Half terms were made for two – two weeks that is. And even schools are starting to agree. While some parents will see the news as an alert to stock up on arts, crafts and play dates, for us it’s just the excuse we needed to cast the net wide on October family holidays. Head to Morocco and Egypt for a slice of North African sun, Oman for endless dunes and desert delights and Sri Lanka for sweeping shores and sunny skies. In fact, we’ll go as far to say that this shoulder month is one of our family favourites. The only thing left to decide is where to go this October half term...
- Oman Family Adventure
- Moroccan Family Adventure
- Exploring Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia and Bodrum
- Egypt Adventure
- Andalucia Road Trip
- Sri Lanka Family Adventure
Oman Family Adventure
Oman may not be the first country that springs to mind when you start thinking about where to go this October half term, but it should. Home to rugged mountain peaks, endless dunes and various salubrious sinkholes, Oman feels like one giant playground – especially when you experience it on an exhilarating 4x4. Stop for breathers at sorcerous souqs and let the little ones live out their castle fantasies at Nizwa’s 17th century fort. There will be no utters of ennui here either as you set your sights on dolphins on a boat cruise, snorkel over fish-filled reefs in Muscat and ride camels through the Wahiba Sands.
Moroccan Family Adventure
Morocco is the most exotic destination within easy reach of the UK. With a lyrical landscape of desert oases, golden beaches and epic mountain ranges, which carpet the country like a richly coloured patchwork, it is its spellbinding cities that provide a much desired dollop of cuisine and culture. Perfect for all the family, a eleven-night trip can combine vibrant Marrakech with a trek through the Atlas Mountains on a family- friendly walking adventure (with donkeys on hand to carry your clobber) and camel rides along the beach in Essaouira.
Nuria Val & Coke Bartrina
Exploring Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia and Bodrum
Explore Turkey in all its glory on an amazing 12-day family trip. From eye-opening Istanbul to kooky Cappadocia, where surreal 'fairy chimney’ rock formations and troglodyte rock-hewn houses pockmark the landscape, Turkey promises to put a whole new spin on October half term. Discover 1,500-year-old mosques and underground basilicas in Istanbul, reach new heights atop Cappadocia’s Uchisar Rock Castle and enjoy five days of downtime in beautiful Bodrum. Surrounded by some of the country’s most important archaeological sites, the whole family will be more than happy to dip between ancient cities, Aegean beaches, hilltop villages and hotel pools.
Egypt Adventure
If your kids nippers haven’t already studied the Egyptians at school, they soon will. Get ahead of the curve with a nine-day Egyptian Adventure, filled with stories of mummies and treasure. Start in Cairo and the Egyptian museum, where you’ll come face to face with Tutankhamun's treasure, before hopping aboard the Steam Ship Sudan. Sail in style down the Nile, taking in Luxor and Awan’s pyramids and monuments as you go. Pass temples dedicated to the gods of beauty, love and fertility and join the children in learning how to cook Om Ali. Top it off with a drive into the desert and you’ll have a trip for the ages.
Sebastien Zanella
Andalucia Road Trip
Of course, southern Spain makes our list of where to go this October half term. Just a short flight from London, Andalucia makes Spain feel like it’s practically at the tip of your fingers. Experience it all on a road trip round Andalucia, starting in Seville. Stretch your legs on a walking tour to its classic sights and discover if your family has the rhythm on a fiery flamenco lesson. From the city you’ll cruise down to Donana National Park for a crash course is biodiversity. Swap swirly skirts for a pair of binoculars as you wade through Mediterranean marshes, ride on horseback through rural villages and sample sherry (parents only, obviously) at family-run vineyards.
Sri Lanka Family Adventure
Sri Lanka has flung open its doors to tourists once again so pack your bags because now’s the time to go. Enrol the little ones on the Young Rangers course at Wilpattu National Park, go on game drives and bush walks in search of boar, leopard and elephant tracks and see off sundowners (strictly for adults only... sorry kiddos!) from your open-sided tent. On the south coast, you’ll be able to while away days on white stretches of pearly shores as the children attempt to become surfing and snorkelling pros (with the help of a trusty guide). And if city calls, Sharky & George (our on-hand adventure aficionados) have myriad activities to keep boredom at bay. On this 13-day family friendly trip, rest assured that we have made every step to make sure the children are entertained and you are well and truly relaxed.
Arnaud Montagard