9 October half-term holiday ideas you’ll all love

As summer slowly approaches autumn, now’s the perfect time to start planning how to make the most of the rest of the year, soak up some more sunshine, and maybe even fit in a knock-out family holiday to really treat the kids.

Is there anything better than making forever memories together as a family? Seeing your kids’ faces as they taste a local delicacy for the first time, watching them run across the warm sand into the turquoise ocean or the wonder in their eyes as they experience their first animal sighting on safari. Travelling and experiencing the world together is the most wonderful gift.

Which of these 9 family half-term holiday ideas would be perfect for you? 

1. South African Family Adventure

This family adventure showcases all the major highlights of South Africa. From the Cape Region and the Winelands, to the Garden Route and a safari experience the whole family will never forget. If you’re travelling with a young family, we’d recommend including a little more time on the Cape Peninsula to enjoy the penguins of Boulders Beach, World of Birds and the glass-bottomed boat at Hout Bay. In the Winelands, Spier is the destination of choice with its bird of prey interaction experience, whilst on the Garden Route, the animal sanctuaries of The Crags are always popular with kids. Finally, you’ll experience one of the ultimate bucket-list holiday moments: a safari together. (What’s more, by going on safari in the Eastern Cape, there is no need to take anti-malarial tablets, a blessing when travelling with little’uns!)

View the sample itinerary

2. Oman Family Holiday

We think Oman makes a brilliant destination for a family holiday. There’s so much to see and explore in Muscat, with its historic heart, lavish Sultan’s Palace, alluring old souk and dolphin cruises. Plus, there are plenty of stunning hotels with access to beaches and large swimming pools for relaxing, fun-filled days to choose from. That’s why we always suggest starting your adventure in Muscat to explore, and finishing there too for some sun-soaking time at a beach resort.

This holiday then takes you into the jagged Hajar Mountains to explore the canyons and abandoned terraced villages. As you adventure together, you’ll feel a million miles from the modern world and will have your breath taken away every time you turn yet another dramatically beautiful corner. Then, a night in the desert is a must for an Oman family adventure. There’s something unmatchable about sitting together under the starry canopy reminiscing about what you’ve seen and done so far.

Omanis themselves are also a very friendly, welcoming nation, creating a very accessible place in which to introduce your children to bold and beautiful Middle Eastern culture.

Find out more

3. Mauritian Explorer

Head to Mauritius to combine blissful beach time with laid-back local exploring this October. With three-stops, you’ll tick off all of the local highlights and have plenty of time to fall in love with the white sand beaches that Mauritius is known for. The island is relatively small, so it is easy to move from place to place, and offers gorgeous beaches, fantastic swimming opportunities for all the family, a delicious food scene and the chance to get off the beaten track in the inland mountainous scenery.

Start your trip with four nights on the southwesterly side of the island, sample street food at Port Louis, hike in the Black River Gorge National Park, explore the coastline by boat, or simply relax on the coast. From here, hire a car to head towards the more remote eastern side of the island, perhaps stopping at Chamarel on the way for lunch. On arrival at your next hotel, for those wanting more activity, kite-surfing and mountain biking are on offer, or picnic on the beautiful eastern beaches of Ile aux Cerfs and Ilot Mangenie. Finally head north to the famous Belle Plage region for five nights in your final hotel, chosen to make the most of your remaining time on the beach.

Get me on the beach

4. Thailand

A family holiday to Thailand is just the perfect introduction to South East Asia. However old your kids are, there’s something for everyone. You can fly through the bustling streets of Bangkok on a tuk-tuk, explore the traditional floating markets, be wowed by elephants in the jungle, hike through wildlife-packed rainforests, play on soft white sand beaches, taste incredible local flavours and uncover so much rich culture. We couldn’t love it more and know you’ll love it, too.

Find out more of what awaits

5. Singapore and Borneo Adventure

If you’re a nature-loving family, this Singapore & Borneo adventure is for you. No trip here would be complete without a trek to see the majestic orangutan in the wild (or at the incredible Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre if your kids are little!) The wildlife sighting is phenomenal and the tropical islands dotted off the coast make the perfect retreat to end any family half-term holiday; the clear waters and sandy beaches are sure to delight children (and adults!) of all ages.

To the orangutans…

6. Family fun in Vietnam

There might be a little bit of a mixed bag weather-wise in Vietnam over October half-term, but we don’t think that should deter you from going. With time to adventure through the busy cities, the chance to get away from it all in lesser-visited Ninh Binh, see iconic Ha Long Bay for yourself and enjoy some relaxing beach days, this sample 16-day itinerary has something for everyone. We recommend heading to the beaches of the south to make the most of the returning sunny days!

Dive in…

7. Cambodia

Cambodia has everything you need for an unbeatable October half-term holiday adventure, as well as the perfect introduction to South East Asia. It is the end of the green season in Cambodia this time of year, but that means the landscape will be looking beautifully lush, Angkor Wat will be quieter and so will the beaches! There’s so much culture, beauty and experience to be had here with countless temples, sense-sizzling markets, paradise islands and the friendliest people. But, maybe pack a brolly just in case!

Take me there!

8. The Maldives

The Maldives might not be your first thought when planning a family holiday, but with fantastic family-friendly resorts like Siyam World Maldives (with villas that come complete with your very own waterslide into the shimmering turquoise ocean!!), it absolutely shouldn’t be ruled out. There can be a few showers in October and it is a little humid, but if you can deal with the odd shower then you’ll be rewarded with supremely quiet beaches and the ultimate tranquil family getaway.

Claim your pool slide villa!

9. Tanzania

Without doubt one of the greatest wildlife destinations on the planet, why wouldn’t Tanzania be on your wishlist for a family adventure?! October half-term is a fantastic time for a safari here, with warm sunny days and only the occasional shower. Can you picture your kids’ faces the first time they spot a lion in real life? That is the magic of a family safari.

It’s safari time…