LONDON: With long haul holidays no longer the sole preserve of the rich and famous, Thomas Cook is recommending numerous options for travel next year - with cross-continental and holidays in Florida expected to be popular options.

Since intrepid explorers first ventured onto foreign continents such as America, Asia and Africa, we have had a national interest in travelling and exploring in these distant lands.

Americas

Today, the Americas (both North and South) are favourite long haul destinations for millions of holidaymakers each year. In 2013, holidays to Florida will once again break records as more and more people take the chance to enjoy the many attractions that the "Sunshine State" has to offer.

But the weather is only part of the story. The subtropical climate with average daily temperatures of 70°F sits alongside incredible natural wonders such as the Everglades, which greeted the first Spanish explorers in the region. Today manmade attractions such as Walt Disney World Resort also attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and "The City Beautiful" of Orlando lays claim to being 'the holiday centre of the world.'

In South America, cheap holidays in Mexico are ever popular.  An experience not to be missed on any international holidaymaker's agenda is discovering the unique history and evidence of the ancient Mayan civilisations. Now many famous tourist sites are also in easy reach of some of the best beachside resorts. Unspoilt coastlines run for miles and offer swathes of superb beaches for a perfect sun kissed getaway.

Africa

The continent of Africa looms large in the history of exploration. North Africa presents some wonderful opportunities for tourism and Tunisia holidays are rapidly growing in popularity. Package holidays from trusted tour operators Thomas Cook provide the opportunity to sample a perfect mix of African heritage and European influence.

Other popular destinations on the continent include the glittering shores and sky-piercing Pyramids of Egypt and the beautiful white sands and wildlife reserves of Kenya.

Asia

The Indian or Asian sub-continent has long played a role in worldwide trade and its associations with the UK go back hundreds of years.

Today, many tourists are attracted to the continent. A trip to Thailand, or a Goa holiday, are also particularly high on the tourist agenda. Goa in particular has become known as something of a paradise holiday destination, where a laid back approach to life gives tourists the ultimate relaxing break.

Thomas Cook Children's Charity  is committed to making dreams come true for sick and disadvantaged children in the UK & Overseas - to find out more about the work we do visit our website.

SOURCE Thomas Cook