Ideas For October Half-Term Getaways
If the onset of autumn causes a yearning for sunny days, it’s a brilliant time to contemplate a little break. Happily, there’s a nice week in October set aside especially for those who are studying, have family in school, or work in schools either as teachers or support staff.
With European waters still warm and southern locations basking in the last of the summer heat, it’s possible to get a budget break – even if a surge in demand causes higher prices than the week either side. Here are our favourite places for a cheeky October getaway.
Majorca, Spain
If you’re after maximum pool time and minimum spend, look no further than Majorca. It offers a glimpse of Spanish sunshine at a fraction of the price of similar destinations. That’s largely because the Canary Island is set up to make the most of its tourist-friendly environs, so there’s plenty of options for its 15 million annual visitors.
Stay in Palma for its buzzy Spanish vibes, or along the south coast for the best of Majorca’s beaches. Venture north west for more seclusion – that’s where you’ll find the more untouched, rugged coves and rustic villages. Flights and accommodation come to around £550 per person over half term at the time of writing – which hopefully means there’s budget for a sunset cocktail or two!
Hurghada, Egypt
For a beach break with aqua parks involved, there’s always Hurghada if you don’t mind splashing out. As it’s a medium-haul holiday – it’s around five and a half hours from the UK – expect flights and accommodation at an aqua park hotel to cost around £1000 per person. But this includes an all-inclusive meal plan, so you won’t need to put your hand in your pocket during your stay. Still keen on a day trip? The world-famous pyramids are nearby if you don’t mind renting a car and have one or two willing drivers as Giza is five hours away. But the family-friendly resort town is on the coast of the Red Sea, meaning you’ll get plenty of beach and waterslide time to make sure the batteries are recharged before your return!
Florence, Italy
The whole of Italy is renowned for its stunning art, especially that of the Renaissance period. But nowhere more than Florence. Its walkable streets show off its beautiful architecture, and it’s the home to Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery, while the Uffizi Gallery houses an incredible collection of Botticelli, Raphael, and Caravaggio works.
Even better, over half term, it becomes a destination for contemporary art too, as a site-specific installation from contemporary urban artist Kaws appears at the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi. With flights at around £180, Florence has cultural holidays down to a fine art.
Cappadocia, Turkiye
If you’ve ever been tempted by the surreal pictures of hot air balloons gently gliding atop the valleys, fairy chimneys and cave houses of Cappadocia, now might be the time to make the trip. In October, the summer crowds have past their peak. Still, the clear skies and temperatures of 20C are inviting enough for visitors to step into the hot air balloons and take to the skies.
Flights to Istanbul over the half-term week start from £170. Spend a couple of days acclimatising in the capital, then take an overnight bus to Cappadocia. It might be 11 hours, but it’s the most hassle-free way to get there, it’s only £24, and you’ll save on accommodation too.
Salem, USA
It’s great timing that this year, the finale of October half-term is Hallowe’en. It means we can incorporate spooky goings-on in our travels. The possibilities are endless: visit the home of Halloween in Derry, try Transylvania (within Romania) for gothic spookiness, or perhaps Salem in Massachusetts, the home of the witch trials. These were a series of burnings and hangings in the 17th century of supposed witches, though later it turned out the testimonies against them were fabricated.
Travellers can explore this macabre history at the Salem Witch Museum and the Witch House. Visits in October come with a festival feel, as the town busies with visitors and houses are decorated for the season. 20 miles north of the well-serviced transport hub of Boston, it’s easy to get to too. If you don’t mind getting a connecting flight, it costs from £377 – frighteningly good value.
If you’re heading away this October make sure to pack a Switched On Travel Insurance policy. It’s feature packed cover is available to buy online or over the phone. Policies provide a 24/7 emergency helpline and gadgets are covered automatically. Find out more by visiting the Switched On travel pages.