Great October Half Term Holidays
October in Hamburg
Spend this October half term week in amazing holiday hotspots like Hamburg and Goa.
Float on the Alster
Take a break from the bright lights of the big city and enjoy a boat trip on the Alster River. Marvel at Hamburg’s natural attractions and discover the cityscape from a unique viewpoint. Families can admire the sights on a boat tour and for the more adventurous, there are canoes, rowing boats and paddle boats available to hire. Night owls can take a twilight boat tour and soak up the magical atmosphere at dusk, where the beauty of the illumined Speicherstadt district can be experienced.
Soak up the culture
At the Marktzeit in der Fabrik, visitors can spend many delicious hours exploring the plethora of tasty market stalls. Enjoy everything from hot-from-the-oven macaroons, juicy cuts of meat to wood-fired bread. Children can be kept entertained by getting messy at the painting stands.
Discover historical Hamburg
Visit the illustrious Fish Market at Hamburg Port to view thousands of docked ships. This is the perfect spot to take young kids with a penchant for all things maritime.
Take the kids for a stroll through the Old Town district, where history buffs will love meandering through the city streets.
For a truly unique experience, go to the Old Elbe Tunnel where you can enjoy an adventure beneath the riverbed. From there, head to one of Germany’s most famous buildings, the Chilehaus, where its Brick Gothic architecture will amaze the entire family.
Paris in the Autumn
As autumn gets into full swing in October, say ‘Bonjour’ to Paris with Vueling during the half term break.
Tour the famous attractions
Treat your little ones to a tour around some of Europe’s most famed attractions, including the iconic Eiffel Tower, where a trip to the top will entertain kids of all ages.
Disneyland Paris is another big hit for visiting families, while the fascinating Gothic architecture of the Notre-Dame de Paris provides the setting for memorable photo opportunities.
Learn on the go
Paris is home to a multitude of museums, providing parents with a way to make education fun. Enjoy a day at the Louvre, where artefacts and artworks will take you on a fascinating excursion back in time.
The Musée d’Orsay will capture young imaginations, with its artistic assortment of sculptures, paintings and photographs. Want to get off the beaten tourist trail? Explore the charming Musée de la Poupée, home to more than 500 dolls.
Explore Mother Nature
The city of love will be shrouded by a blanket of fiery autumn-hued leaves. The streets transform into playgrounds for children, who spend hours kicking their way through the leaf-strewn paths. Wrap your family up warm and cycle through the orange-coloured lanes in the Jardin du Luxembourg
There’s a wealth of verdant landscapes to explore just outside the city in the Loire Valley, while a cruise on the Seine River is a wonderful way to see the city from the water.
Doha With the Kids
From the sea to the desert and all that lies in-between, there are lots of family-friendly reasons to visit Doha with Qatar Airways this October half term.
Enjoy the coast
The largely wave-free coastline is a huge draw for families. Add into the mix its colourful coral reefs, salt pans bustling with wildlife and postcard-perfect islands, and it’s easy to see why families find the Gulf so tempting. Dip your toes in for a paddle, take part in a sandcastle building battle or go on a snorkelling adventure.
Get playful
A mecca for families in Doha, MIA Park is home to a surplus of fun activities. And if that wasn’t enough, the park also boasts a panoramic viewpoint of Doha’s West Bay, best enjoyed while munching on an al fresco picnic.
After the park, cool the little ones off with an ice cream while strolling along the Doha Corniche, a pretty waterfront promenade.
Go wild
Head to the Villaggio Mall, where Gondolania provides endless hours of entertainment. The scary horror rides are perfect for older children, while the bumper cars and gondola rides will appeal to youngsters.
If you would rather go wild outdoors, pack up the family and head off for lots of waterlogged fun at Aqua Park. Surf, swim and slide your way around the waterpark, using various levels of bravery to enjoy the lazy river and the enormous winding slides.
Beautiful Goa
If you have your own mini intrepid explorer, enjoy the sand, sunshine and spices of Goa this October half term with Thomson.
Feel the sand between your toes
Goa is home to stunning powder-white beaches, including Patnem, Arambol, Palolem, Mandrem and Baga. October marks the reopening of many seashore shacks, after the blitz of the monsoon season, perfect for grabbing a fresh fruit smoothie and tasting local food.
Perfect for a rainy day
In the wake of the monsoon season, October welcomes the return of the sultry sunshine, but you may still encounter a few cool, rainy days. Spend a wet day at the Goa Science Centre & Planetarium. Get hands-on with the interactive displays, watch 3D films and explore the planetarium.
Older kids can enjoy the thrill of water sports on banana boats, jet skis and parasailing, or spend the day dolphin and turtle spotting.
Wrap everyone up in their macs and explore the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, which are at their lushest after the heavy rain fall.
Indulge your senses
The vibrant colours, mouthwatering aromas, tropical sounds and exotic views provide kids with a sensory overload.
For youngsters with a zest for life, visit a local spice farm and sample new tastes.
The hippie antics at the sprawling Anjuna Flea Market will entertain both young and old, while cooking classes will appeal to fledgling chefs.