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Sunshine getaways for October half term
  • 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!). Visiting this Indian Ocean island is a real treat for children and to ensure you and your family make the most of your time in Mauritius during your half term getaway, guests staying at Heritage The Villas, on the south coast, can book a new 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 on-site 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 there is plentiful space for the kids to run around. The Family, Camera, Action Holiday costs from £4,289 per family (four sharing) for seven nights on a B&B basis, and includes the holiday planning service (a checklist asking each family member what they would like to do on their holiday for the concierge to tailor-make a suggested itinerary), quad biking or a Fauna and Flora Discovery Tour with a family photo-shoot, a family golfing lesson, a kite surfing lesson or catamaran boat trip, and airport transfers.
  • For guaranteed sunshine, culture and spectacular sights, look no further than Jordan, where the whole family can enjoy a camel ride through the desert, climbing sand-dunes and racing down them, floating in the Dead Sea, snorkelling in the Red Sea, riding a donkey up to the hilltop Monastery in Petra and more! On a family adventure holiday in Jordan, you can also chase goats around the Roman ruins of Jerash, hike through the spectacular nature reserve at Dana and spend 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) and including accommodation, transport, excursions, breakfast and dinner.
  • UK temperatures may have dropped but in October Fuerteventura's sea temperatures are at their highest – around 23C. Situated just 100km from the North African coast, the Spanish island's warm climate, sunny weather and long stretches of sandy beach make it the perfect place to base yourself for a week both in and on the water. Avoid the sprawling masses of purpose-built complexes and stay in the small rural village of El Cotillo. Explore the coastline by sea kayak, get to grips with stand-up paddle boarding or perfect your skills on a surf board – and there’s also ample time for mountain biking, sunbathing and tennis. Activities Abroad offers a seven-night holiday, departing Saturday 25 October, which costs from £745 per adult and from £745 per child (age 8+) including car hire, seven nights' B&B in beach-side apartments, some meals, all activities, equipment and tuition. Flights are extra.
  • While Bali may not be an obvious choice for a family holiday, it’s a destination that is worth exploring – from wildlife and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters, to spending lazy days as a family on the beach. The wet season runs largely from November/December to early March, so in October there’s still a good chance of mostly dry days and temperatures of around 30C. The three-star plus Centra Taum Resort Bali, located in Seminyak, is ideal for families and combines modern and traditional Balinese influences. It has self-catering facilities which always come in handy when travelling with little ones, as well as a kid’s pool for children to splash around in. Hayes & Jarvis is offering a seven-night holiday at Centra Taum Resort Bali, with prices from £1,949 for a family of three (a saving of £432). Departing on 26 October 2014, the holiday includes accommodation on a B&B basis, transfers and return international flights from London Gatwick with Garuda Indonesia.
  • 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 family holidays at the White Stallion Guest Ranch, which combine horseback adventures in the desert with afternoons spent kicking back by the pool. Seven nights costs from £1,125 per adult and £719 per child (5-12 years), including accommodation, all meals, most ranch activities and transfers. Return flights from £799 per adult and £696 per child (under 12 years).
  • Fewer crowds and warm weather make October an excellent time to visit Tuscany. Temperatures are an average of 20C and there are fewer tourists to crowd the main sites. Stay in a spectacular villa to really get a feel for the region. Casa Il Melograna is a lovely Tuscan property sitting in a cherished countryside location just 5km from San Gimignano. It is ideal for relaxing in the glorious grounds or exploring the medieval hilltop town with its famous towers. With three bedrooms for up to six people, a spacious living/dining area, covered terrace, private gardens and a pool with a shallow end for children, Casa Il Melograna provides the perfect setting for a family holiday. San Gimignano is on your doorstep, while Florence, Siena, Certaldo and Volterra are all great days out. A stay during October half term week costs £845. Ryanair and easyJet fly to Pisa.
  • 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, roasting marshmallows over the eternal Chimera Flames, walking through waterfalls and seeing the ruins at Olympus are some of the amazing things adults and children will enjoy. Taking a boat ride to a sunken city, swimming, snorkelling and paragliding are other cool ways to get active with the kids. Families Worldwide has two departures for an eight-day Active Turkey trip on 17 and 24 October. Accommodation is at a highly-regarded hotel at Adrasan Bay, away from the mass tourism resorts, and the packed itinerary includes a selection of activities. The holiday costs from £959 per child (6+) and £979 per adult and includes seven nights’ B&B, all transportation, activities and the services of a tour leader.
  • North Cyprus is a great place to visit for October half term. The temperature remains in the 30Cs and the sea is nice and warm, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. For more active families, there is plenty to do including water sports, diving and rambling. History buffs can get out and about to explore Crusader castles, ruined abbeys, ancient Roman cities and Persian palaces. Direct Traveller is offering a seven-night holiday to North Cyprus from 26 October, including flights from Luton to Ercan and accommodation at Ship Inn Hotel on a B&B basis, for £450 per adult and £425 per child, based on a family of four.
  • October is a fantastic time to visit Orlando, when the temperatures are a very pleasant average of 25-29C, making it ideal for exploring the family-friendly attractions on offer, including the waterparks. Most of the 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. For theme park fanatics, there's nowhere that beats Orlando. Five nights at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Spa in the Walt Disney World Resort (room only basis), costs from £540 per person with My America Holiday, based on a family of four (two adults, two children aged 12 or under) and including flights with United from London Heathrow.
  • 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 is a golf lover’s paradise, with its own dedicated golf academy, and also caters for families with young children. Live music, a swimming pool and a variety of sports activities ensure that there’s no room for dull moments at this resort. 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 and transfers, costs £875 per adult and £675 per child over six years old (children under six stay for free).

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