October half term is the new summer! This is the time to take a holiday to eke out the final few rays of summer sunshine. A last hurrah before bedding in for winter. And without the summer crowds and prices of peak July and August, we have a huge array of October half term holidays abroad to make your summer last even longer.
From souq-exploring to river-cruising, temple-wandering, beach-bathing, and animal-spotting, there’s something to suit every type of family in our cherry-picked selection of destinations below. If you’re lucky enough to get a two-week break, we’ve some longer options but have a range of 8-day adventures, too, and of course, we can tailor every holiday and destination to suit your preferred time frame.
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Best October Half Term Holiday Destinations
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Canada
Wrap up and you can still explore Algonquin National Park by kayak in the UK’s October half term
It’s starting to get quite chilly in Canada’s northern states, which is great if you want to catch humpback whales, salmon runs in British Colombia, black bears in the Rockies, or the gathering polar bears in Churchill as they wait for the big freeze. If you prefer exploring in (slightly!) warmer temperatures during an October half term holiday abroad, Ontario (see our Lakes, Falls and Cities of Ontario sample itinerary) is a great call – the autumn-fall colours are coming to an end but will still be beautiful and most outdoor activities are still an option. See our Lakes, Falls and Cities of Ontario sample itinerary.
Crete
Crete is beginner-friendly for surfing or choose to explore the coast by kayak
As one of Greece’s southernmost islands, it’s still lovely and warm to explore everything Crete has to offer during an October half term holiday abroad. Even better? Our 10-day action-packed Crete Adventure sample itinerary is half-term-length friendly. Cycle through the countryside, hike the Samaria Gorge, learn to surf, go sea kayaking in Sfakion and wander the streets of Chania. It’s still sea-swimming weather, too! Check out our Top 10 Crete with Kids blog for further inspiration!
Croatia
Walk the walls of medieval Dubrovnik and island hop for cycling and kayaking
It may be getting a little too cool in the early mornings and late afternoon to simply laze on Croatia’s world-famous beaches, although the crystal clear waters are still just as tempting! Wandering the medieval walled cities of Dubrovnik and Split, though, or cycling through the olive groves on Elephiti island make for the ideal activities during an October half term abroad – and without the summer crowds! If time is tight, our 8-day Croatia Short Break is a shoo-in, and we can tailor our longer Highlights of Croatia so you’re enjoying the best weather, too.
Egypt
See all the world-famous historic sites on October half term holidays in Egypt
At 9 days, our action-packed Highlights of Egypt sample itinerary is perfect ‘half term’ length, whilst October temperatures (Easter, too) are ideal to make the most out of exploring the best Egypt has to offer. Add to this just a four-and-a-half-hour flight time, we can’t think of many options better suited to an October half term holiday abroad. If you have the luxury of two weeks, take a look at our Active Egypt sample itinerary. Whichever you choose, our Egypt with Kids Top 10 will give you further insight into what you could be doing!
Iceland
Love vast, dramatic scenery?… Then you’ll all adore Iceland
Is there a time of year NOT ok to visit Iceland? Not really, but if you’re wanting to avoid the crowds of peak season summer and ahead of the Christmas crowd, October half term does make a compelling option. And we can tailor the trip to suit what you want to see and the time you have available. Prices are cheaper, temperatures have yet to dip below freezing, there’s still reasonable daylight and there’s the possibility of catching the northern lights too. Take a look at our sample Iceland family itineraries for more.
India
Pose at the Taj Mahal and explore the wonders of Rajasthan when the temperatures are cooler
With Ranthambore National Park opening at the beginning of October each year, India is an exciting and exhilarating place to visit during an October half term holiday abroad, not just for animal lovers, though. Rajasthan is enjoying warm (not too hot!) and dry conditions, ideal temple touring, Taj Mahal tripping and desert exploring weather. Take a look at our Wonders of Rajasthan itinerary to see what you could be doing. Our India with Kids roundup may also inspire.
Indonesia
There’s always time to relax on the beach on our island-hopping holidays in Bali and Indonesia
Outside of peak tourist season and yet still plenty of sunshine before the monsoon arrives in November, when better to go island hopping in Indonesia for an October half term holiday? The islands of Bali, Lombok and Komodo are all on the cards, whether you want to enjoy a relaxing, beach-filled break on our 15-day Relaxing Bali sample itinerary, or our 15-day Active Bali & Komodo adventure.
Jordan
Hold tight as you explore Wadi Rum by 4WD
Warm, sunny with bright blue skies, Jordan makes for a wonderful choice as an October half term holiday abroad when the soaring temperatures of summer have abated. Wander iconic Petra in comfort, be wowed by Jerash, be exhilarated during a 4WD drive through Wadi Rum, and float in the Dead Sea (all included in our Top 10 Jordan with Kids blog). Take a look at our 9-day Highlights of Jordan sample itinerary, or 12-day Active Jordan trip.
Kenya
Game-viewing in the vast plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara is nothing less than world-class
The quintessential ‘Out of Africa’ experience, where endless plains are dotted with prides of lion, zebra and wildebeest, makes Kenya a memorable October half term family adventure. Still warm, but without the crowds who flock here in the summer for the wildebeest migration can make for a more comfortable experience with kids. Any rain comes usually overnight. Our 12-day Highlights of Kenya sample itinerary is also a great October half term holiday length! Take a look at our Top 10 things to in Kenya do with Kids.
