October Half term family holiday - first time sun hols, big anniversary

[ipsofatto234]

Hi,
We (2 adults and 2 kids aged 7 & 4) would like to spend October half term somewhere warm and sunny to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary. We've never done a sun holiday before and the initial googling has made me feel totally overwhelmed - Mark warner, neilson, sani, club med, etc. Have no idea what's good value and what isn't - can you help us narrow down the field?
We'd like:

• a very good quality kids club/supervised kids' activities during the day

• option of a nanny/babysitter/evening supervised kids' film club/activity

- sun, beach & a safe location - excellent quality and choice of food (two of our party have allergies) - mix of activities and down time (1 of us more sporty than the other, other might like to venture outside resort if feasible) - Ideally in Crete, France, Spain, Italy, Croatia but would also consider Greece, France, Portugal

No idea on budget - nominally thought about £5-6k but no clue if that's realistic or not? Would be really grateful for your suggestions, ideas or experiences. TIA!

The first choice holiday villages. At that time of year I would look at Cyprus and/or Rhodes.

They have fantastic fully supervised kids clubs and activities all day and a 2 hr session at night too (all run by british staff fully trained and with UK qualifications and DBS checked). Runs in segregated age groups so always age appropriate activities. My kids love them. Would easily fall within budget.

In October Greece from your list will be the best option although it will be end of season.
Have only done neilsons from your shortlist, fantastic for kids they are out learning to sail, going on speedboats, windsurfers, playing tennis etc , loads of activities for adults or you can just relax. But haven't done the others to compare.

Sun is not guaranteed in those locations at that time of year. Have you considered the Canary Islands? I've not been, but I'm told it is still hot in October, where the other locations are more 'mild'.

Thanks very much for your replies - I had not considered Canary Islands, will add that to the list. Good to hear re Neilsons - one of my kids is v sporty and the other more interested in dancing/crafts etc. so do wonder how good a fit it would be for both. Will defo look at the first choice locations, thank you!

At that time of year Canaries should be more reliably hot than the other locations. I say should because our weather in Tenerife was not brilliant this October ( still pleasant at 20+) whilst others who were in Turkey had great weather, however that's the first time in 6 years so I suppose I shouldn't complain.

I've heard good things about Neilson as well, but they don't do Canaries I don't think. Our friends enjoyed staying at the First Choice holiday village in Tenerife a few times - I would say its 3-4 star rather than luxury (we went to visit them once) but there are lots of activities. It's not right beside the beach, but its about a 15 min walk downhill.

Or if you want to stray outside tour operators the Iberostar Anthelia is a lovely hotel in Tenerife right beside the beach. We just went B&B but the choice was amazing. They have a wide variety of activities for DCs and evening entertainment as well.

Went to Cyprus mid November and it was 24-26 most days. definitely sun cream and beach weather. wherever you pick check out the accuweather website and see what the temps were in the previous year.

I had friends who went to Turkey and Cyprus this October half term and weather averaged 27 degrees with some days into the 30's. Personally I would rather pick the eastern med than the canaries for more reliable weather.

Half term in Greece is chancy unless it is Crete or Rhodes, you need to be as south as you can get.