OCTOBER HALF-TERM HOLIDAYS

Where to go on holiday in October half-term

As the kids settle back to school and the leaves start to drop, October half-term paves way for a great time to getaway. The summer sun has warmed the oceans in preparation for the coming months and the balmy weather has decided to stick around for a couple more months. You’ll catch the glowing Autumn hues of Japan’s leaves and the dust kicked up on the plains by Botswana’s Big Five. What better way to kickstart the school year?

Scroll down for our top four October half-term holidays. Alternatively, browse all of our luxury family holidays.

#1 Watch the sunrise over Newport Bridge

Did someone say family road trip? We’ve spent years cruising down the highways in New England, so we can plan the best route through our favourite areas – from the mountains in Maine to the beaches of Nantucket Island. Road tripping with young kids is a great way to travel across the US, as the kids can nap in the back en route and the timings are entirely up to you.  If you’re going to be on the road every few days, it’s important to us that you not only make the most of the area through a range of exciting experiences, but you lay your heads in luxurious places along the way. White Elephant in Nantucket Island is the perfect base for exploring the island and the town’s cobbled streets. With views over Nantucket Harbour and Child’s Beach, from the private decking of your cottage, you can make your way down to the sandy shore and let the kids climb the playground equipment. 

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#2 Spend a morning spotting wild leopards on a game drive in Botswana

Botswana is a must for first-time safari-goers and is a delight to visit at any time of the year. During October half-term holidays, temperatures rise and the nights do too. The dry weather sees predators chase their prey in a battle for survival, whipping up dust clouds in their path – further adding to the rugged African atmosphere. Whether your kids are 7 or 17, the buzz of waking up in the wild and being able to spot wildlife dancing around from the tent’s floor-to-ceiling window is second to none. After a leisurely bush breakfast, take the family out on a mokoro safari where you’ll be punted around the Okavango Delta in a traditional Botswanan canoe, meandering past all its little islands. If your little one isn’t a fan of water, opt for a walking safari or game drive instead – each crammed with as much wildlife as the other. 

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3# Learn martial arts from one of Japan’s most legendary sensei

Whilst appreciation for learning about new cultures tends to come with age, there are so many ways to learn about Japanese traditions through our top experiences. And what better time to experience them than during October half-term, when the autumn leaves paint the skyline orange and red? We’re talking front row seats at a sumo stable, traditional tea ceremonies, and ramen-making masterclasses; this is an adventure for the curious to say the least. After you’ve mastered the art of sushi rolling alongside your expert chef, you’ll head to a karate dojo in Tokyo to talk all things Ninja. Here you’ll slip on an authentic Ninja costume, before learning the ropes of martial arts from Japan’s most legendary sensei. You’ll be taught traditional Ninja techniques and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to handle the blowguns and throwing stars. An unforgettable day in Japan’s quirky capital. 

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4# Island hop around the crystal clear waters of Hawaii

An iconic beach destination, as well as a thriving eco oasis, there’s a plethora of lush green jungles and volcanic landscapes waiting to be explored in Hawaii. The good thing about island hopping in the autumn is that the rain mainly falls at night, and the best thing about island hopping in Hawaii is that it can be as active or laid-back as you wish. So with that in mind, we’ll be able to plan your outdoor activities in the light of day and can adapt your chosen activities to suit the needs of everyone in the group. So if you want to read a book by the pool you can, and if you want to go mountain biking at sunrise you can. For an unforgettable end to your luxury family holiday, take to the sky in a private helicopter to get the most jaw-dropping views of the islands.

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