Last-Minute October Half-Term Holidays

Treat yourself this October half-term to a last-minute holiday. The Autumn months can be the perfect time for a getaway without the peak crowds or intense heat of some countries. Many schools and colleges have their half-term break over the Halloween period. So, let’s look at some of the spooky destinations you could flit away to for a spine-tingling vacation…

Take a Road Trip in Transylvania

Transylvania in Romania has long been associated with Halloween and author Bram Stoker’s fictional vampire, Count Dracula. This is the ideal location for an October half-term road trip. Fly into the Cluj-Napoca airport (CLJ) and hire a car that you can collect when you arrive. There are so many things to do here and everywhere is easily accessible by car. Start by exploring Bran Castle, which regularly hosts Halloween-themed events, and 2025 is no different! Visit on the 31st October for a spooktacular evening.

Spend a day exploring the city of Brasov, which is renowned for its medieval charm. You can even take a cable car up Mount Tampa for the best view of the area. This is a great way to spend the day if you’re on a tight budget, as it’s free to wander around the area. The cable car is also very affordable, as it only costs approximately £3.50 (4 Euros) for a return. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could hike up the mountain! Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Brasov version of the Hollywood sign too, as it makes the perfect photo opportunity.

Celebrate the Day of the Dead this Half-Term

Falling on the 1st and 2nd of November, the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a very famous festival in Mexico. For a unique last-minute getaway this half-term, head to Oaxaca City to take part in their Halloween and Day of the Dead festivities. You will be in for a trip filled with vibrant colours. A large parade takes place and many locals dress up in bright floral costumes and skeleton masks. Usually, there will be somewhere for you to get your face painted too, so you can join in with the fun.

Before the celebrations begin, explore the Oaxaca street food stalls. This is the ultimate foodie destination with lots of speciality dishes. For example, try their mole sauce for a unique flavour experience. As the locals grow a lot of chillies here, there are also bound to be some spicy dishes for you to sink your teeth into.

Head to Denmark for the Black Sun

While it sounds delightfully spooky, the “Black Sun” actually refers to the starlings seen in Denmark’s skies as they migrate in the Spring and Autumn. Large swarms of these birds appear like black clouds over the marshlands of Tondermarsken. This natural phenomenon is an interesting way to spend the October half-term. Kids and adults alike can spend time spotting the birds as they fly overhead.

An hour-and-a-half drive from here, you can spend the day at the original Legoland in Billund. You could even bring the extended family on this trip as there is something for everyone. Spend time in the imagination zone at the 4D cinema before wandering through the miniature village. There are also plenty of exciting rides for those thrill-seekers in the family.

Visit Derry While it is Demonically Decorated

This half-term, head to Derry in Northern Ireland where they host a large Halloween festival. It has been referred to as the number one Halloween destination in the world, so it’s not one to miss! Every year they put on a carnival parade, a large firework show and lots more. If you’re bringing the little ones, don’t worry! There’s plenty of age-appropriate Halloween fun for them too.

Located at the River Foyle, the fireworks show in particular is a spectacular end to the four-day extravaganza. This free event is a great low-cost way to spend a spooky long weekend. The Friday before Halloween is arguably the best day to be there, as you will catch the parade at 7pm and fireworks at 8:15pm. Plus, as Northern Ireland is part of the UK, our Free Spirit travel insurance requires no medical screening. So, as long as you’re fit to travel, if you take out a Free Spirit policy you are good to go!

Explore Edinburgh this Halloween Half-Term

For a last-minute half-term getaway in the UK, look no further than Edinburgh, Scotland. With a wealth of historic charm, this prestigious city is the perfect spooky getaway this October. The locals, often called Edinburghers, host many different events, including ghost tours. There are plenty of tours on offer, from haunted houses to castle tours, so you can enjoy the festivities in lots of different ways to suit your own interests.

Scotland also celebrates 31st October with the Samhuinn fire festival. This old tradition celebrates the changing of the seasons and the beginning of Winter. The modern reimagining of this festival includes a live performance, as well as a large bonfire. Wrap up warm and stay toasty as you take part in this flame-filled evening!

Spend Halloween in the Catacombs

Paris, France is home to an eerie underground tunnel system known as the Catacombs. The walls of the tunnels are lined with around 6 million skulls, making for a very spooky outing. To balance out this scarier event, spend the next day at the chocolate and pastry show. This event happens every year – with this year being its 30th anniversary! You will find a chocolate dress parade, hundreds of exhibitors and lots of fun family activities. This year, it runs from 29th of October to the start of November. What better way to spend October half-term?

Finally, top off your Paris getaway with a trip to the Pere Lachaise cemetery. Set in a 108-acre sculpture garden, this is actually the world’s most visited cemetery. Visiting in the shoulder season should mean fewer crowds, so you can have a peaceful stroll through the gardens.

Make Sure You Insure Your Spooky Half-Term Holiday

While travelling over Halloween can be scary, the risks associated with travelling shouldn’t be. With our Free Spirit travel insurance, we can help you to travel, with confidence. So the only thing you need to worry about is your Halloween costume, if you’re joining in the festivities! If you want to take part in some more extreme activities while you’re away, we also have our Adventures policy. Whatever type of insurance you require, get in touch with us today so we can help you with your last-minute half-term getaway.