The Best October Half Term Holidays

October half term

Whether it be catching the last sunny rays in Europe or heading further afield to the Caribbean or Middle East, October half term holidays are a brilliant excuse to gather the brood and recharge the batteries in balmier climes ahead of the long winter months.

We've got plenty of ideas to bring you a fun-packed family getaway and have highlighted a few of our favourites below, including options for families with teens as well as younger ones travelling over the October half term breaks. If you see something that whets your appetite, or you want to speak to our specialists about something different altogether, don’t hesitate to get in touch. While October may feel a long way off at the moment, it’s important to get this booked in before the summer rush. Accommodation, flights and childcare spaces are already being snapped up fast, so to avoid missing out, enquire with our team today.

October Half Term Holidays to Europe

Europe is one of the best places to go in October half term for short-haul destinations. Make the most of the time off with little to no jet lag and a short flight so you’re on the beach before the days out. Below are our favourite October half term breaks in Europe.

ABAMA, Tenerife
Tenerife

One of the most popular Canary Islands, Tenerife holidays during October half term offer a rich mix of landscapes that’s perfect for a family holiday. Enjoy a range of activities from relaxing on the beach to hiking up a volcano. For accomodation, located in the south of Tenerife is the Ritz-Carlton Abama which is a fantastic retreat for parents as well as children. Complete with two Michelin-starred restaurants and a well-renowned golf course, it boasts a family-friendly atmosphere and a fantastic kids programme, and guests of all ages will be entertained throughout.

Daios Cove
Crete

Crete holidays over October half term are always a favourite. With the blue Aegean Sea and incredible history, it’s the perfect place to unwind and see your school lessons come to life. Located on a private sandy bay in Crete, Daios Cove is one of our all-time favourite family properties and a fabulous short-haul option for the October half term. Our exclusive Scott Dunn Explorers Kids Club offers the best childcare going, while the beautiful spa and luxurious accommodation have something to keep all members of the family happy.

Costa Navarino, Greece
Greece

Leave Athens and island-hopping for May and take advantage of the Ionian coast on a Greece holiday during October half term, when temps are still in the mid-20s. Set on a beautiful beach overlooking the Ionian Sea, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort offers luxury accommodation with a great selection of room choices, fantastic watersports, activities, a spa and our renowned Explorers Kids Club.

Pine Cliff Resort Arlgarve
Portugal

One of Europe’s best family destinations, Pine Cliffs Resort is located on the Algarve in Portugal, just 30 minutes from Faro airport and close to Albufeira. Excellent facilities include golf, tennis, sandy beaches and a Scott Dunn Explorers Kids Club. Watch as the rugged cliffs give way to stunning secluded beaches, and spend the days soaking up the sun and enjoying the thriving watersports scene.

October Half Term Beach Holidays

If it’s the beach you’re after, with no particular preference of where, here are some gorgeous beach destinations for October family holidays. Take your pick of the idyllic Indian Ocean or the balmy Caribbean breeze.

Desroches Island
The Seychelles

Grab the family and discover the understated beauty of the Seychelles while enjoying the array of fun activities, including a great kids club, at the Four Seasons Desroches. Kick back and relax poolside and on the soft white sand, explore the island by bike, snorkel around the coral reef to see the colourful marine life, kayak along the coastline and visit the local tortoise sanctuary. This island getaway offers the classic Four Seasons luxury experience on this idyllic island setting.

Carlisle Bay beach
Antigua

Located in a quiet cove on Antigua’s beautiful south coast, Carlisle Bay is a firm family favourite for a reason. Enjoy watersports classics like snorkelling, kayaking and parasailing, hike the nearby rainforests with a guide, explore more of the island by boat, drop the kids off for a fun-filled day at the kids club and simply relax poolside. This haven for relaxation and watersports offers all you could want for a family stay.

Niyama Private Islands, Maldives
The Maldives

Niyama Private Islands is a luxury 5-star Indian Ocean resort set on two pristine islands on the Dhaalu Atoll in the Maldives. With exceptional watersports, an Explorers Kids Club and a sense of privacy, Niyama is the ideal escape. The October half term holidays are the ideal time to visit as the Maldives is in its dry season, meaning clear sunny skies and calm welcoming waters.

October Half Term Hot Holidays

Going in search of somewhere warm doesn’t always mean it has to be the beach. Explore new cultures or embark on an outdoor adventure the family will talk of for years to come. While laying beachside before the festive season is an ultimate delight, we believe these places to go in October half term will have you just as buzzy.

Suga Beach St Lucia
St Lcuia

Sink into blissful relaxation at Sugar Beach, or explore to your heart’s content at this stunning Caribbean retreat, ideal for families with older children. Adventurous and educational activities are on offer at the children’s club, including complimentary glass-bottom boat tours and visits to the volcano and Diamond Falls. It’s a lovely mix of outdoor expeditions but also beachside splendour for those who want it.

Rotana Swimming Pool
Abu Dhabi

Located on the stunning Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas is a firm family favourite with Scott Dunn guests and the guaranteed sun makes it an excellent choice for October half term holidays. The children will have no end of fun at the Explorers Kids Club with its own lazy river, splash pool, water slide and teen zone. Sip a cocktail from the pool bar while the kids splash about.

Desert camp in Oman
Oman

Take the family on an exciting adventure through Oman this October half term break. Begin with a few days soaking up the hustle and bustle of Muscat, before heading to the coast for activities ranging from snorkelling to observing impressive Omani turtle conservation efforts. From there, make your way to the desert to camp under the stars and finish up in the mountains with our expert guides.

Explore the Best October Half Term Holidays with Scott Dunn

Whether you’re looking for where is hot in October half term or a nearby escape, our list of recommended destinations is perfect for those cherished family holidays. To avoid high costs or potentially sold-out hotels, get in touch today to start planning your October half term holiday.

When to go by season

Call us on 020 3918 9367 to start planning your holiday

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