Create a perfect family break: where to go this October half term

Where? Morocco

What? Take flight to Morocco and enjoy minimal travel time from the UK (around 3-4 hours) while discovering a world of dazzling differences, perfect for inquisitive minds. 

Why? From the colourful medinas of Fez and Marrakech and the fishing villages of the Atlantic coast to the spectacular peaks of the High Atlas Mountains and the dramatic dunes of the Sahara, there’s a world of wonder to captivate families. What’s more, autumn is a wonderful time to visit this vibrant and varied North African country. The weather is warm and sunny, making it the best time to relax in our favourite kasbahs, boutique hotels, riads and private villas.  In Marrakech, just a handful of the incredible experiences we can arrange for you in the city include a spin in a vintage sidecar, a sunset tasting trail in the medina, a personal shopper to guide you through the souks and a private dinner at the Palais Bahia. Why not twin the buzz of the city with a mountain trek, immersing your family in the warm embrace of Berber culture?  

Where? Egypt  

What? Spend time in bustling Cairo for a flavour of the modern-day city followed by an idyllic Nile cruise so your family can unwind and enjoy a glimpse of rural life, stopping off at glorious heritage sites along the way.  

Why? October is a fantastic time for families to visit Egypt for several reasons. Marking the beginning of the peak season, expect comfortable temperatures and low humidity – perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing Egypt’s historic monuments, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor and Karnak. A fascinating educational experience for children and adults alike, we can arrange exceptional private guides to enlighten you on the rich history of the region. Follow your learnings with a glamorous Nile River cruise; we work with a fantastic selection of intimate, traditional vessels that will allow you to explore Egypt’s ancient wonders at your own pace in a relaxed and family-friendly setting. We believe Egyptian food deserves more time in the spotlight: Cairo is arguably one of the best places to sample the country’s incredible signature dishes, with a multitude of divine restaurants, bustling cafes and food stalls serving up fabulous flavours. Traditional Egyptian dishes include tasty mezze (baba ghanoush, hummus and duqqa), eish baladi (delicious, fluffy pita breads) and stuffed pigeon.  

Where? The Seychelles  

What? While every one of the glorious island idylls that make up the Maldives is home to chalk-white powdery beaches, gin-clear waters, beautiful coral reefs and rich marine life, each has its own character and appeal: our Destination Experts know them inside out so can select the right one for your family.   

Why? Crystalline waters, beautiful sands, impeccable hotels with the finest service and food – the Seychelles has it all. However, it is the wildlife that makes the Seychelles stand out, a major draw for families. Giant tortoises, as old as any in the Galápagos, roam Alphonse and North islands. Here, you go searching for tree frogs, wild terrapins, fruit bats and, under the waves, you’ll find your very own Nemo. A holiday here can truly be an ocean-based safari for children of all ages, exploring some of the most remote atolls on the planet. Spend time with expert guides learning about ocean life and then relax on the purest sand while the kids search the rockpools for creatures they are unlikely to find at home. Direct flights from South Africa and Kenya make the Seychelles one of the best beach add-ons to a safari holiday.  

Where? Uganda  

What? Perfect for intrepid families with older children, Uganda is a place to come with expert guidance, an adventurous spirit and willing to experience a less-manicured Africa.  

Why? Luxury Uganda safaris are perfect in that they offer more of an unexpected, open savannah landscape with cascading waterfalls and tall, mist-wreathed mountains. The country’s most famous residents – the mountain gorillas of Bwindi and Mgahinga – are just one of Uganda’s extraordinary range of primates, birds and mammals – uncover them all on a unique family holiday guaranteed to leave all ages in awe of our beautiful planet. There are some real hidden gems here too. Imagine, for instance, an area that looks just like the Masai Mara, but is almost totally untroubled by visitors. Additionally, Uganda is making real efforts with conservation and poaching, which, once rampant, has been considerably reduced.   

Where? Iceland  

What? An Icelandic adventure allows families to experience the island’s raw beauty and indulge in unique cool-weather activities, with the added potential for witnessing the mystical northern lights.  

Why? Not only is October the start of the ideal viewing season for the mesmerizing aurora borealis (expected to be at their finest in 2024), but with the busier summer season winding down, this month offers more opportunities to explore Iceland’s attractions with fewer crowds. Autumn brings stunning contrasts as mossy lava fields turn golden, with snow beginning to dust mountain peaks. Waterfalls are particularly powerful after the season’s rains and Iceland’s incredible glowing glacial caves start to open – magical. While the weather is always unpredictable here, you can still comfortably tour the sites with the right layered clothing and as the nights lengthen, Iceland’s cozy culture comes alive: soak in geothermal hot springs, sip hot chocolate at cafés and snuggle under sheepskins. We love Torfhús Retreat, a stunning lodge inspired by the heritage architecture of an adjacent Viking farm.