London’s airports connect the capital to over 100 countries and 400 destinations around the world. While such variety makes the world feel smaller than ever, the choice can be overwhelming, and where to visit next is not always obvious.
Llama Travel has sold holidays from the UK to Latin America, Africa, and Asia for almost 25 years. During that time, they have helped thousands of customers nail down the right destination for them. Their Travel Experts understand that flying direct is the preference for many travellers, and, in this blog, they break down the best destinations with direct flights from London.
Japan
There is a great choice of direct flights from London to Tokyo, with the journey generally taking between 13.5 and 14.5 hours. Despite the straightforward connection from London, Japan’s blend of ultra-modern cities and ancient traditions feels worlds away from the UK, making it one of the world’s trendiest and in-demand destinations.
Once you arrive, Japan’s high-speed Shinkansen (bullet train) makes exploring beyond Tokyo seamless. You can easily journey south to the traditional shrines of Kyoto, the misty mountain hot springs of Hakone, or the lively culinary scene and culture of Osaka.
Llama Travel’s ‘Timeless Wonders of Japan’ holiday visits Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka, and departures are priced with direct flights from London as standard.
Costa Rica
Image by Jean Paul Montanaro
Direct flights from London to San Jose place you right in one of Latin America’s most diverse and vibrant destinations in under 12 hours. Best known for its wildlife and landscapes, Costa Rica packs an extraordinary level of biodiversity into a compact area.
One single trip can encompass the misty canopy of the Cloud Forest, the dramatic jungle landscapes of Arenal Volcano, and sandy Pacific or Caribbean coastline. During stays in remote jungle lodges, you can enjoy wildlife spotting walks with expert guides, zipline through the canopy, and relax in hot springs, all a direct flight from London away.
‘Best of Costa Rica’ collates the highlights of San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal and the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest on one 11-day itinerary. Llama Travel’s departures for 2027 include direct flights from London as standard.
South Africa
Image by Stephen (Why Steve) Jacobs
Direct flights from London to Cape Town or Johannesburg in South Africa take between 11 and 12 hours. Best of all, you can travel without the jet lag that flying to other destinations might involve, thanks to the 1- or 2-hour time difference between the UK and South Africa. That allows you to land refreshed and ready to explore.
In Cape Town itself, you can enjoy wine tasting in the Cape Winelands or travel the nearby Garden Route along the nation’s south coast. In Johannesburg, you can visit the historic Constitution Hill or travel out for some of the best game viewing conditions in the world on reserves in and around Kruger National Park.
Llama Travel’s ‘Best of South Africa’ holiday can be paired with Kruger safaris, stays in Victoria Falls, or trips aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail train, all with the convenience of a direct flight at either end of a holiday.
Chile
Image by Marina Zvada
Travelling to Santiago, Chile’s capital, involves one of the longest direct flight routes from London, taking upwards of 14.5 hours. Despite the long journey, few would argue that Chile’s natural wonders don’t make the trip worthwhile.
Chile’s unique geography, spanning over 4,300 kilometres from its northernmost to southernmost points, encompasses vastly different ecosystems and landscapes. Santiago, the cosmopolitan capital, is framed dramatically by the snow-capped Andes, the Lake District’s pristine glacial lakes and emergent volcanoes are awe-inspiring, and the sweeping valleys of Torres del Paine are great surroundings for trekking, horse riding or cycling.
All of those landscapes await exploration on Llama Travel’s 12-day ‘Natural Wonders of Chile’ holiday, which combines stays in Santiago, Puerto Varas (Lake District), Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a fascinating blend of rich wildlife, ancient history, and gorgeous tropical beaches in relative proximity, meaning only a few hours’ drive separates the main highlights. What’s more, a direct flight from London to Colombo only takes around 11 hours or so.
Travellers can spot wild elephants and leopards in Yala National Park, explore the Cultural Triangle, home to the ancient fortress of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) and unwind on a gorgeous Indian Ocean beach, making Sri Lanka one of Asia’s most diverse and rich destinations.
‘Splendours of Sri Lanka’ combines Negombo, the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Yala National Park with a stay on an Indian Ocean beach.
While narrowing down your choice of destination might feel like a simple decision, planning your itinerary, choosing the right experiences, and booking the holiday with confidence is not so simple.
Using an expert tour operator like Llama Travel can help make the whole booking process and holiday itself as seamless as the direct flight from London, giving you the best experience. Contact one of their in-house Travel Experts today to begin planning.
Feature image by Marc Winter from Pexels
