For the moments spent together

Gather up everyone’s passports and head off on an unforgettable family adventure as the days draw in at home. Chase the summer on a South African safari, get in some autumn beach time in Europe’s more southerly destinations or hop over to the Caribbean for sun-kissed days by the sea.

Fabulous wildlife encounters

Swap the UK’s unpredictable weather for the sunlit days of early autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. We’ve put together a fun-filled 13-day South Africa Family Adventure Self-drive, staying in serviced apartments and welcoming guesthouses, which will introduce you to beautiful landscapes – and their spectacular wild inhabitants.

It starts with three nights in Cape Town, where you can drive your car to the beach to meet the continent’s only penguins or pick from a clutch of optional experiences. You’ll want to take to the water at the next stop, Hermanus; its fertile waters are a magnet for marine life, so you might spot Bryde’s and humpback whales, dolphins and cape fur seals.

At laidback Plettenberg Bay, there are Blue Flag beaches, nature reserves and optional dolphin-watching trips to enjoy before the grand finale: three nights at a family-focused lodge in a private game reserve. Shamwari’s Kids on Safari scheme mixes exciting game drives and bush walks with on-site playtime and visits to a wildlife rehabilitation centre and Born Free big cat sanctuary.

12 nights with selected meals from £4295pp based on a family of 4 on selected March 2024 departures on British Airways from Heathrow. Save up to £1100 per family.

A double dose of sun, sea and sand

Take advantage of Dubai’s great air links to cram two retreats into one winter-sun holiday. Kick off the trip on a slice of private beach at the Sofitel Dubai The Palm , a French-Polynesian-styled bolthole with superb facilities – think six outdoor pools, superb restaurants and an awardwinning spa.

Ramp up the island vibes as you fly on to history-making Kurumba Maldives , the Maldives’ very first private resort. It’s 10 minutes from the airport, so you can be chilling in your family-sized Beach Villa before you know it. Kids and teens will love the clubs that are just for them, and you can find your zen with a couples’ massage by the sea.

Luxury villas for larger tribes

On a leafy 100-acre peninsula nudging into the Caribbean, St James’s Club & Villas is one of Antigua’s much-loved stars, as appealing to honeymooners as it is to families. The idyllic location certainly helps, with a sheltered sandy beach on one side and a wilder one on the other, so water babies of all ages can enjoy anything from gentle paddles to breezy Hobie Cat sailing.

In this all-inclusive haven, younger guests are impressively well-catered for. There’s a complimentary kids’ club and dedicated menus in the restaurants, while room options include villas with two or three bedrooms so everyone gets a private space.

Putting families centre stage

Whether you’re looking for a balmy autumn or spring half-term break or somewhere for a memorable Christmas, Lanzarote ticks all the boxes. Base yourself at Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort , which combines an appealing beachside setting in Playa Blanca and colonial-era looks with an award-winning family focus.

Nowhere is this clearer than in Kikoland, a fairytale children’s adventure area that caters to 0 to 18-year-olds with aplomb – and gives parents time to unwind in the spa. There are kids’ menus in most of the dining venues, which include a casual poolside eatery, and spacious family suites in a dedicated building.

Minimalist looks and maximum fun

A sleek design featuring contemporary art isn’t the first thing that comes to mind for a family break, but Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa proves that kerb-appeal and children aren’t mutually exclusive. This five-star Cyprus resort, on a Blue Flag beach on the fringes of Limassol, incorporates dedicated zones for different types of guests, so everyone feels cared for.

While the grown-ups enjoy the calm of the spa or the adults-only pool, the children can burn off energy at Park Kidz, a sprawling club set in a pink castle beside a huge watery play area. Kids’ menus and options for more adventurous eaters, meanwhile, ensure stress-free mealtimes.