03 Sep
2019

Why and where to take the family on holiday in October 

Did you know that the weather in October is still good in many easy to get to European destinations? If you didn’t manage to getaway in the summer holidays, you can still catch a week of sunshine without the crowds in October. 

October half term particularly offers a great opportunity for families to get away - so here are a few destination recommendations from a range of ABTA travel professionals and experts, all of which are also easily accessible from regional airports. 

Spain
Travel duration:

  • Flight to Malaga: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Flight to Barcelona: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Flight to the Canary Islands: 4 hours 6 minutes
  • Ferry to Bilbao from Portsmouth: 23 hours and 30 minutes

Still the number one country for British holidaymakers, especially for families. The best destinations at this time of year to soak up some rays, eat great food and relax on the beach are the Costa del Sol, Alicante, Balearic Islands and Canary islands. You could find yourself sitting by a pool in an Ibizan villa, having a paella and a chilled glass of sangria in a beachside restaurant in Malaga or trying out some bodyboarding with the kids in Fuerteventura. And, this could be your last chance before the cold, dark evenings set in back home.  

 

 

South of France 

Travel duration:

  • Train to Nice from London: 12 hours 3 minutes
  • Flight to Nice from London: 2 hours 5 minutes 

Nice is an accessible train journey away, but you can also get super cheap flights down to this chic but friendly stunner. It’s a city nestled between the sea and mountains on the south east coast of France, next to the border with Italy. The Promenade des Anglais, a long walkway along the seafront, is popular with inhabitants and tourists alike – a place to look and be looked at. There are also plenty of museums, monuments and gardens to admire and while away a few hours exploring.

Southern Turkey 

Travel duration:

  • Flight to Antalya from London: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Flight to Istanbul from London: 3 hours 50 minutes

Turkey is an incredible land - rich in history, culture, beautiful beaches and wonderful cuisine and offers great value-for-money holidays in picturesque resorts. For most visitors, the main draw remains Turkey’s beaches and their high quality hotels. Find a package holiday at October half term in areas such as Antalya, Fethiye, Side, Dalaman, Bodrum and Izmir.

Enjoy the last of the summer wine at sea too, sailing through the Aegean on a traditional Gulet, mooring in deserted coves and dining on freshly caught fish prepared by the crew.

Cyprus

Travel duration:

  • Flight from London to Paphos: 4 hours 35 minutes

With direct flights from all around the UK, Cyprus is very easy to get to with good deals on accommodation at this time of year. Cypriot food caters to both the more conservative and the adventurous, with close ties to the UK as well as Greek and Turkish roots.  Visit Protaras which has fantastic, safe beaches with shallow, clear water and golden sand, plenty of family oriented restaurants. Paphos is also lovely with good beaches and a very attractive port area surrounded by restaurants and bars. 

Southern Greek Islands
Travel duration:

  • Flight from London to Chania: 3 hours 55 minutes

Crete is the largest island in Greece, where you can explore the remnants of an amazing ancient civilization and the island’s healthy delicious food with an emphasis on the freshest produce. Visit Chania, Heraklion and Rethymno and the palace of Knossos all beautifully set up for visitors to enjoy beaches and lovely historic towns.

 

 

Cultural European city break

Travel durations

  • Flight from London to Rome: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Flight from London to Seville: 2 hours 45 minutes

The summer can be just too hot and crowded in great cities such as Rome, Seville, Split and Istanbul but if you visit in October half term, you’ll enjoy much more comfortable temperatures whilst you and the kids soak up their history and culture. 

Take a guided tour around Rome’s Colosseum, and visit Seville’s Royal Alacazar or Diocletian’s Palace in Split Croatia - both filming locations for Game of Thrones. Istanbul is home to one of the most beautiful buildings in the world – the Aghia Sophia – a stunning relic of the Eastern Roman Empire, once a church then a mosque now a museum, a truly unforgettable awe-inspiring place.

Looking for some adventure?
Take the family sailing around the idyllic Aegean in Turkey and Greece, cycling or canoeing in Spain, in Mallorca or Aragon are great for this or hike up Tenerife’s volcano – Mount Teide for great views over the island. 

 

 

So if you’ve got the travel bug for a last splash of summer this year, don’t miss your chance to book a holiday with an ABTA Member to one of these highly recommended destinations in October.