Where To Go on Holiday in October Half Term
Whether it be catching the last sunny rays in Europe or heading further afield to the Caribbean, Mauritius or Middle East, half term breaks 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 priced up a few of our favourites below, based on a family of four travelling over October half term. If you see something that whets your appetite, or you want to speak to our specialists about something different altogether, don’t hesitate to het 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, get in touch with our team today.
Africa
The luxurious four bedroomed Mkombe’s House is based in one of the most scenic and impressive wildlife areas of the iconic Serengeti. This private house is an ideal option for two families and has a dedicated team of staff to cater to your every need, including a butler, chef, safari vehicle and guide. There are also two private swimming pools and even a snug where the children can watch movies whilst the adults dine under the stars on their private deck.
Price based on 8 people travelling, including international and domestic flights.
Head to the stunning Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia for some incredible game viewing, beautiful scenery along the Zambezi River and some water-based activities to keep the whole family entertained. Combine with some time relaxing on the beach on the exclusive Likoma Island set in the middle of Lake Malawi at Kaya Mawa, for the ultimate in barefoot luxury on an incredible week away that everyone can enjoy.
Price based on a family of four, including flights, on an all inclusive basis for your safari and a full board basis with non-motorised activites while staying at Kaya Mawa.
Zimbabwe is an up and coming destination and a fantastic option for families travelling with teenagers. This exciting itinerary is activity heavy and focuses on a visit to the raging Victoria Falls, followed by an adventurous safari in the wildlife rich Hwange National Park, before taking you to the stunning Mana Pools National Park where you and your children can explore the Zambezi by canoe or go in search of elephant and other game on foot.
Price based on a family of four, including flights, on an all inclusive basis for your safari and a bed & breakfast board basis while staying at Victoria Falls.
Enjoy fun and adventure filled days for the whole family in one of the leading areas in the world for the development of pioneering conservation initiatives before heading to the famous Maasai Mara for world-class game viewing. Keep an eye out for the big 5 and much more on twice daily game drives, spending as much or as little time exploring as you wish. End with some time on the beautiful Kenyan coast where the white sands of Diani Beach await.
Price based on a family of four, including flights, on a full board basis throughout.
Just a three-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK, Morocco is our top choice for a little sunshine during October half term without the long flight and perfect for those looking to combine a little culture, adventure and relaxation. Our Morocco for families itinerary is great for first time visitors and returners alike combining vibrant Marrakech with the stunning Atlas Mountains before ending by the quiet coastline where water sports are on offer for actives ones.
Price based on a family of four travelling.
Europe
Daios Cove is one of our all-time family favourite properties. Set on a private sandy bay, Daios offers luxurious, contemporary accommodation alongside a beautiful spa and indoor pool and gym. For little ones, our exclusive Scott Dunn Explorers kids club provides endless entertainment, a jam-packed activity plan and the chance for parents to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.
Price based on a family of four travelling on 19th October, including flights and transfers, with accommodation in a one bedroom suite on an all inclusive basis and 2 spaces in our Scott Dunn Explorers kids club.
Pine Cliffs Resort is located in the Algarve, famous for its almost constant sunshine and long sandy beaches. The resort is perched on beautiful red cliffs with stunning views out to the Atlantic Ocean, with green lawns and pine trees. We are running our Scott Dunn Explorers and Crew Clubs for the first time over October half term which will be action packed and full of fun for children of all ages.
Price based on a family of four travelling on 19th October, including flights and transfers, with accommodation in a Two-Bedroom Residence on a bed and breakfast basis and 2 spaces in our Scott Dunn Explorers kids club.
Home to mighty mountain peaks and fantastic fjords, Norway is a great choice for those who do not want to stay still this half term and to get stuck into the great outdoors. Not for the faint hearted, the weather at this time of year can be difficult to predict, but as any Norwegian will tell you, if you have the right clothing and equipment there is no such thing as bad weather! Our Authentic Norway itinerary allows you to explore the culture and Viking heritage in Oslo before boarding the iconic flam railway to the fjords where kayaking, hiking and bike rides await.
Price based on a family of four travelling.
North America
Enjoy epic canyon scenery and beautiful Californian coastline. Begin your week in the Sonoran Desert at the family-friendly Four Seasons Scottsdale before stepping up the adventure and glamping in America’s iconic Zion National Park. Spend the day exploring the park with a private guide and finish with stargazing the open skies. Next head to the bright lights of Las Vegas, enjoy a mesmerizing show and soak up the spectacular city. Finish with some downtime in southern California, take a Duffy boat and explore the waterways of Newport Beach, let the children sample a surf lesson or simply enjoy the spa and pristine coastline that surrounds one of California’s most loved coast towns.
