Bring back the summer! The autumn is here and we're already missing the sunshine, but the kids are about to be off school and that means fun in the sun again. Whether you're dreaming of an idyllic Caribbean escape, a short hop and skip to a beach holiday in Europe, or paradise and pampering in the Indian Ocean, when the days here get shorter and cooler it's time to for your next break in the school holidays.
It's a great time to explore hotels in warmer climes, with many beachfront properties in the Mediterranean - think Greece, Spain and Turkey - offering great deals as the high summer season winds down... and we all love getting a little luxury for less. If you're eyeing more distant destinations, the best hotels in the Caribbean are starting to welcome guests for their peak season, and Dubai's upscale resorts promise year-round sunshine and spectacular service, so are booked as an autumn sunshine banker. The most adventurous find it's a perfect time for hotel hopping and enjoying the stunning beach views around the islands of Thailand. It's even easier to simply fly and flop, on the atolls of the Maldives!
A fantastic time to chase the sun and extend your summer holiday vibes, in October Mediterranean destinations like Greece and Turkey are still quite warm, and you can enjoy their beautiful beaches without the peak season crowds. If you fancy going further afield, the Caribbean begins to shine at this time with posh-Brit favourites Barbados and the Bahamas coming out of their low season but without peak-week prices, and places like Dubai provide guaranteed sun - all perfect for that late-in-the-year beach holiday!
Jetting off to high-end resorts in the milder Mediterranean when the summer rush is over? Think 5-star hotels in Santorini or villas in Ibiza. For luxury destinations further afield consieder the Maldives or Dubai for gorgeous weather and unrivaled opulence in their premium resorts. For something even more exclusive, allow us to tempt you with balmy beach bliss in the Bahamas. From private beaches, to indulgent in a spa treatments, or dining al fresco under the stars, autumn half term is a brilliant time to experience the finer things in life.
The Med is still warm, so a beach break in family destinations like Turkey or Greece are the most popular choice, with resorts offering plenty of kid-friendly activities. For a longer-haul adventure, Florida theme parks or Dubai water parks are a hit with kids and still enjoy brilliant sunshine. Either way, it's a great time to create some family memories, enjoying the last of the year's warmth before winter sets in and you're looking forward to your next family ski holiday.
Consider the Caribbean or Mexico, where all-inclusive is king and the beach holiday season is just kicking off or, for an all-included bargain in Greece, Spain or Turkey, the climate us generally much warmer than the UK. Classic all-in destinations in the Indian Ocean are most popular with late-season sun-seekers, so book early if you fancy the Seychelles or Mauritius.
An excellent time for a couples or adults holiday, with the Med still enjoying good weather and fewer tourists - the autumn holiday is perfect for romantic strolls and outdoor dining. Beach lovers find more peaceful, adult-oriented resorts in Greece or Spain. For something a bit more exotic, places like Bali and the Maldives are entering their high season and their luxurious adult-only resorts are perfect for a romantic retreat or a trip with friends.
October half-term is a great time for a group getaway. Portugal's beautiful Algarve for golf, vineyard tours and lounging on the gorgeous beaches. Greece for chartered boat trips around its idyllic islands, or a long-haul adventure to Mexico, exploring the Mayan ruins, vibrant local markets, and stunning beaches. It's all about shared experiences and creating lifelong memories together.
With the highest peak season finished, but the climate in many short-haul European holidays is still balmy, October is one of the only school holidays where you don't always need to book early. If you're travelling in the next few weeks, the weather forecast is a bit more meaningful, so ask us where's hot in October and we'll show you the biggest last minute deals there!