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Long gone are the days when going on safari was the privilege of the well-off. We’re going to take a look at two amazing and affordable Cosmos safari package holidays that couldn’t be more different!

Florida, Everglades Safari

Flight time from the UK: 9 ½ hours

What to see and do:

There is so much more to Florida package holidays than theme parks and Disneyland. Located in the southern heart of the state are the majestic Big Cypress National Preserve and the Everglades Wildlife Management Area. The parks are made up of four outstandingly beautiful ecosystems: pine savannah, sawgrass prairie, cypress swamps and mangrove estuaries. You can enjoy a white-knuckle airboat ride or a relaxing boat trip through the ‘River of Grass’. The area has more alligators per acre than anywhere else in the world, so either way you’re bound to see some gorgeous gators, fine feral pigs and a whole range of fascinating bird species. You can also explore the cypress swamps by foot, where you have the chance to see the rare Florida panther, bears, otters, deer and much more.

What to combine it with:

If you’re travelling with the family, the theme parks of Florida are a must-see. From the childhood dreamland of Disneyworld to the action at Wet ‘n’ Wild, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Try the stunning Delray or Clearwater beaches if you fancy just relaxing on the sand or paddling in the shallows. 

Best time to go:

Weather-wise, March or April is a great time to go, but you may want to avoid the UK and US school holidays. It’s not too crowded in October/November or January/February and the humidity is bearable, so this may be a perfect time to visit if you want to stay away from the tourist throngs. 

Goa, Wildlife Safari

Flight time from the UK: 9 ½ hours

What to see and do:

Cheap holidays to Goa give you access to great geographical diversity. You can go on safari in the jungle, in the mountains, on the plains or in the forest. The big wildlife sanctuaries are Dandeli, Bondla, Mahavir and Cotigao. Dandeli is 125km from Goa, on the banks of the Kali River. Water sports enthusiasts can try some exhilarating white-water rafting or you can keep your feet dry on jeep safaris. The abundant wildlife means you may catch a glimpse of a tiger, a giant iguana, a king cobra, a bison, a black panther or the iconic Great Indian Hornbill.  Mahavir is the biggest reserve – it’s teeming with birdlife and also includes some captivating historical and geological features such as the Dudhsagar waterfalls and the 13^th century Mahadev temple.

What to combine it with:

Unlike the everglades, exploring the wildlife sanctuaries of Goa is likely to take you several days or even a week. What better way to ease those trek-weary legs than to relax on some of the best beaches in the world? Head to Baga Beach on the West coast if it’s water sports and boat trips that you’re after, or Candolim beach in the North if you prefer a more untouched paradise.

Best time to go:

Goa has a tropical climate so it’s best to avoid June to September where you may find your holiday ruined by high winds and heavy rain. November to April, when the weather is milder, is the best time to go, but if you’re not fazed by high temperatures (exceeding 30°C) then May would work for you as well.