Enjoy all the signature experiences California has to offer this October. Begin your trip with a cycle over San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge before heading to your own log-cabin in The Redwoods. Zip-line through the tree tops at Yosemite then head to the coast and try to spot some whales. Drive down the Big Sur to Santa Barbara and enjoy the “American Riviera” before your final stop in Santa Monica, stroll the boardwalk, enjoy the plentiful farmers market or hike to the Hollywood sign, all of this in the beautiful Californian sunshine.
The ultimate family holiday in Florida is best done in style, combining family fun at the parks with Florida’s famous sandy beaches. Be in the heart of the magic at the Four Seasons Orlando, the perfect place to explore all the nearby parks and attractions before heading south to the Four Seasons Palm Beach; this luxury resort is perfect place to relax with plenty of options to keep children entertained. The week finishes in Miami, enjoy family bike rides along the beach and turquoise waters of the swimming pools, this holiday is the perfect combination of family fun and relaxation.
Indian Ocean
Niyama Private Islands is an unrivalled spot for family fun in the Maldives. With a renowned Explorers kids club, as well as countless activities for younger guests, little ones will be kept amused from start to finish. Marking the end of the wet season, October is a good time to visit this Maldivian gem and soak up some sun and endless family fun.
Price based on a family of five travelling on 25th October, including flights and transfers, with accommodation in a Family Beach Pool Villa on a half board basis.
Book before 31st July and travel for £3,400pp. Book after 31st July and travel for £4,700pp.
As the only resort on the Laamu Atoll in the Maldives, Six Senses Laamu offers unadulterated luxury and privacy, confirming it as a brilliant place to get away from it all this October. Get around the island by bike, enjoy a film beneath the stars, indulge in a signature Six Senses spa treatment or get out on the water for a surfing adventure the family will never forget.
Price based on a family of four travelling on 25th October, including flights and transfers, with accommodation in a Lagoon Water Villa on a half board basis.
Shanti Maurice is a magical resort set on the south coast of Mauritius with lush tropical gardens and a stunning white sand beach which is perfect for snorkelling. There is also a Scott Dunn Kids Club set in 2000sqm of its own grounds with a splash pool, play area, games room and a programme of activities to keep the younger guests entertained.
Price based on a family of four travelling on 26th October, including flights and private transfers, with accommodation in a Junior Suite with an Ocean View on a half board basis.
Asia
Enjoying an unparalleled location, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort sits on a secluded stretch of Sri Lanka's southernmost coastline. With stunning ocean views, relax here after time spent touring Sri Lanka's cultural highlights.
Price based on two adults and two children under 12 staying in a Two Bedroom Pool Villa. This offer includes a complimentary to a half board basis.
Set on the lush tropical island of Koh Kood, Soneva Kiri offers the ultimate in relaxed barefoot luxury with unparalleled levels of service and cutting-edge eco-concepts, making it the most exclusive resort in Asia and one of the world's finest escapes.
Price based on two adults and two children under 12 staying in a Bay Pool Villa Suite. Enjoy two complimentary nights, 50% discount on adult transfers and complimentary full board basis for children when they are eating with the adults.
Latin America
Encompassing Brazil's must-see highlights, this classic Brazil itinerary affords fantastic value and takes in the colourful city of Rio de Janeiro where you can relax on the white sands of Copacabana Beach before heading up the Christ the Redeemer Statue for breath-taking views. Then discover the mighty Iguazu Falls which are made up of over 375 individual drops and sit immersed in wildlife-rich jungle, before winding down on the beaches of Buzios to end your trip, enjoying fantastic dining and the many club lounges which dot the shore.
This itinerary takes you to colonial Cuzco, the heart of the Inca empire, before continuing on to the epic scenery of the Sacred Valley where an array of adventures await, as well as the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu. From there, head deep into the Amazon Rainforest to experience the sights and sounds of the jungle, looking out for the monkeys, toucans, sloths and other wildlife. October is a good time to visit Peru and means you avoid the summer crowds at Machu Picchu.
Embark on one of our best loved itineraries this October half term and take in two of Latin America’s most exciting cities, the incredible Iguazu Falls and Brazil’s idyllic beaches. Begin in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s buzzing capital, famous for its French classical architecture, world-class steak restaurants and fiery tango dancing before flying north to the Iguazu Falls. October is when the Iguazu Falls are at their most impressive, having benefitted from rain over winter. Head south to the vibrant Rio de Janeiro, where you’ll visit iconic sights such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Your final stop is beautiful Buzios with its many bays for a spot of relaxation.
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