Going Greek
Gorgeous Villa Klio in Agios Georgios on the Greek island of Corfu makes a dream family villa holiday this half-term. It comes with two bedrooms (one double, one twin), a pool, open-plan living room and dining room. It’s strolling distance from the restaurants, shops and 9km sandy playground of Saint George beach, meaning car hire isn’t necessary. Result.
What's the damage? Seven nights rental for two adults and two children costs a total of £1,376, from 23-30 October, with Vintage Travel.
Vietnam and Cambodia
Push the boat out and book the family on a 10-night bucket-list break to Vietnam and Cambodia this half-term, combining three nights in Saigon followed by seven nights relaxing on the beautiful island of Koh Rong. The adventure begins in Saigon, where you can visit temples, markets and take a boat trip on the Mekong River, then it’s on to Royal Sands resort on Koh Rong for snorkelling, playing on the pristine white sand and hikes into the rainforest.
What's the damage? The October Half Term Saigon & Koh Rong experience costs from £8,250 per family (two adults, two kids), including a 20% discount at Royal Sands, a saving of £545, with Turquoise Holidays.
Wild weekend in Wales
How cute is Cornstore Cottage in Pembrokeshire? This cosy escape in the historic town of Pembroke is located close to the coast and countryside, and has everything you could need for a relaxing family stay, including an open-plan living space, two bedrooms, modern bathroom and courtyard. Older kids will appreciate the fast WiFi, though with the Pembrokeshire Coast on your doorstep to explore, there won’t be much time for screens.
What's the damage? Three nights costs from £422 for a family of four, arriving on 24 October. Get an extra £20 off with code OCTHT20 at check out with Sykes Cottages.
Beside the seaside in Suffolk
Whatever the weather, Southwold has bags of appeal, and the beach is a guaranteed hit with kids. Check into self-catering Turnstones Cottage, a contemporary pad with two bedrooms (one double, one twin), lounge and well-equipped kitchen, though you might want to throw some local seafood on the courtyard barbecue if the sun shines. You can visit the town’s iconic lighthouse, try beach combing on the sand and shingle, and hike a section of the Suffolk coastal path to nearby Walberswick.
What's the damage? Four nights costs £1,093 based on a family of four arriving 26 October, a saving of £69 with Suffolk Secrets.
Multi-gen getaway to Mallorca
You can take the grandparents too if you book Villa Morell in Pollensa, because this renovated rustic finca has four luxurious bedrooms (sleeps eight people). With extensive enclosed grounds, a large pool and dining terrace for long, lazy lunches, it really is the ultimate family escape with something for all ages including Puerto Pollensa’s beach and shops, Alcudia’s must-try restaurants and a popular 18-hole golf course close by.
What's the damage? Seven nights costs a total of £5,876 for four adults and two children, including flights from London Gatwick departing 23 October with Simpson Travel.
Jolly times in Jersey
If you want to head overseas with little ones on your autumn break, but not too far, the Channel Islands are a great option. Merton Hotel on Jersey is a holiday destination in its own right, with six restaurants, kids’ zone, leisure club and spa, evening entertainment and an Aquadome with a surf machine. There are plenty of room choices too, from double rooms with bunk beds sleeping a family of four, to triple rooms and double rooms that can be linked through an adjoining door.
What's the damage? Book a standard double room with bunk beds (sleeps four) from £640 for four nights (based on four sharing) from 26 October. Includes a 20% advance saver of £37 per night, with Seymour Hotels.
Adventure in Iceland
A family fly-drive is a brilliant way to bond, particularly when it’s through the dramatic landscapes of Iceland. Tracing the Golden Circle route, you’ll tick off geological wonders such as the Fullfoss waterfall, Strokkur geysir, bird cliffs of Dyrholaey and Pingeellir National Park, a UNSECO World Heritage Site. Kids will delight in taking a dip in geothermal lagoons and exploring the capital Reykjavik, and you might want to add in some thrilling extras, such as a whale watching tour.
What's the damage? An eight-day Iceland Family Adventure Fly-Drive costs from £1,345pp including flights, accommodation and car hire with Regent Holidays.
Tick all the boxes in Turkey
If you’re looking for a resort holiday where everything (and I mean everything) is taken care of, take a look at Mark Warner Phokaia Beach Resort on Turkey’s Izmir Province. The list of amenities is so long there isn’t enough room to list them all, but at-a-glance highlights include sandy beach, pickleball, spa, four pools, watersports galore and truly impressive kids’ clubs, from tots to teens. Best of all, it’s full-board dining, so no hefty bill when the kids tuck into their third portion of spag bol or ‘experiment’ with the buffet food.
What's the damage? Seven nights full board from £1,793pp based on two adults and two children flying on 24 October. Get an extra 10% off by using code LATESUN10 at checkout with Mark Warner.
Live fabulously in France
Oo la la, you can’t beat a family foray to France, particularly in autumn when temperatures are still warm but things are quietening down in holiday hot spots on the Cote d’Azur. Mas Cicadas villa in the Bay of Cannes is currently available, however I’d move fast because this 19th-century, three-bedroom stunner is drenched in Provencal charm, from the sage green shutters to the gorgeous grounds filled with lavender, olive trees and rosemary, plus a sparkling pool. Le Rouret village is a short walk away with Michelin-starred restaurants and charming bistros.
What's the damage? Seven nights costs £3,892 based on a family of four (two adults, two children) sharing from 24 October with CV Villas.
By Amanda Statham, Editor of 101 Family Holidays.