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: Big five, mokoros & the Delta
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: Rio, world-class beaches & Amazon
Sun-drenched beaches, teeming jungles, picture-perfect colonial towns, and buzzing cities, Brazil’s diversity is phenomenal
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: Niagara, city buzz & moose on the loose
Wrap up and you can still explore Algonquin National Park by kayak in the UK’s October half term holiday
Many families tell us they prefer travelling in Canada out of the peak summer season and in more comfortable temperatures. So they choose our Lakes, Falls & Cities of Ontario trip to maximise their October half-term. No humidity, shorter queues and, if you are lucky, the end of the autumn-fall colours. Enjoy the great outdoors in magical Algonquin Park with more chances of spotting wildlife in quieter surroundings, Niagara without the hordes and catching an NBA basketball match in Toronto. For those looking for the ultimate bragging rights when school starts back, ask us about the polar bear experience in Churchill.
China: Ancient cultures & jaw-dropping scenery
Take in the extraordinary scenery of Yangshuo by bamboo raft along the Yulong River
It’s never been easier for family travel to China thanks to a significant easing of visa regulations, making our 11-day sample China itinerary, which takes in many of the highlights, a perfect fit. Generally speaking, October is mild, dry and sunny, perfect for exploring Beijing and the Forbidden City (it does get cool at night, though), whilst the spectacle of maples turning red is a sight to behold. This is also the golden autumn period when the karst mountain scenery around Yangshuo can be surrounded by atmospheric seasonal mist. October half term also misses the busy Golden Week, a national holiday, here. Read our China with Kids Top 10 feature to see what else you could be doing!
Colombia: Coffee, vibrant culture & Caribbean islands
Tubing is fun and an opportunity to spot noisy monkeys and colourful birds
Colombia, unlike many countries in this part of the world, is a great place to be in October. The Caribbean coast is drier and sunnier than the central Andes and without the intense heat and humidity of other seasons. Enjoy coastal walks in Tayrona National Park (with plenty of dips at the protected beach spots), tubing down the Don Diego river spotting howler monkeys and macaws along the way, and time on an idyllic Caribbean island for snorkelling and bioluminescence tours. Our Best of Colombia itinerary also includes time in the stunning city of Cartagena, justifiably known as the jewel of the Caribbean. See our Colombia with Kids Top 10 feature for more fun family activities.
Crete: Hiking, biking, kayaking & alfesco dining
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!
Egypt: Ancient wonders, Nile-cruising & hot-air balloons
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: Lava tunnels, waterfalls & Northern Lights
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: Taj Mahal, tigers & colourful festivals
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.
Kenya: Big five, Masaai culture & Great Migration
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.
Madeira: Outdoor adventure & Portuguese treats
The temperatures are perfect for gentle walks or a more challenging mountain ascent
If you are looking for a last blast of pleasant, but not scorching, summer sun and don’t want to travel too far, the Portuguese outpost of Madeira has adventurous October activities in bucketfuls. The sea will be as warm as outside temperatures, 23 degrees, ideal for sea-kayaking, swimming, dolphin trips and canyoning, whilst you can explore Funchal and hike up a volcano without working up too much of a sweat. Have a look at what else you can be doing in our Madeira Family Holidays feature and our example short break Madeira itinerary. No visit to this ‘garden island’ would be complete without the quintessential wicker basket toboggan ride!
Morocco: Bustling souks, mountain hikes & tagines
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 magical 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: Epic trekking, temples & safari
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.
Peru: Ancient ruins, adrenaline activities & jungle
Visit the floating Uros islands where whole communities live on reed islands
Peru offers the perfect family adventure. The Amazon jungle, adrenaline activities in the Sacred Valley, the one-day Express Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and ice-creams in Cusco. 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 in Peru on our October half term holidays, see our Peru with Kids Top 10.
Tanzania: Big five, outdoor activities & glorious beaches
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 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 have 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: Iconic Istanbul, Cappadocia & delicious meze
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: Deserts & Grand Canyon or Fall in New England
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 holiday territory. There’s so much to explore when visiting the southwest of the USA: Las Vegas and Zion National Park, Monument Valley, The Grand Canyon, Moab Desert and Canyonlands. Bring it on, we say! Check out our Western National Parks sample itinerary – we think you’ll LOVE it! Or head to New England for a glorious Fall, with over-the-top Halloween celebrations, and possible whale sightings off the coast of Cape Cod.
Vietnam: Culture, Halong Bay & mouth-watering menus
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 – we can help
Ready to swap the autumn chill for one last burst of sunshine? We’ve road-tested the best October half-term family holidays so you don’t have to. Give us a ring at 01728 752751 or enquire online to start planning your perfect tailor-made family escape.
We can advise on which destinations still have the best flight availability for October, and make all the arrangements from start to finish, so that you can enjoy precious holiday time with your family, taking away the stress. Our in-country team will support you throughout once you are on holiday, and we 24/7 helpline in the UK.
Tailor-made trips throughout the year
For holidays at a different time of year, see our Around the World in Six School Holidays guide. And if you want to get ahead for 2027, why not browse our suggestions for:
February Half Term Holidays
Easter Family Escapes,
Summer Family Holidays,
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 page if you are about to set off on a trip. Also see our Best Family Holiday Destinations feature for an overview of the top 50 countries we offer.
Charlotte Hamilton, Stubborn Mule Travel
