From kids’ activity holidays to safaris in Botswana, we’ve got the pick of the trips
United Kingdom
Mini-break in York
Explore York’s cobbled streets, with their chocolate-box shops, and marvel at the Minster this autumn. The Grange Hotel (01904 644744, www.grangehotel.co.uk) has an autumn escape package, with doubles from £145 (a saving of 45 per cent on usual rates), including a
three-course dinner and breakfast. The offer is valid Sunday to Thursday until November 30.
Kids-only at half-term
Ship off the children on an activity holiday this half-term. PGL (0333 321 2114, pgl.co.uk) has tiered discounts at adventure centres across England; 30 per cent off brochure prices for one child, while two siblings travelling together get a 40 per cent discount each. And if you have three children, all go half-price. For example, seven nights’ full board at Windmill Hill in East Sussex, or Osmington Bay in Dorset, is £336pp for one child, £288pp for two children, or £240pp for three siblings travelling together. The camps are suitable for children aged 7 to 16, with activities that include abseiling and zip wiring.
Short haul
Sun, sand and golf in Crete
The temperature in Crete in October is about 24C, which makes it a great time to stay at the Porto Elounda Resort, with its stunning sea views and private nine-hole golf course. Sovereign (01293 762003, sovereign.com) has seven nights’ half-board from £989pp (a saving of £393), including flights departing on October 15. Also on Crete, the Discerning Collection (01784 817720, discerning collection.com) has seven nights’ B&B at the newly opened five-star Domes Noruz Chania from £800, including flights and transfers, departing on October 28 for bookings made before October 15.
Italian city break and river cruise
Mix a city break and cruise on this holiday in northern Italy. Start in Milan with a day exploring the shops, before taking in Verona and then boarding the River Countess for seven days. The river cruise starts in Venice, before winding its way to Polesella and back. Uniworld (0808 2811125, uniworld.com) has nine nights from £1,509pp (a saving of £1,400), departing on October 21. The holiday includes two nights’ B&B at the Starhotel Rosa Grand in Milan and seven nights’ all-inclusive on board. Flights cost extra.
South of France
The Résidence La Marquisié in the Tarn Valley is a great base for roaming the nearby countryside and canoeing and kayaking the Tarn River. Madame Vacances (01273 358071, madame vacances.co.uk) has a week’s self-catering in a one-bedroom apartment from £112 (a saving of £154), departing October 8. EasyJet (easyjet.com) has returns to Toulouse from about £80. Picture-postcard Albi is just over 20 miles away and great for day trips.
Long haul
Thailand for less
Blow away the autumnal blues in Thailand this November with lazy days on the beach or cocktail-sipping by the pool. Tropical Sky (01342 886336, tropicalsky.co.uk) has cut its prices by 45 per cent, if booked before October 31. A week’s B&B at the five-star Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort is now from £959pp, including flights. The resort has a private beach, two pools, a spa and a handful of bars and restaurants.
Safari and photography in Botswana
Combine a safari and sundowners with photography lessons on this trip to Botswana. Gane and Marshall (01822 600600, ganeandmarshall.com) has a discount of £2,044pp on its trip departing on October 14. It’s still expensive — £6,400pp — but the holiday includes eight nights’ all-inclusive at two luxury safari lodges, game drives, photography workshops and private tuition, as well as all flights. Expect to be snapping white elephants, giraffes and stunning views as the sun dips behind palm trees.
