Odyssey + Grand Tour of Ecuador

5. A Passage Through Mexico + Flavours of Oaxaca + Riviera Maya Beach

As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 020 7263 3000 to discuss your holiday options. Sign up to our monthly newsletter to receive our latest offers and itineraries.

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