Long-haul breaks for couples

Canada’s largest city is a deeply diverse cultural hub

Don’t miss: The CN Tower’s 342 metre-high glass-floored viewing deck delivers stunning views across the city and Lake Ontario. For the truly unhinged, there’s the option to take a tethered walk around its exterior rim.

Famous for… Being North America’s other Hollywood. In terms of TV and movie production in the continent, it’s trumped only by LA and New York. What’s more, the Toronto International Film Festival has been running for more than 40 years.

Flight time from London: Eight hours from Heathrow.

Even Londoners have to admit that NYC might be the greatest city in the world

Don’t miss: The High Line in Manhattan is an old railway viaduct that used to service the area’s factories and warehouses. These days it’s an elevated park – perfect for anyone looking to escape the ceaseless buzz of the Lower West Side.

Famous for… Among about a million other things, being the city that never sleeps. For supporting evidence, head to Good Room in Greenpoint, one of the city’s best clubs, where the party goes until 4am.

Flight time from London: Eight hours from Heathrow.

Oman’s capital city is one of the Arabian Gulf’s best-kept secrets

Don’t miss: Finished in 2001, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a stunning example of contemporary Islamic architecture. It has space for 20,000 worshippers, although visitors of all faiths are welcome.

Famous for… Its striking, mountainous coastline, which is best seen by boat. Muscat being a port city, they’re not hard to come by – set sail from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha to spot whales and admire the city from the sea.

Flight time from London: Seven hours, 30 minutes from Heathrow.

The East African archipelago is prime chilling territory

Don’t miss: Entire days by the sea are a given, but don’t forget to explore the other treasures of Victoria, the country’s capital. The lively market is a must, and even if you’re not looking to spend, the bustling atmosphere is a nice antidote to all that tranquility.

Famous for… Being a byword for paradise, and deservedly so. Its beaches are consistently ranked among the world’s best, partly because there are so many of them, meaning they rarely feel crowded.

Flight time from London: Ten hours from Heathrow (March-October).