October is a great time to relax in the last of the summer sun or embrace the crisp autumn weather and get outdoors on an activity break!
Make the most of this October half term with Economy Car Hire’s top tips. Choose from fantastic holiday destinations and quick getaways, to sightseeing and outdoor activities.
1. Beach Break, Algarve
Escape the encroaching cold weather in the UK and head to sunnier climes. There are many places in southern Europe where you can catch the last warm rays of the summer sun, such as the Algarve.
It’s the perfect destination for a winter beach break. Still enjoying relatively warm weather and of course a reasonably short flight time, the Algarve gets the best of both worlds.
This southern region of Portugal boasts a stunning coastline, plenty of historical sights and day trip opportunities. There are also a whole host of sporting activities to choose from. The best thing of all? As you’ll be travelling at the end of the season, prices will be a fraction of what they were during the summer months. With more availability to boot, you can take your pick of hotel and villa accommodation!
2. Active Break, Ireland
If you don’t fancy jetting off too far afield, there are a wide range of great places to visit only a stone’s throw away. Ireland is an increasingly popular destination for families. Well known for its lush landscape and rich history there’s plenty to see, do, explore and enjoy on the Emerald Isle. Lose yourself in the great myths and legends of Ireland’s fantastic castles or brave the great heights of the cliffs at Moher!
3. European Theme Parks
Kids of all ages can’t resist the thrills of a theme park! Planning a visit to one abroad is only going to add to the excitement. Turn a family day out into a mini adventure and check out the attractions at Parc Asterix in France, Efteling Theme Park in Holland or Tivoli Gardens in Denmark.
Parc Asterix is based on the amusing Asterix stories that have entertained children for decades. Whist Efteling Park and the Tivoli gardens have a distinctly fairytale feel and draw inspiration from classic European legends and myths.
With their cultural roots these parks could loosely be considered educational. However, nearby cities of Paris and Copenhagen are on hand to inject a bit more history and sightseeing into an extended trip!
4. Educational Break
Europe is home to some of the best interactive museums in the world. Why not base the October half term around a memorable trip to one of these impressive hands-on museums?
El Castell de Guadalest is a fascinating little town and a living monument. Perched precariously on a cliff not far from Alicante, Spain this ancient walled community is home to no less than 8 unique museums. From the Magic Garden of Figures to the micro-gigantic museum, El Castell de Guadalest is an enchanting mix of history and intrigue. There’s also the opportunity to set the kids loose in the town’s winding streets with geo-caching treasure hunts!
You can never go wrong with an interactive science museum and Paris and Amsterdam boast the best in Europe. The Cites des Sciences et de l’Industrie is Europe’s largest and most impressive science museum. Parents as well as the kids are encouraged to experiment with all kinds of madness! The NEMO science center in Amsterdam is just as hands on with all sorts of things to build, blow up and climb over. The one rule both these museums have in common is that you must touch everything!
5. Adults only city break
If you don’t have little ones to entertain why not book a city break?
Europe is a treasure trove of fantastic cities to visit and explore. For a mini-break with a difference bypass the euro-classics such as Paris, Barcelona and Rome. Instead head to the often overlooked but equally impressive Copenhagen, Bologna or Riga!
If you feel inspired to get away this October let us know where you’re headed, we’d love to hear your plans. Or, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and sign up to our newsletter for the latest news and more Economy Car Hire recommendations!
Written by Jessica Langlands from Economy Car Hire
