i too am tied to October half term as g/f is a teacher and therefore we have to fly on either the Saturday or early enough on the Sunday to get back in time to get a reasonable sleep before being back to work. We also like it to be hot enough to sunbathe as we're after a chilled beach holiday but not too long a flight cos it's only a week.

The two options i narrowed it down to were:
Saturday pm to Gran canaria from BHX with Thomas Cook leaves about 18:30 back at 03:00 Sunday am.
Saturday pm flight to Fuerteventura from MAN (TCX) 14:25 out/23:35 back

We booked the Gran Canaria option as there was a cheaper accomodation option and Birmingham is a bit nearer for us.

For late October. Canaries seem best weather wise for a European destination, Egypt would be hot but I'm not a fan of Egypt. We actually love Greece but it's too risky with the weather that late in the season and we're going to Zante in August anyway. Cyprus would be nice in late October but there were no flights that suited us.

Hi Blossom,I'd give Turkey a miss if I was you,we went 23rd October last year and were disappointed with the weather.It was nice the week before and again the week after but as its your first holiday it would be better to go where the weather is a little warmer.T.

Thank you for this information
I think we too are going to opt for Gran Canaria now too!

I think if you dont want to spend yonks on a plane, then one of the Canary Islands is ideal. Flight time is between 4 and 4.5 hours which is not too bad. The weather is still nice but I think Tenerife and Gran Can will be warmer than Lanzaorote. In Gran Can, there are some bargains to be picked up if you stay somewhere like Puerto Rico..but I think Tweety has suggested Playa Taurito..which I think is an excellent choice. We always stay in the Taurito Princess when we visit. Transfer time from the airport is about 40 minutes.

Thomsons are showing the Marina Apartments in Puerto Rico, HB leaving from Bristol on 18th Oct for £476
Thomas Cook are showing prices ranging from £316 for SC right up to £700 for staying AI in the Grand Palace in Amadores. These are all departing from Bristol too.

Happy hunting. You will love it in Gran Canaria...and you must visit Mogan, it is my favourite place in the whole of the Canaries.

Thank you Justval. The fact that the Lago Taurito has a water slide park is very appealling as my boys would just love it!!

I will certainly bear in mind and try to visit Morgan

There is actually a Lido in the middle of the resort..it is only a small resort...and the Lido has a mini crazy golf course, various swimming pools and water slides, little rides for smaller children..plenty of activities etc for during the day. if you are staying in the Lago, this is free to use. If you are staying at any of the other resorts, there is a small charge..but we only used it to play Crazy Golf..we had a champion of the universe type competition for the kids!! (I was soooooooo awful and most definitely was not anywhere near Tiger Woods standard.. ).

Hi blossom ....second what justival says about Mogan....its 10 or 15 mins on bus from right outside resort...and cost 1.2 euros each.....if you go take some bread and throw it in the water off the little bridge...the boys will be amazed with the fish...hundred of them ...all trying to get some bread...same in the harbour.....tweetie

hi justival....thanks ...will enjoy my hols...tweetie

Of course I've got to recommend Tunisia haven't I! A flight of approximately 3 hours, glorious beaches, nice hotels and lovely weather (at least it had better be as I'm back there on 10th October!!) The Hotel Marabout in Sousse has a small water park, which as it's part of the hotel should still be open at that time of year. When you decide where you want to go come back to the forums and ask any questions you have and I don't doubt someone will be able to help.

Hi all

Thanks so much for all the advice I have received so far it have been hugely valuable!

We had decided but not booked the Lago Taurito, then the Travel Agent rang this morning and recommended the IFA International Atlantic - reading the reviews on Trip Advisor it doesn't look so good but she says it is better for my 14 year old - will be 15 at time of holiday!

Can anyone add anything that could sway me either way please?

I'm still thinking that the Lago Taurito would be the better option for us.

Thank youuuuuuuuuuu

I need help again guys
I haven't yet booked, was just about to when I realised that by booking the one that comes up on the Thomas Cook website with the flight leaving at 21.10 from Bristol and not arriving in Gran Canaria until 01.35 early hours on Tuesday morning we lose a day/night of our holiday
Is there a way I can change the flight times from the same airport for morning flights I have pressed the alternative flights button but can only get a flight from different airports.

Please help if you can - I am all a flap here!!