May half term: Five of the best last-minute holidays

May half-term is just round the corner and if you've left it to the last-minute to book a family holiday, you're in luck, as there are some great escapes to be snapped up for those looking to get away this spring.

SEE ALSO: Best family hotels in the world 2016

SEE ALSO: Top UK hotels the kids will love

From luxury breaks to budget finds, we've picked the best late deals and last-minute holiday ideas for the whole family to make the most of the school holidays this spring.

Take a look at these excellent half-term holidays, from Croatia to Toronto...

Indulge in Arabian delights in Ras Al Khaimah

For a destination everyone can agree on, discover the beauty of Ras Al Khaimah on a family getaway. Ideal for escaping the cold to chase new adventures, the Emirate state offers the mighty Hajar Mountains for hiking and biking, 60km of shimmering coastline for jet-skiing and snorkelling, and the Al Hamra Golf Academy to gather for family tee time. This half-term, you can experience the height of luxury with a stay at The Cove Rotana Resort, which offers children the Flipper's kids club and a Little Chef's Brunch. Kenwood Travel is offering a seven-night holiday for two adults and one child (under 12) from £1,383 per family, including return flights departing 28 May.

Hike, bike and snorkel the Croatian island of Mljet

Families looking to get back to nature can relax in sun-soaked Croatia this half-term. Nestled within the pine and oak forest of the Mljet National Park, Hotel Odisej is the only hotel on the charming island of Mljet and makes for a great-value waterside escape. It is surrounded by superb hiking and biking paths, world-class boating and diving in warm, shallow bays and history-rich Roman ruins. Those looking to explore can also wander through the forest to two emerald-green lakes, head underwater to dive or snorkel past ancient Roman ruins or visit the 12th century Benedictine monastery. The Healthy Holiday Company offers a seven-night holiday departing 28 May from £695 per person based on a family of four sharing two rooms on a half-board basis, including flights.

Explore Toronto and Niagara Falls on a city break to remember

Take the family to Canada on a short break to enjoy the cosmopolitan city of Toronto and its host of family-friendly activities, including the Bat Cave attraction at the Royal Ontario Museum – a replica bat cave with over 20 species of bats - and Toronto Islands for the beautiful views of Lake Ontario and to visit the Centreville Amusement Park, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and Franklin Children's Garden, as well as Blue Flag beaches and easy cycling paths. After this, head for Niagara Falls, where you can sail up to the brink of them, walk behind them or fly over the Falls in a helicopter. Canadian Affair offers a four-night May half-term break for £565 per adult and £339 per child (based on a family of four), departing 30 May and including flights and four-star accommodation.

Lap up the luxury from the sands to the spa in marvellous Mauritius

Offering a wonderful setting for families to experience tranquility, adventure and nature, Mauritius is a terrific island for a half-term escape. At luxurious hotel The Residence, children can spend their days on treasure hunts, enjoying snorkelling classes and getting close to nature on glass-bottom boat rides. The hotel's spa offers treatments for the whole family, including massages, manicures and facials for little ones. Turquoise Holidays is offering a seven-night holiday at The Residence Mauritius from £4,199 per family (a saving of £3,600 per family), based on two adults and two children (under 12 years) staying in two Colonial Garden View Rooms on a half-board basis and including flights during May half-term.

Go barefoot by the sea in surfing hotspot Hossegor

For a rustic, Robinson Crusoe-style family break, hit Southwest France for the surf, sands and splendid cuisine. Cabane de La Plage is a charming cabin situated right on the beach at Hossegor, allowing you to experience the surf on your doorstep and take lessons with experts. The cute bolthole for six people is just a short walk from the local shops, restaurants and cafés, making it a great spot for beach lovers who want to dip in and out of the waves then head into town. There are three compact cabin-style rooms and an outside deck facing the sea. With no TV or WiFi, this is the place to really get away from it all. Alternative Aquitaine is offering May half-term week rental for £1,288. Return fares by ferry cost £199 for a family car with P&O Ferries.

%VIRTUAL-TripAdvisorWidget%