October half-term holidays
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Compare the best October half-term holidays
There's an autumn chill in the air, Christmas is getting closer and the shops are already packed with festive goods. Taking a break at October half-term is the last chance many will have for a holiday in 2018. Where will you escape to?
Where to go in October 2018?
Getting it right in October can be tricky, but we've rounded up some sure-fire winners for a successful break. October half-term is a great time to recharge those batteries ahead of the long winter months - whether you crave sunshine or want to feed your mind and soul.
Many people will opt for some early winter sun at this time of year, trips to the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, Florida and the Red Sea in Egypt are all firm favourites. For those looking to keep costs down, the Spanish Costas, including the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca with perennial favourite Benidorm, are hugely popular and won't break the bank.
Majorca is also a good bet, along with more exotic options such as Morocco. Cyprus is still warm, as are some of the Turkish resorts and Crete in the Greek islands. Malta is also a good option at this time of year while the Algarve in southern Portugal will also give you a well-deserved break without busting your wallet. Just check the temperatures for the resort you plan to travel to.
Another great idea is a city break. Europe's capital cities offer a fantastic short break option for families, as well as people travelling without children. Paris, Berlin and Rome are just a starting point.
When is October half-term in 2018?
Below we've highlighted the main shutdown periods for schools in major cities. However, do check with your child's school or local education authority for exact dates as they can vary dramatically, even within the same area.
| October half term 2018 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Location | Break up | Return |
| London | October 19 | October 29 |
| Bristol | October 26 | November 5 |
| Birmingham | October 26 | November 5 |
| Manchester | October 19 | October 29 |
| Newcastle | October 26 | November 5 |
| Glasgow | October 12 | October 22 |
| Cardiff | October 26 | November 5 |
| Belfast | Off on October 29 and 30 | |
