Families across parts of England could soon find themselves with a whole new travel opportunity on the horizon—and it’s not one many are expecting.
A growing number of schools are trialling an extended autumn half term, stretching the usual one-week break in October into a full fortnight. The move is part of a wider shift among academy trusts looking at how to reduce summer learning loss and boost wellbeing for both students and staff.
While this decision is driven by education, it opens up real possibilities for travel.
A Quieter Holiday Window with Real Perks
For families lucky enough to benefit from this new two-week break, the timing couldn’t be better. Mid-to-late October is traditionally a quieter period in the travel calendar—sandwiched between the end‑of‑summer peak and the start of the winter sun season. This means fewer crowds, greater availability, and in many cases, lower prices.
Imagine boarding a flight without the usual half-term airport scramble. Resorts that are often fully booked during peak periods suddenly have more space. It’s the kind of breathing room many parents dream of when travelling with little ones.
Plus, in destinations like the Canary Islands, Turkey, or parts of southern Europe, the weather still holds. You can soak up the sun while skipping the inflated summer costs.
Ideal Destinations for an Extended Autumn Half-Term
Tenerife (4h 30m flight)
This beloved Canary island is actually best for families in winter when temperatures sit comfortably in the low 20s rather than the scorching 30s that exhaust little ones in summer. You'll actually want to leave the pools and beaches to explore Spain's tallest mountain, Mt Teide, or wander the UNESCO World Heritage city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna with its pastel-coloured mansions. Best of all, families can enjoy waterparks like Siam Park with much shorter queues than peak summer.
Red Sea, Egypt (5h 30m flight)
Dive into the warm waters of Egypt's Red Sea with comfortable mid-20s temperatures perfect for family swimming. Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh offer ideal winter family getaways with gentle snorkelling for kids among beautiful coral reefs close to shore. Adventure-loving families shouldn't miss venturing inland for desert experiences - from family-friendly quad biking over dunes to memorable camel rides across golden terrain.
Madeira (3h 50m flight)
Portugal's 'Pearl of the Atlantic' offers perfect family weather for t-shirts and shorts year-round. This 'Floating Garden' captivates children with its rainforests and botanical gardens, while the unique levada walking trails offer gentle family hikes with stunning views. Funchal's traditional wicker toboggan rides are a thrilling family adventure, while black-sand beaches provide safe swimming after exploring volcanic peaks together.
Cyprus (4h 35m flight)
Winter temperatures rarely fall below 17 degrees, making it comfortable for families to explore historical sites without summer's energy-sapping heat. Paphos combines Blue Flag family beaches with fascinating ancient tombs and temples that bring history to life for kids. Charming mountain villages in the pine-covered Troodos Mountains offer family-friendly hiking, while Nicosia provides an educational glimpse of the world's last divided capital city.
Malta (3h 15m flight)
At just over three hours away, Malta offers comfortable 17-20 degree temperatures perfect for family sightseeing without overheating. Valletta's compact size makes it ideal for exploring with children on foot, while Republic Street offers family-friendly cafes to try the national dish. Sister islands Gozo and Comino are exciting short boat trips away with safe swimming coves and historic towns that fascinate young explorers.
Gran Canaria (4h 28m flight)
This diverse island stays toasty warm (rarely below 20 degrees) and much less crowded than summer, giving families space to enjoy everything from beaches to forests. The south offers safe family beaches like Playa de Puerto Rico, while the famous Maspalomas sand dunes provide unforgettable family adventures with camel rides and desert safaris. Kids love exploring the mysterious cave dwellings of Barranco de Guayadeque and Teror's colourful Sunday market.
Antalya, Turkey (4h 15m flight)
Perfect for families from March onwards with pleasant temperatures in the high teens and 64% chance of sunny days. This Mediterranean coast destination combines family-friendly beaches with the excitement of exploring the Old Town's narrow streets and traditional houses. Families can enjoy the spectacular cascading Duden Waterfalls, the impressive Aspendos amphitheatre, and the thrilling Land of Legends Theme Park.
What This Could Mean for the Future
While the extended October half-term is currently limited to certain areas and trusts, it marks the beginning of a wider conversation about school holiday flexibility. If more schools follow suit, we could begin to see a gradual shift in traditional travel patterns.
Staggered school breaks could ease congestion during summer, help spread demand across the year, and—crucially for families—make travel more affordable and accessible.
But for now, this trial is a distinct advantage for those who can benefit from it. If your child’s school has adopted the longer break, you’re in a brilliant position to plan a family holiday that makes the most of quieter resorts and better prices.
What to Do Next
If you’re not sure how this applies to your local school, or you want to explore the best travel options within this new window, that’s where a I can really help. I keep on top of these changes so you don’t have to—matching the best destinations and deals to your family’s specific dates and needs.
With more schools offering this extra time off, there’s never been a better moment to rethink your usual holiday routine.
Ready when you are — your next adventure starts here, with me.
