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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Botswana
Visit Botswana’s world-renowned wildlife-rich game reserves as well as Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls
October is the end of the safari season in this country, known for its pristine wilderness and truly away-from-it-all feel, making the last half term of the year ideal for Botswana family holidays. It’s very hot now, but the high temperatures, dry days, and low-grazed vegetation make for jaw-dropping game viewing. In the Chobe National Park – which features on our eight-day Botswana Highlights & Victoria Falls itinerary, as well as our longer 11-day extended trip – you can still see vast herds of elephants and hippos gathered at the riverfront. Both trips take in the world-renowned Okavango Delta, with the 11-day extended trip including a thrilling mobile camping safari in the Moremi Game Reserve.
Brazil
Brazil’s diversity is phenomenal – sun-drenched beaches, teeming jungles, picture-perfect colonial towns and buzzing cities
Temperatures are on the rise on Brazil’s Emerald Coast and with direct flights from the UK, October half term is the perfect time to escape for some South American sunshine. Samba and soccer in Rio, beach R&R on idyllic Ilha Grande, and jaguar spotting in the Pantanal. Not forgetting making a splash at the Iguazu Falls! Our Highlights of Brazil sample itinerary can be tailored to suit your preferred duration or sneak in a quick visit to Buenos Aires in our Brazil & Argentina itinerary. Brazil is a big country, so see our Brazil with Kids overview to get an idea of everything that’s on offer here.
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 western provinces, which is great if you want to catch humpback whales, and 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, our Lakes, Falls & 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. Take a look at our Top 10 Activities in Canada with Kids for more ideas.
Crete
Eat al fresco, enjoy the warm seas, and soak up the sunshine without the crowds
As one of Greece’s southernmost islands, it’s still lovely and warm and ideal for exploring 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 a spectacular gorge, learn to surf, go sea kayaking in Sfakion, and wander the streets of Chania. It’s still sea-swimming weather, too! Check out the Top 10 Activities in Crete with Kids for further inspiration!
Croatia
Soak up the sun on a boat trip and go island hopping 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 olive groves on the Elaphiti Islands, make for 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 the perfect ‘half term’ length, whilst October temperatures are ideal for making the most of exploring Egypt’s world-class sites. Add to this just a four-and-a-half-hour flight time, and 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 Egypt Beyond the Nile sample itinerary, which takes you to all the iconic highlights plus the Fayoum Oasis and Valley of the Whales. Whichever you choose, our Egypt with Kids Top 10 and our Egypt customer photo collection, will give you further insight into what you could be doing!
Iceland
Love vast, dramatic scenery?… Then all the family will adore Iceland
If you want to avoid the crowds of the peak summer season and the real chill of the winter months, then a visit to Iceland for the October half term makes a compelling option. And we can tailor the trip to what you want to see and do in the time you have available. Prices are cheaper, temperatures have yet to dip below freezing, and there’s still reasonable daylight, PLUS the possibility of catching the northern lights too! Take a look at our sample Iceland family itineraries and our Iceland with Kids roundup 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, so ideal for exploring. Think 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 and our India customer photo collection may also inspire you.
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? Explore the islands of Bali and Lombok and cruise the Komodo Islands in search of the famed Komodo Dragon. Enjoy a relaxing, beach-filled break on our Relaxing Bali sample itinerary or our 15-day Active Bali & Komodo adventure. Also, take a look at our Top Ten Activities in Bali with Kids.
Jordan
Explore Wadi Rum during the October half term break, when the temperatures are warm and pleasant
Warm and sunny with bright blue skies, Jordan makes for a wonderful October half term holiday, 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. During October, the Great Wildebeest migration is usually concentrated around the Masai Mara making this the perfect time to visit Kenya if you want to catch the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth. Take a look at our 12-day Highlights of Kenya itinerary and our Top 10 Activities in Kenya with Kids. For more safari destinations see our Family Safari section.
Morocco
The October half-term holidays are the perfect time to visit Morocco, ideal for both the desert and High Atlas
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 Agafay desert), blue skies, and literally everything on our Top 10 Morocco with Kids list is on the cards. Choose from our 8-day Morocco Family Short Break or our 15-day Highlights of Morocco sample itinerary. Ask us if you’d like to do an overnight trek into the Atlas mountains, spending the night in a Berber village, or if the challenge of climbing Mount Toubkal appeals.
Nepal
A top choice for active families, go trekking, white-water rafting, and temple hopping
The months of October and November 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 is most reliable, although it can get chilly in the evenings so layer up. Even if you’re not a particularly active family, or have younger children, the lowlands are warm, and great for sightseeing, temple hopping, a safari in Chitwan, or white-water rafting on the Seti River. 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 kayaking 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 Jebel Shams mountains, camping in the desert, careering down sand dunes, and the chance to spot turtles too, (see our Oman with Kids Top 10 Activities and our Oman customer holiday photos 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!
Peru
Visit the floating Uros islands where whole communities live on reed islands
Peru offers the perfect family adventure. The Amazon jungle, adrenalin activities in the Sacred Valley, the one-day Express Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and ice-creams in Cuzco. Temperatures are mild and you can enjoy Lake Titicaca without the crowds of July and August. Take a look at our 14-day Highlights of Peru. For more things to do and see here, check out our Peru with Kids Top 10.
Tanzania
Spot the Big 5 on safari and relax on a gorgeous Zanzibari beach, the ultimate safari & beach combo
Enjoy an October half term holiday in Tanzania without the crowds that flock here in the summer, making for a more comfortable experience with kids. On safari, you’ll be guaranteed to spot the Big Five whilst the spice island of Zanzibar offers a a post-activity paradise. Temperatures are still warm, with any rainfall usually happening at night. We can tailor our 15-day Tanzania Safari & Beach break if you’ve less time. Take a look at our Tanzania with Kids Top 10 and Top 10 Zanzibar with Kids for the lowdown on everything there is to see and do! And you can even see some superb Tanzania photos taken by Stubborn Mule customers.
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 that the heat of the peak summer season has begun to dissipate, as well as the crowds, exploring 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
Conditions are ideal in northern Vietnam during October – warm (up to 26 degrees) and largely dry. Whatever rain falls is usually a quick afternoon shower. If you’re fascinated by the idea of visiting the hill villages of Pu Luong, 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 Vietnam with Kids Top 10 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 2025, why not browse our suggestions for February Half Term Holidays, Easter Family Escapes, Summer Family Holidays, and our Family Christmas Breaks?
If you are looking for something a little different, check out our Other Destinations round-up, for trips that are a little more challenging. If you have teens, see our Holidays with Teenagers, and visit our Family holiday packing list page if you are about to set off on holiday.
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