11 long-haul destinations you can fly to for a day

When we think of a day trip from London, places like Bath and Brighton spring to mind – but have you ever considered New York City for a day trip?

With Norwegian Air’s announcement that they now have a day return trip from London to New York, FairFX has rounded up the best speed trip destinations around the world you can visit for a day and still have at least seven hours in your chosen locale.

In fact, flying to Marrakesh in Morocco for a day is £49 cheaper than a peak day return train ticket from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston.

Whether you fancy lying on a tropical beach in the Bahamas or taking a dip in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, these destinations are sure to indulge your wanderlust.

1. Marrakesh, Morocco

Flight time: 3hrs 30 min each way

Cost of return flights: £289

Time in city: 9 hrs 25 mins

This bustling, vibrant city is the perfect day trip. Wander around the souks of Medina – the seemingly endless maze of markets and find hidden gems to take home with you.

2. New York City, United States

Flight time: 8hrs 20 min each way

Cost of return flights: £447

Time in city: 13 hrs 10 mins

Luckily, Manhattan is easy to navigate in a day. Grab a pastrami sandwich at Katz Deli or a duck pancake at Vanessa’s Dumpling’s and work your way up the city. Walk around the Lower East side for China Town haunts and a wander through Little Italy. Make your way through Washington Square Park to Chelsea and do some celeb spotting. Then spend your afternoon discovering Central Park and lying in the sun, before bee-lining to Time’s Square for the lights and a quick show before you jump on your flight home.

3. Reykjavic, Iceland

Flight time: 3 hrs 25 min each way

Cost of return flights: £310

Time in city: 8 hrs

Touching down in Reykjavic, jump on a tour bus and head out to the Blue Lagoon where you can bathe in the warm waters while admiring Iceland’s unique landscape. Alternatively, spend your day wandering around the Icelandic capital for delicious food and striking architecture – and keep an eye out for the northern lights.

4. Tenerife, Spain

Flight time: 4 hrs 30 min each way

Cost of return flights: £350

Time in city: 8 hrs 20 mins

From scuba diving, lounging on the beach to visiting a number of historical sites – Tenerife is the perfect day trip for every kind of traveller.

5. Helsinki, Finland

Flight time: 2 hrs 50 min each way

Cost of return flights: £567

Time in city: 8 hrs 20 min

Walk around the Market Square in Helsinki’s Old Town to take in some culture before finding a sauna to relax in – after all Finland is the home of the sauna.

6. Toronto, Canada

Flight time: 7 hrs 45 min each way

Cost of return flights: £1,221

Time in city: 12 hrs 10 mins

Canada’s calling and a visit to Toronto warrants a quick trip to the Niagara Falls – just a 90-minute drive away. In the city, walk past the CN Tower or head on up to the lookout and for foodies head to Chinatown, Little India, Little Italy and more for global cuisines.

7. Washington DC, United States

Flight time: 8 hrs 45 mins each way

Cost of return flights: £1,128

Time in city: 10 hrs 55 mins

A day is more than enough time to hit up all the capital’s landmarks. Start at the White House before walking past the Washington Monument and up through the National Mall. You will probably be able to fit in some time at one of the Smithsonian museums or (a personal favourite) the Newseum.

8. Boston, United States

Flight time: 8 hrs 5 mins each way

Cost of return flights: £1,191

Time in city: 9 hrs 15 mins

Three words: Red Sox game. Otherwise, check out the Harvard University campus, Fenway Park and the Museum of Fine Arts.

9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Flight time: 6 hrs 45 mins each way

Cost of return flights: £954

Time in city: 7 hrs 20 mins

Dubai is nothing if not extravagant, so embrace the wealth and roll with it. If you have time, try and head out to the desert to see the exquisite sand dunes, or wander through the many malls or get your tan on at Jumeirah Beach.

10. Chicago, United States

Flight time: 8 hrs 45 mins

Cost of return flights: £1,950

Time in city: 10 hrs 35 mins

A walk through Millennium Park is a given – where you can check out one of the city’s most famous sculptures: Cloud Gate. If it’s raining, head on inside to the Art Institute which is home to some of America’s greatest art collections.

11. Bahamas

Flight time: 9 hrs 45 mins

Cost of return flights: £1,863

Time in city: 7 hrs 10 mins

Grab a cocktail and lie on the beach and go for a snorkel. That’s it. Do nothing else.