The kids may have just gone back to school, but it’s time to start thinking about the half term holidays. Here are some destinations that are still affordable – and still available for last minute half term holidays.
The only rule we have set for this challenge is that flights must cost £50 or less. Here are our top picks:
Baden Baden / Europa Park (Germany)
Baden Baden is the gateway to the legendary Black Forest, land of the Grimm fairy tales. But the real draw of this region is Europa-Park, one of the very best theme parks in the world.
The rides are incredible, the food delicious and the theming spectacular. However, come Halloween, the park really ups its game – and we would go back in a heartbeat.
Flights from: £38 per person (Ryanair)
London Stansted <-> Baden Baden
28/10/2025 – 31/10/2025
Ready to make your budget stretch even further? Check out our Guide to Earning Cashback on Ryanair Flights[1]
Dublin (Ireland)
The Irish capital tends to be a top pick for stag dos, but there’s plenty of activities for families too. The zoo is good for younger kids but teens may be more appreciative of Kilmainham Gaol.
And if your kids have dark tourism tendencies, make sure to pay a visit to St Michan’s Church[2] to visit the mummies.
Flights from: £34 per person (Ryanair)
London Stansted <-> Dublin
26/10/2025 – 29/10/2025
Milan (Italy)
Famous for fashion, art and football, Milan has something for everyone. Sports fans will want to take a tour of the San Siro stadium. Architecture and history lovers should head to the iconic cathedral.
And dark tourists should take a trip to the Cimitero Monumentale[3], a staggering collection of the most ornate and impressive tombs we’ve ever seen.
Flights from: £43 per person (Ryanair)
London Stansted <-> Milan Bergamo
26/10/2025 – 29/10/2025
Luxembourg
One of the smallest, richest countries in the world, Luxembourg is something of an undiscovered gem. If your family likes fairytale castles, they are going to love Luxembourg.
It’s also worth noting that public transport is free in Luxembourg, which is great news for family travellers!
Flights from: £34 per person (Ryanair)
London Stansted <-> Luxembourg
29/10/2025 – 01/11/2025
Gdańsk (Poland)
As we’ve said many times before, Gdansk is one of our favourite cities anywhere[4] own the planet. Here you will find a beautifully reconstructed old town, beaches, a zoo, museums, shooting ranges, escape rooms, parks and really good food. Oh, and a pirate ship.
Best of all, as a non-Euro country, your half term holiday budget will stretch a lot further in Poland. The area around ulica Ogarna offers a number of affordable, well-appointed holiday apartments within easy walking distance of the historical old town.
Flights from: £50 per person (Ryanair)
London Stansted <-> Gdańsk
27/10/2025 – 30/10/2025
Please note that we use sponsored links on this blog. Although we may earn a referral fee or bonus points on some of these products and services mentioned, we never recommend anything we wouldn’t use ourselves.
Check out our full Affiliate Disclosure Policy[5] for more info.
References
- ^ Guide to Earning Cashback on Ryanair Flights (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)
- ^ St Michan’s Church (www.visitdublin.com)
- ^ Cimitero Monumentale (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)
- ^ favourite cities anywhere (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)
- ^ Affiliate Disclosure Policy (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)