Families across parts of Wales and 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
Warm all year, family-friendly resorts, diverse scenery from mountains to beaches
Gran Canaria
Micro‑climates offer beaches, dunes, villages & mountains in one trip
Costa del Sol
Convenient for shorter flights, excellent value outside summer peak
Cyprus
Rich history, warm weather in October, great for cultural exploration
Turkey (south coast)
Sunny and affordable at this time, mix of beach and history
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 we can really help. We 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 us.
