Europe

Spain: Halloween will last from October 16 to November 5 at Universal Studios' Port Aventura theme park. Special attractions include a Haunted House and a Vampire's Ball. Portland (0870 5002200) is offering seven nights' self-catering at the nearby Marinada Apartments in Salou, from £165pp, including flights and transfers. Park entrance (£18pp per day) extra.

France: Take a half-term escape in an old water mill on an island of the Vienne river. An apartment in the Moulin de Daumail is available for the week beginning October 21 for £621, including ferry crossing. Just France (020-8780 4488).

France: During October, a Dover-Calais day crossing with SeaFrance costs £39 return for a car and four passengers, travelling before 8.30am or after 2.30pm and returning before 11.59pm. A 24-hour return costs £51 and a three-day return £89. For reservations, call 08705 711711 (www.seafrance.com).

Corfu: A week in Kavos departing Manchester on October 2 costs £179pp from JMC Holidays (0870 7580194), including return flights.

Russia: A five-day city break to Moscow and St Petersburg departing October 11 costs £1,460pp with Steppes East (01285 651010, www.steppeseast.co.uk), including flights, breakfasts, some meals, train transfers and most entrance fees. There will be visits to Red Square, the Fabergé Museum, the tomb of Nicholas II and the private library of the Romanovs.

Australasia

Australia: Visit Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef as part of a two-week tour with Austravel (0117 9333 0450, www.austravel.com) departing October and November. The cost of £990pp includes return flights, four nights' accommodation in Sydney, eight in Cairns, all internal flights and transfers and a full day's barrier reef cruise.

Asia

Malaysia: Leave before October 17 and a 14-night holiday, accommodation-only, in the Holiday Villa Langkawi costs £589 per person, including flights from Heathrow. Asia World (0870 9908098).

Middle East

Jordan: Follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia on a 12-day tour of Jordan departing October 12. Itinerary includes safaris in five game reserves and visits to Petra, the Red Sea and Lawrence's hideaway at Azraq Castle. Cost is £1,525pp, including flights, all meals, guide and park fees. Discovery Initiatives (01285 643333).

Central America

Mexico: Enjoy the long beaches and cobbled streets of Puerto Vallarta for £579pp from Eclipse Holidays (08705 010203). Departs October 3 and October 10 for 14 nights. Price includes return flights, transfers and three-star all-inclusive accommodation.