Returning to the monotony of everyday life after a magical family summer holiday can be tough. School runs in the rain, traffic jams on the commute to work and the increasing chill as autumn and winter approach are no-one’s idea of fun.
Well despair no more. The October half-term holiday is almost here and with it your chance to escape with your nearest and dearest for more fun in the sun. Whether you’re seeking all-inclusive delights in the Canaries, unrivalled scenery in Malta or ancient attractions in Egypt, we’ve got you covered. Struggling to choose just one destination? You don’t have to! Embark on a cruise holiday and spend your half-term visiting as many locations as you want. To help you jet off or sail into the sunset, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best October holiday options. Check out what’s on offer and start looking ahead to sun-kissed days and a half-term holiday to remember.
Cyprus
Beautiful beaches and lush mountains provide an idyllic backdrop for family holidays in Cyprus. This unspoilt Mediterranean island, known as the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite, promises year-round warm weather and 340 days of sensational sunshine. Choosing to travel in the October half-term ensures that you have suitable conditions for exploring the beautiful landscapes without the heat that Cyprus is known for in the summer. The whole family will love splashing in the calm, shallow waters of the Mediterranean Sea, with a plethora of water sports on offer, including snorkelling, banana boat rides and catamaran cruises. Lara Beach is a favourite family spot as loggerhead and green turtles frequent the area. Paphos will delight you with out-of-this-world cultural experiences, including excursions to the Tombs of the Kings, the Temple of Aphrodite and the many other mythological sites, as well as walks through its quaint historical streets.
Egypt
The unrivalled sights of Egypt draw families to the shores of north-east Africa again and again. With a number of outdoor activities and cultural sights to visit, it’s the perfect place for adrenaline-seekers and history-buffs. October proves to be the best time to visit, as it boasts some of the hottest temperatures of the year, remaining between a scintillating 20 to 40℃. Children and adults alike will have a blast exploring some of Egypt's most significant landmarks, such as the Valley of the Kings and the Pyramids of Giza. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses 120,000 ancient artefacts, including mummies, jewellery and treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most family-friendly resorts in the country, where you’ll have the chance to visit the Aqua Blue Water Park, as well as partaking in some water sports in the Red Sea. Another sun-drenched spot offering an array of accommodation options is Hurghada.
Majorca
If you’re seeking beauty on a family-friendly budget then look no further than the irresistible Balearic Island of Majorca. The Mediterranean climate ensures year-round warmth, with the average temperature in October being 20℃, making it perfect for a half-term holiday. While some rain can be expected, you won’t be put off when you’re taking in the sights. La Seu Cathedral is a magnificent gothic structure in the heart of Palma. Children will love Palma Aquarium, which is home to 700 species of marine life, including sharks and rays. Head to Santa Ponsa for some fun at Jungle Parc. Everyone can get involved on the high ropes, zip lines and bridges across the forest canopy. The Mediterranean Sea laps onto the shores of enchanting beaches, including Playa de Alcudia, the longest on the island. With shallow water, close proximity to hotels and every amenity you could need, this is the perfect spot for making family memories.
Tenerife
With areas to suit a variety of holidays, families will love the choices on offer in Tenerife. This postcard-esque destination is the largest of the Canary Islands, boasting wonderful volcanic beaches, lush forests and jaw-dropping mountains. With an average temperature of 22℃, the October half-term is a superb time to take a break and explore the many exceptional attractions. Visit Siam Park for out-of-this-world water slides or take a boat trip from Los Gigantes to search for dolphins and whales. Nature-enthusiasts will love the Teide National Park. This UNESCO world heritage site is the highest point in the whole of Spain and has a volcano at its centre. Hike up or take the cable car. Puerto de la Cruz is home to Loro Parque, a theme park that is also connected to an aquarium and zoo. Spend endless hours looking at gorillas, alligators, tigers and more.
Malta
Malta is the ultimate family-friendly destination that promises glorious weather all year round. The capital, Valletta, is regarded as the sunniest city in Europe, receiving around 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. Families will feel rejuvenated when they travel in October, with average temperatures at a lovely 25℃. As Malta is the setting for many mythical legends, you won’t be disappointed when you take in the historical and ancient sights. Take a tour of Valletta, famously used as a location in Game of Thrones due to its mediaeval architecture, or visit “The Three Cities”, also known as Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, to stroll through the largely unchanged Phoenician-era settlements. The alluring Mediterranean Sea acts as an aquatic playground for the whole family, with the chance to explore underwater caves, swim alongside marine creatures or windsurf. For the best family-friendly beach, we recommend Golden Bay as it’s close to a good selection of 4-star and 5-star resorts and holds Blue Flag status.
Mediterranean Cruise
Want to see as many destinations as possible? Spend your half-term in complete luxury on a Mediterranean cruise. With the sailing season peaking between April and November, October is the perfect time to whisk your family away on the ultimate adventure across Europe. Each cruise has a variety of itineraries to showcase the unique attractions and scenic ports of call. Choose between a Western Mediterranean Cruise to visit France, Italy, Spain and the Balearics or an Eastern Mediterranean Cruise to Croatia, Malta, Greece and Turkey. As the weather is warm but not as hot as you can expect on a summer cruise, the whole family can make use of the onboard amenities, including the swimming pools, explore the ports and take part in the specially curated shore excursions. For extra ease when travelling with little ones, why not try a no-fly cruise departing from the UK?
My Booking
