The top 20 longhaul destinations for 2009

A new report has confirmed that British travellers planning breaks in 2009 want much more from their holidays than the customary fortnight in the sun. The weak pound means that this year many Brits are looking beyond traditional short haul hot spots - spreading their wings to experience the rich cultures of countries in the Far East, Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean.

The preference for these exotic destinations isn't motivated exclusively by economics though. People are increasingly expressing a need to travel inwardly as well as outwardly, actively seeking destinations that offer opportunities to nurture the mind, body and spirit. Call it 'explorism' - a new kind of tourism.

Kuoni's 2009 Longhaul report reveals that 41% of people say their primary motivation for taking a holiday is to 'soothe their souls' via pursuits like reading, painting and listening to music whilst on a break. Over a quarter want to stimulate their minds with cultural events, or by learning new languages and skills. Just under a third aim to nurture their bodies, citing yoga, detox, hiking and sports among favoured activities on holiday.

Nick Hughes, Kuoni's managing director, said: "Travel is no longer just a holiday choice. It impacts our lifestyle, stimulates our wellbeing and influences our fashion, design and food choices. Kuoni customers really want to delve deeply under the skin of their destination, to explore further and experience more. We call this growing trend Explorism and we believe it is the new tourism."

As such, this year's top longhaul destinations make for an exotic mix. The Maldives tops the list; a marine paradise that offers some of the best spa treatments in the world. The temples, idyllic beaches, shopping and nightlife of Thailand secure its second place, with the vast and varied USA coming third.

Easy access from the UK to Egypt and Dubai ensure popularity with the 'explorism' set. Kenya has recovered brilliantly from political upheaval to draw in the safari crowd. The fascination with the Far East remains strong. Caribbean havens like St. Lucia and Barbados also feature in the Top 20, as does New Zealand and Australia.

2009 top travel destinations for UK visitors according to Kuoni longhaul travel report:

1. Maldives
2. Thailand
3. America
4. Egypt
5. Sri Lanka
6. Dubai
7. Singapore
8. China & Hong Kong
9. Malaysia
10. Australia
11. Kenya
12. India
13. Barbados
14. Mauritius
15. South Africa
16. Indonesia
17. New Zealand
18. St.Lucia
19. Antigua
20. Tanzania

For more information, visit Kuoni.co.uk.