Morocco
The perfect time to visit, October half term holidays in Morocco are just a short hop away from the UK
Is this the easiest October half term holiday abroad? Just a 3 ½ hour flight time separates you from the sights, sounds and smells of exotic Morocco, fabulous news if you’re short on time (as October half terms can be) or have younger children to keep occupied. Comfortable temperatures (ideal for the Agafy desert), blue skies, and literally everything on our Top 10 Morocco with Kids is on the cards. Choose from our 8-day Morocco Family Short Break or our 15-day Highlights of Morocco sample itinerary.
Nepal
A top choice for active families, go trekking, white-water rafting and temple hopping
The months of September and October are peak trekking season in this eternally popular Himalayan Kingdom, making October half term an ideal time to visit Nepal. The air is clear, meaning superb mountain views and the weather most reliable, although it can get chilly in the evenings so pack a jumper. Even if you’re not a particularly active family, say, you have under 10’s, the lowlands are warm, great for sightseeing, temple hopping, going on safari in Chitwan, or hanging out at Phewa Lake, Pokhara. We’ve two sample itineraries to choose from: Our 12-day Nepal Highlights (no trek) and 15-day Active Nepal (3-day trek). You might also want to take a look at our Top 10 Nepal with Kids for more ideas of what to see and do there.
Norway
If your family loves a hike with a view, then there’s nowhere quite as spectacular as Norway
Norway’s popularity has staggered us since we launched it. An amazing array of summer activities, a completely different set of winter ones, there’s just SO much to see and do in this country of fjords and dramatic scenery. During the October half term, think summer itineraries more than winter ones; the landscape will be awash with autumn colours, it’s a great time for hiking and walking and the first snows will top the mountains.
Oman
It’s hard to resist the urge to career down the vast and dramatic dunes of Oman’s Wahiba Sands
A recent newcomer on the short-haul half term holiday hotlist, Oman is quite rightly gaining traction with adventurous families. Go in October and you’ll enjoy fabulous beaches and comfortable temperatures in which to enjoy them. Hiking in the mountains and Jebel Shams, camping in the desert, careering down sand dunes, and watching turtles too (see our Oman with Kids Top 10 for even more ideas). Take a look at our Oman Short Break if you’ve just a week or Highlights of Oman if you’re lucky to have longer!
Tanzania
Spot the Big 5 on safari and relax on a gorgeous Zanzibari beach, the ultimate safari & beach combo
During October, the Great Wildebeest migration is concentrated around the Masai Mara and northern plains of the Serengeti, making this a great time to visit Tanzania if you’re wanting a chance to catch this wildlife spectacle, one of the greatest on earth. The temperatures are warm, with any rainfall usually happening at night. On safari, you’ll be guaranteed to spot the Big 5 whilst the spice island of Zanzibar offers a post-activity paradise. We can tailor our 15-day Tanzania Safari & Beach break if you’ve less time. Take a look at our Top 10 Tanzania with Kids and Top 10 Zanzibar with Kids for the lowdown on everything there is to see and do!
Turkey
October half term is the perfect time to hike in Turkey’s stunning Cappadocia region
The crowds have faded on the Turquoise Coast and the temperatures in Turkey are just starting to dip. This means hiking the valleys of Cappadocia and exploring one of the world’s most fascinating and culturally important cities, Istanbul, is far more comfortable for all members of the family than the summer months. Take a look at our Highlights of Turkey itinerary which we can amend if time is short.
USA
Explore the USA’s Western National Parks in the Autumn, when temperatures are pleasantly warm
Now the heat of the peak summer season has begun to dissipate, as well as the crowds, travelling the desert states of Nevada, Utah and Arizona are ideal October half term territory when visiting the USA. Las Vegas and Zion National Park? Monument Valley? The Grand Canyon? Moab Desert? Canyonlands? Bring it on, we say! Check out our Western National Parks sample itinerary – we think you’ll LOVE it!
Vietnam
Immerse yourselves in the local culture on a half term trip to Northern Vietnam
Like Nepal, its ideal trekking conditions in northern Vietnam during October, warm (up to 26 degrees) and largely dry. Whatever rain falls is usually quick and in the late afternoon. If you’re fascinated by the idea of visiting the hill tribes in Pu Long, exploring the old quarter of Hanoi, sailing around a less crowded version of Halong Bay, or biking through paddy fields, take a look at our Northern Vietnam sample itinerary. At 10 days long, it’s also perfect for a half term foray. Our Top 10 Vietnam with Kids blog will also give you an idea of some of what’s on offer.
October half term holidays abroad – next steps
If you’d love to prolong your family’s summer, do give us a ring to discuss options for the October Half Term holidays. For holidays at a different time of year, check out our Around the World in Six School Holidays guide. And if you want to get ahead for 2024, why not browse our February Half Term Family Holidays, Easter Family Escapes, Family Christmas Breaks, or our Summer Family Holiday suggestions?
Call us on 01728 722717 or get in touch from our contact page. We’d love to hear from you.
Liddy Pleasants, MD Stubborn Mule Travel