October might just be the sweet spot for a family escape. The summer crowds have packed up, the temperatures have taken a more sensible approach (thank you very much), and there are still plenty of places where sandals and ice creams are firmly on the agenda.

For an easy dose of autumn sunshine, head south to the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Malta or Morocco. Think beach days, outdoor adventures and warm evenings — without the peak-season chaos (or the eye-watering July prices). Turkey is another brilliant option, with gorgeous family resorts and plenty of sunshine left to enjoy.

• The Canary Islands: 21-28°C
• Morocco: 17-29°C
• Cyprus: 18-28°C
• Malta: 18-25°C
• Turkey: 15-25°C

Fancy going further? October is a fantastic time for a long-haul adventure. The Seychelles and Oman bring the wow-factor with turquoise waters, wild landscapes and serious sunshine, while Mauritius delivers the dream combo of brilliant beaches and family-friendly resorts

• Seychelles: 24-30°C
• Oman: 25-35°C
• Mauritius: 18-24°C

Best October holidays with babies and toddlers

Travelling with babies and toddlers is all about making life as easy as possible (because nobody needs a holiday that feels like a military operation). For October half term, look for destinations with shorter flight times, direct routes and hotels that make travelling with little ones feel effortless. Warm weather is a big bonus at this time of year, but you don’t necessarily need scorching temperatures. The Canary Islands, Cyprus, Turkey and Malta are great choices for gentle sunshine without the intensity of summer

Our favourites for babies & toddlers:

• The Royal Senses, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Zafiro Palace Andratx, Mallorca
• GF Victoria, Tenerife
• Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, Mauritius

Best October holidays for children aged 5-12

Once children reach school age, holidays become all about experiences. October is a brilliant time for family adventures, with cooler temperatures making it perfect for exploring. This is the age where holidays can really come alive – whether that’s snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, spotting wildlife, exploring ancient ruins or simply making friends at the kids’ club. Look for hotels with brilliant children’s programmes, family pools and activities that give kids their own holiday highlights (while giving parents the occasional chance to relax). October is also a great month for destinations that can feel too hot in summer. Morocco, Oman, Cyprus and Turkey are all fantastic for combining sunshine with adventure, while Iceland offers unforgettable landscapes for families who prefer something a little more ‘wow’ than ‘poolside’

Our favourites for kids:

• Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Cyprus
• Las Terrazas de Abama Suites, Tenerife
• Le Domaine Limoune, Morocco
• Martinhal Lisbon Oriente, Portugal

Best October holidays for teenagers

Teenagers can be the hardest passengers to impress (especially once they’ve mastered the art of the eye roll), so choosing the right destination is key. The best October holidays for teens offer a bit of freedom, plenty to do and experiences they’ll actually want to tell their friends about. Look for resorts with watersports, adventure activities, sports facilities and teen clubs

Our favourites for teens:

• Hillside Beach Club, Turkey
• Club Med Seychelles, Seychelles
• Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora, Croatia

If you’re hoping to bag the best October half term holiday, the short answer is: start looking sooner than you think. October is one of the most popular times for families to travel, thanks to those precious few days off school (and the very real need for a bit of sunshine before winter arrives). Flights, family rooms and larger villas can disappear quickly, especially in favourites such as the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Turkey and Morocco

As a general rule, aim to book around 6 to 9 months ahead if you’re travelling during half term, particularly if you’re after a specific hotel, a kids’ club or a family suite

The sweet spot for booking October sunshine is usually January through to May, when you’ll find the best choice of family-friendly hotels, flight options and prices. Leave it until late summer and you may find fewer options and higher prices, especially for popular all-inclusive resorts

That said, if you’re flexible on destination, departure airport or dates, there are sometimes last-minute gems to be found. City breaks, shorter European escapes and self-catering stays can also offer better value closer to departure