- With average temperatures of 25C in October and wonderful sunshine for getting about on horseback, Tucson is a fabulous place to enjoy a half term family getaway in America. When not basking under Arizona’s glorious rays, you can enjoy cookouts, campfires and hayrides, while the parents can enjoy adults-only time by indulging in Tucson-inspired massages. Ranch Rider offers seven-night holidays at the White Stallion Guest Ranch from £1,197 per adult and £755 per child (5-12 years). Return flights cost from £839 per adult and £730 per child (under 12 years).
- October is the last month of winter in Mauritius, when temperatures reach as high as 26C during the day (that's practically summer for us!). Guests staying at Heritage The Villas can book a Family, Camera, Action Holiday, which encourages families to get out into the wild outdoors. From quad biking in the estate’s own nature reserve, to kite surfing at the water sports school, there is a whole host of activities to enjoy. The two to four-bedroom villas were designed with families in mind and offer plenty of space for the kids to run around. The holiday costs from £4,289 per family (four sharing) for seven nights. Flights not included.
- While Bali may not be an obvious choice for a family holiday, it’s a destination that is worth exploring, with wildlife, snorkelling in crystal clear waters and lazy days on the beach on offer. The wet season runs largely from November/December to early March, so in October there’s a good chance of dry days and temperatures of around 30C. Centra Taum Resort Bali, in Seminyak, is ideal for families and combines modern and traditional Balinese influences. Hayes & Jarvis offers a seven-night holiday at the resort from £1,949 for a family of three (saving £257), departing on 26 October and including flights from Gatwick.
- Fewer crowds and warm weather make October an excellent time to visit Tuscany. Stay in a villa to really get a feel for the region. Casa Il Melograno is a lovely Tuscan property sitting in a countryside location just 5km from San Gimignano. With three bedrooms for up to six people, a covered terrace, private gardens and a pool, it provides the perfect setting for a family holiday. A week-long stay during October half term costs £800.
- For guaranteed sunshine, culture and spectacular sights, look no further than Jordan, where the whole family can enjoy a camel ride through the desert, floating in the Dead Sea, hiking through the spectacular nature reserve at Dana and spending a night in a Bedouin tent under the stars. Stubborn Mule Travel offers bespoke holidays with an average cost of £3,500 for a family of four on a 10-day trip, excluding international flights (approx. £500 each).
- October is a great month to visit Turkey as the temperatures cool down, making it the ideal time to get active on a family adventure break. Sea kayaking, walking through waterfalls and seeing the ruins at Olympus are some of the amazing things adults and children will enjoy. Families Worldwide has two departures for an eight-day Active Turkey trip on 16 and 23 October. Accommodation is at a highly-regarded hotel at Adrasan Bay and the itinerary is packed with activities. The holiday costs from £1009 per child (6+) and £1029 per adult. Flights not included.
- North Cyprus is an excellent choice for October half term. The temperature remains in the 30Cs and the sea is warm for swimming. Active families can enjoy water sports, diving and rambling, while history buffs can explore Crusader castles, ancient Roman cities and Persian palaces. Direct Traveller offers a seven-night holiday to North Cyprus from 25 October, including flights from Luton and a stay at Ship Inn Hotel for £699 per adult and £679 per child, based on a family of four.
- October in Orlando is terrific. The temperatures are a very pleasant average of 25-29C, making it ideal for exploring the family-friendly attractions. Most theme parks have special events to coincide with Halloween celebrations, including Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal. Seven nights at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort costs from £495 per person with My America Holiday, including flights from Gatwick on 25 October.
- Portugal is a fantastic place to take the family for an autumn break. Head for Albufeira, where you can enjoy temperatures of 19C and more space on the beaches now that the summer crowds have left. Club Med's Da Balaia boasts a golf academy, a swimming pool and a variety of sports activities. The Baby Club Med and Petit Club Med kids' clubs will keep the little ones occupied, while older children can enjoy playing tennis or swimming. An all-inclusive seven-night holiday, including flights, costs £1079 per adult and £805 per child over six years old (children under six stay for free) when you travel on 25 October 2015 from Luton.
Families can explore the beautiful shores of Andalucia's Costa de la Luz this autumn half term on a coastal adventure holiday. Start in the port town of Tarifa, enjoying the views across to Morocco while stopping for a dip in the sea along the way. Saddle Skedaddle’s eight-day guided trip takes in a traditional farm, whale watching and a ride up the La Pena Mountain for beautiful views of the coastline. Accommodation is in an apartment or yurt in Tarifa and a locally owned hotel in Zahora. The trip, from 25 October to 1 November, costs from £1115 per adult and £810 per child. Flights not included.
- For family fun in guaranteed sun, Atlantis, The Palm has its own vast aquarium and the region’s largest water park. Kids can enjoy behind-the-scenes access to the resort's marine features and teens have access to their own club, while parents can relax in the ShiQi Spa and with dining at Nobu. Sovereign offers a seven-night holiday at Atlantis, The Palm from £4,625 per family of three (saving up to £1,694), departing 21 October, including flights from Gatwick.
The Ionian Islands are home to family-friendly islands that children and adults will love to explore. October half term is a fantastic time to get out on the water to discover the jewels of the Ionian Sea on a catamaran, which is spacious, stable and lots of fun for the kids. Yacht charter specialist incrediblue offers a seven-night trip aboard Fountain Pajot 39 Catamaran, departing from Lefkada for a week on-board the yacht and a handpicked captain. The holiday, from 25 to 31 October, costs £610 per person, based on a family of six sharing three cabins.
Want the whole family to be blown away by the culture, history and incredible beauty? In India you can experience the winding market lanes of Delhi, the majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise and the ancient Amber Fort in Jaipur. Search for tigers and monkeys during game drives in Ranthambore National Park and ride camels to Savitri Temple for sunset in Pushkar. Explore’s ten-day Taj, Tigers and Palaces holiday provides a fascinating introduction to northern India for families. The trip departs on 22 October and costs from £1,459 per adult and £1,219 per child, including flights and accommodation.
The hidden treasure of the Maltese islands, Gozo is perfect for a family activity holiday, with its warm crystal clear sea, beaches, cliffs and beautiful valleys. Some of the best things to do in Gozo are boat trips, sea kayaking, climbing, abseiling and afternoons at Ramla Bay Beach. Activities Abroad offers a Malta - The Island of Gozo holiday departing on 24 October. The trip costs from £1,420 per adult and from £1,340 per child (8 – 12), including flights from London.