Last-minute October half-term foreign holidays you won’t believe the price of
SCHOOL holidays – two words guaranteed to make any parent’s bank account start sweating.
The moment the school gates close, holiday prices normally launch straight into orbit, leaving us staring at a rainy weekend in Morecambe rather than a gloriously sunny break abroad.
But if you know where to look, you can find some mega October half term breaks without having to remortgage your house.
I’ve dug up eight cracking five-night breaks with direct return flights starting at £295pp – and every single one is in October half-term.
We’re not talking about the bottom of the barrel here either – I’ve found Spanish beach favourites, theme-park thrills, Italian lakes and Croatian coastlines, all coming in under £334 each.
So you can get a proper change of scenery for the family without dipping into your overdraft.
1. Alicante, Costa Blanca – from £295pp
If your main mission this October is keeping the kids from tearing the wallpaper off while keeping costs down, this is a strong contender.
Alannia Costa Blanca is inland near Crevillente, where October daytime highs average around 24C – warm enough for spending time outdoors without the fierce summer heat.
You’re staying in cabin-style accommodation with kitchen facilities, (a lifesaver when the little ones demand a third bowl of Weetabix at 5.30am).
And the resort has tropical pools and slides, playgrounds and an indoor pool, plus an on-site supermarket for when you inevitably run out of snacks.
This is my biggest bargain, as I found five nights self catering and direct return flights from East Midlands from £295pp.
It is a good shout for families who want plenty to do around their accommodation and the flexibility to keep some meals cheap.
2. Salou, Costa Dorada – from £297pp
Salou is a must-stay if you want options beyond staring at the same resort pool for five days.
You’ve got broad seafront promenades for a wander, big family-friendly beaches and PortAventura World nearby if you want to brave the big rides.
October daytime highs average around 22C, making it a good time for mixing exploring with beach afternoons when the sun’s out.
And my pick of hotel, Inter2 Apartments, is simple, affordable and practical.
You get kitchen facilities to keep breakfast costs down, a balcony for a quiet drink once the kids are asleep, and you’re around 500 metres from the beach and coastal path.
At £297pp for five nights self catering, including direct return flights from London Luton, it leaves a bit more in the holiday budget for ice creams and days out.
Just remember to budget separately for theme-park tickets.
(Here’s our thoughts on visiting the theme park).
3. Manilva, Costa del Sol – from £298pp
For southern Spanish warmth without staying in the thick of a busy resort, head west along the coast to Manilva.
It’s a quieter option that suits families who want to slow the pace down.
It sits right on the edge of the Costa del Sol, near Gibraltar, so expect great beaches without huge tourist numbers.
October daytime temperatures typically reach the mid-20s, which is comfortable weather for exploring, coastal walks and long lunches outside.
And Pierre & Vacances Terrazas Costa del Sol gives you spacious apartments with balconies or terraces and overlooking the water.
There are outdoor pools, a playground and a sports court, and plenty of options for transport down to the beach and exploring the surrounding area.
The five-night self-catering stay I spotted comes in at £298pp with direct return flights from East Midlands.
It makes for a super-practical option if you want room to spread out without spending a fortune on accommodation.
4. Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava – from £305pp
Lloret de Mar is an absolute staple for October half-term.
You’ve got beaches, coastal scenery and opportunities for days out, including nearby Tossa de Mar and its old town.
Plus, October daytime highs average around 23C, making this a good choice for getting out and exploring with a light jacket to hand.
Condado Apartments gives you equipped kitchens, living space to spread out and balconies.
There are also two rooftop pools, including one for children, and a sun terrace.
Having a kitchen means you aren’t forced to pay restaurant prices three times a day when the kids decide to eat two bites of dinner and declare themselves full.
With five nights on self catering and direct return flights from London Luton from £305pp.
It’s a straightforward way to keep holiday costs down while still getting a proper break.
5. Fuengirola, Costa del Sol – from £310pp
Fuengirola does the familiar Spanish family holiday incredibly well.
There are loads of beaches, a seafront prom and plenty of places to stop for food or coffee.
So you don’t need a complicated itinerary when a walk, some sand and a decent lunch can comfortably fill the day.
October daytime highs average around 23C, so there’s still a good case for eating every meal outside and enjoying the beach every day.
Las Palmeras Affiliated by FERGUS sits on the seafront promenade opposite the marina, with the beach and plenty of restaurants within easy reach.
But the real win: the hotel also has a pool and rooftop sun terrace overlooking the harbour. And it’s gorgeous.
It’s £310pp for five nights with return flights from East Midlands.
A great price and a decent hotel which I’d treat as a base for getting out and enjoying Spanish town life, rather than spending the whole holiday there.
6. Lake Garda, Italy – from £319pp
Here’s the wildcard: swap the sand for lakeside scenery in Italy.
Peschiera del Garda gives you canals, waterfront walks and plenty of opportunities for pizza and gelato, which tend to work well as encouragement when the kids have decided they’ve finished sightseeing.
Late October is a little cooler here, so you might not be out sunbathing.
But Gardaland theme park is nearby if you fancy a bigger family day out, (just make sure to check opening dates and budget separately for tickets).
Residence Eden has apartment accommodation in green surroundings outside the town centre.
Kitchen facilities make it easy to knock together a quick pasta dinner without taking tired children out to a restaurant at 8pm.
And it leaves plenty of time for trips into town and around the lake.
With five nights and direct return flights from East Midlands from £319pp, it’s a wicked alternative to the usual half-term beach break.
7. Cala Galdana, Menorca – from £315pp
Cala Galdana is a proper postcard setting.
It has a curved sandy bay backed by pine-covered surroundings, with coastal walking routes for when you fancy stretching your legs.
It’s a good choice for families who want a slower few days away.
Menorca’s October daytime highs average around 22-25C, so I’d come for beach walks and exploring, with swimming as an added bonus.
Alta Galdana is a simple budget base with a pool and sun terrace.
The bay and surrounding scenery are the main draw here, rather than a big programme of hotel entertainment.
At £315pp for five nights on room only, including direct return flights from London Luton.
It’s definitely worth a look if you’re happy heading out for meals and letting the destination do most of the entertaining.
8. Seget Donji, Croatia – from £334pp
If you fancy something totally different from the usual Spanish escape, Croatia’s Dalmatian coast is well worth a look.
You’ve got Trogir nearby, Split as another option for a day out, and seaside walks around Seget.
October daytime highs around Trogir average roughly 22C, making this more of an exploring-and-long-lunches holiday than a guaranteed week of swimming.
Apartmani Medena is an apartment complex near the beach, around four kilometres from Trogir.
A seaside promenade connects it with Seget’s old fishing village, giving you an easy option for getting out for a walk.
The five-night stay I found comes in from £334pp with direct return flights from London Gatwick.
Food is extra but cheap enough around Seget, and this deal gives you a base for exploring a different stretch of Europe at a very, very reasonable half-term price.
Here are some great all-inclusive half term holidays that we’ve found for you as well.
