Once the month of September has passed and you're ready for another dose of sunshine, it's the perfect time to swap busy days at work and hectic school schedules for a sun-drenched short break, making memories that simply can't be created in the classroom.
Whether you want to savour the final rays of sunshine in Europe, or fly further afield for a unique family adventure, now is the idyllic time to book to beat the last-minute rush! We have conjured up five of our favourite destinations for October, from the limitless city attractions of Dubai to the magical medinas of Morocco.
Dubai
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Family in Dubai
Perhaps best known as a playground from the rich and famous, Dubai is also a fun-filled wonderland for tiny travellers. Amongst the record-breaking buildings and striking structures that compose the city's iconic skyline, there's a world of family-friendly thrills and spills, from the world's biggest indoor theme park IMG Worlds of Adventure, to the adrenaline-fuelled slides and rapid rivers of Aquaventure Waterpark. With temperatures declining to a comfortable level during October half term, families are also able to relish the pristine sandy beaches and turquoise waters to their hearts' content! At The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, little travellers can indulge in everything from kids' yoga and stretching classes, to movie nights with newly found friends, while adults retire to the serenity of the spa, or relish fresh cocktails at the swim-up bar. While newly opened Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai may exude a sleek and sophisticated ambience - especially in the gold-splashed caviar bar - families will feel equally welcome, with the charmingly colourful Little Nomads kids' club providing an immersive space for young imaginations to run wild.
Florida
It's no secret that Florida is the holiday destination of dreams for kids! Home to Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Orlando® Resort, a luxury family holiday here is guaranteed to take you on a rollercoaster ride. But don't be mistaken, the fun doesn't stop here. The 'Sunshine State' is also blessed with golden coastline, vibrant cities and a choice of experiences and activities that's hard to beat; explore the Art Deco masterpieces of Miami, try your hand at family-friendly watersports in Naples and let little ones experience Florida's wild side in the one-million-acre Everglades National Park. To make your October half term a home-away-from-home experience, we recommend staying in an immaculate luxury villa. From the ultra-luxe, nine-bedroom Villa Golfer, complete with a gym and games room, to the elegant Villa Dreamer, which features a private cinema, swimming pool and a wealth of entertainment, you couldn't be blamed if you never want to leave!
Bali
The utterly magical spirit of Bali is enough to allure families in search of a culture, adventure and quality time. Across landscapes featuring wild jungles, dramatic volcanoes and enchanting rice fields, multigenerational memories are just waiting to be made. During October, the island basks in an average of eight hours of sunshine per day, meaning there's plenty of time for experiences including rafting along the Ayung River, admiring the region's captivating historic temples, and meeting the mischievous residents of Ubud's Monkey Forest. For energetic youngsters, Tropic Surf coaches help them hit the waves at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, while the resort also teaches time-honoured traditions including Balinese dance and basket-weaving. Alternatively, families can get lost in the hidden heaven of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, where families are encouraged to switch off and be at one with their simply spectacular surroundings, with a variety of immersive experiences available to help you delve deeper into the wonders of this Indonesian idyll.
![Children at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay]()
Children at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
![Kids' Club at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech]()
Kids' Club at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech
Morocco
From the desert dunes to the lantern-lit medinas, Morocco is bursting at the seams with things to do for families. Where better to start your adventure than Marrakech? As the call to prayer echoes through the narrow streets, browse the souks and watch the spectacular street performers in Djemaa el-Fna square, before retreating to the coastal city of Essaouira, where October's warm temperatures mean it still feels like summer! Travel just a few miles from the city with your brood to be immersed in the golden Sahara sands, travelling by thrilling 4×4 - or even by camel - to see the sights of the ever-shifting dunes. From picturesque cycling tours through traditional Berber villages, to cosy family movie nights complete with popcorn, Four Seasons Resort Marrakech prides themselves on ensuring your luxury holiday in Morocco is one even the youngest of travellers will remember for the rest of their life.
Antigua
Perfectly compact and trimmed by some of the world's most beautiful beaches - 365 to be exact - Antigua is the idyllic islet for a luxury family holiday in the Caribbean. From keeping toddlers busy with beach or poolside fun, to giving teens a birds-eye view as they zip-line through the rainforest canopy, your Antigua adventure can be as relaxed or action-packed as you wish. If your stay extends until 1st November, you'll also be immersed in the colourful celebrations of Antigua and Barbuda's 38th Independence Day, including steel pan competitions, fashion shows and extravagant parades that will capture imaginations, both young and old! Set between lush rainforest and soft sands, Carlisle Bay's Cool Kids' Club has everything to spark little imaginations, from a refreshing paddling pool and golden sandpit, to a wealth of activities including lizard-hunting and crab-racing.
![Beach at Carlisle Bay]()
Beach at Carlisle Bay