***COLLABORATIVE POST***
This warm weekend has made me realise just how much I've missed the sunshine recently. Suddenly I'm longing for a bit more of it and craving another holiday. Have you ever taken a late-autumn break?

 Where do you holiday? Where do you go and how do you choose where to go? And is it different now to before you had children?  With so many places in the world offering different things,  it's sometimes not so easy to choose. Which is where companies like Tots to Travel can help with their experience of crafting perfect family holidays.


Late Autumn Holidays


 Before we had children we would often go on holiday in the autumn. Making the most and taking advantage of cheaper deals available outside of school holidays. In fact, if I’m honest the school holidays just weren’t on our radar.

Sometimes it felt a long time to wait, especially when other people were holidaying over the summer. But what autumn did give us was warmth when it had become colder in the UK; a bit of relaxation before the festive season started; and the opportunity to travel to destinations at the best time to visit. And the chance of still having a sun-tan at Christmas.

Sunset in Bonaire


Destinations we’ve been to in the autumn include a three centre trip to the Far East taking in Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore; safari’s in Kenya and South Africa; long-haul destinations to Peru, California, as well as city breaks to Barcelona and Prague. These were all without children and we totally enjoyed each one. I’d love to take the boys back to everywhere we’ve been really, but when they are older.

Elephants in Botswana


 A family holiday is never so relaxing as without kids, definitely more challenging but still fun. In the past I’d spend hours booking everything independently, checking out deals, places to visit, many off the tourist trail, but it’s different when it’s just you and your partner and or friends. You feel a lot more responsible when your children are involved. You want to make sure it’s a safe environment, that it’s child-friendly so that you can make the most of your precious time together.

The boys in Paphos, Cyprus


Companies like Tots to Travel take the stress out of planning a holiday. They offer child-friendly holidays with plenty for kids to do in environments that are completely safe and children friendly. Places where your kids are really welcome, not frowned upon for making too much noise or laughing too loud. In fact, all of the family-friendly accommodation on Tots to Travel’s website is specifically aimed at parents with children be it France, Spain, Italy, Canary Islands, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus or the UK.

Aphrodite's Rock in Cyprus


Last year though we went to Cyprus and stayed right next to the beach for a week of sunshine, sight-seeing, food and drink during the October half-term week. 

Cyprus last year.


Where To Book A Family Holiday in Late Autumn


We asked some other families about their favourite late-autumn holiday destinations:

Staying close to home... 


Katie said: “I thoroughly recommend visiting the Lincolnshire coast to see the seals at Donna Nook during pupping season. It is incredible!” 

Emma said: “Jersey! Easy to get to from the U.K. In October we also have tenner fest, where you can eat in any restaurant for £10. This includes the Michelin Starred restaurants. We have amazing beaches and the weather is much milder than the U.K. It’s also very family friendly.” 


Many suggested European destinations...


Maria said: “Tenerife is my favourite in late autumn - we love the Los Cristianos area. It's very relaxing and has lovely weather at that time of year.” 

Nadia said: “Copenhagen is a wonderful place to visit at this time of year. The famous old theme park Tivoli Gardens is decked out with a Halloween theme.” 

Catherine said: “If you're looking for some autumn sun and don't mind a plane journey, I can highly recommend Southern Portugal. We're living here now and experiencing temperatures at least double the UK. That said, within the UK, if I was looking for a getaway I'd head to the Snowdonia area of Wales. It's beautiful there no matter the time of year.” 

Victoria said: “Gran Canaria is beautiful and almost guaranteed sunshine!” 

Elizabeth said: “Italy - you can discover one of the island's best-kept secrets: Autunno in Barbagia (Autumn in Barbagia). Running from September to December, a series of festivals take place in 27 villages in Barbagia, a mountainous area of inland Sardinia. Streets are transformed into markets, local craftsmen hold workshops, locals throw open their doors - and dining rooms - to visitors and walks are held through the hills.


Kelly said: “Being a Stewardess I cannot recommend Turkey enough, late autumn will offer a beautiful temperature and a quieter environment as the majority of the mad tourism dash has finished. Alacati or Cesme in the west is my resort of choice.” 


And a little further afield …


Carrie said: I would recommend Cape Town to see the penguins at Boulder Beach or head to Oman for a warm beach holiday without the mass crowds. The Canaries are always a good bet if wanting something closer to home.” 

Penguins on Boulder Beach, South Africa on our visit a few years ago.


Christy said “I recommend an autumn cruise. A lot of cruise lines are now very family friendly and a cruise break is a lot of fun! You can even go from Southampton and avoid a stressful flight.” 

Pete said: “Florida. Still very warm and quiet compared to the summer”


Where would you go on holiday in late-autumn given the chance?


Deb x

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Tots to Travel. We have been compensated for our time in writing it but all content and photography is ours.