Time flies doesn't it? Half term holidays have almost arrived but it feels like only yesterday did the kids go back to school after the summer. If you're yet to get around to booking a family holiday, it's high time to do so. You could snap up some last minute deals on hotels and flights. Looking for ideas on where to go? Read on.

The Balkans

Head south for some late autumn sunshine. The Balkans are an increasingly popular destination with many resorts overrun with foreign visitors and the prices reflecting this influx. There are, however, still plenty of areas that are yet to be discovered by the masses, are more low key and wallet-friendly.

In Croatia, the northern city of Pula boasts an airport used by various low cost carriers. Accommodation in the resort is very affordable, as are food and drinks in town. There are numerous beautiful beaches within the city itself, and an array of islands to which it's easy to get to by boat. A popular pastime for visitors is "fish picnic" boat tours that are boat trips complete with fresh fish and wine or soft drinks served onboard.

The local area is quite hilly and provides many an opportunity for hiking. Rent a car and visit some of the surrounding towns and villages to soak up on an authentic Croation atmosphere.

Piran is one of Slovenia's seaside resorts that takes up a considerable portion of the country's 46 km long coastline. Other favourite resorts are Koper, Izola, Strujan and Portoroz.

The Mediterranean climate is ideal for spending time outdoors either on foot or bike. Wander along the quaint streets and alleyways, stopping off for refreshments and mouthwatering fresh seafood.

The Netherlands

Flying across to The Netherlands is neither expensive nor time consuming, it's just a brief hop across the North Sea. Alternatively, from some cities in the UK it's possible to take the ferry, or you can hop on the Eurostar in London and change trains in Brussels.

There are ample opportunities for family-friendly entertainment in the Dutch-speaking country. For example, you could be visiting some of the theme parks such as Efteling in Kaatsheuvel or Duinrell in Wassenaar. Hoping to do a little something more traditional? Go on a guided tour of one of the many local cheese farms to see how Gouda, Edam and other famous delicacies are produced.

The Netherlands is a compact country with excellent public transport so you can visit more than one city during your holiday. It's also very easy to rent a car, and roads are of a high quality with ample rest facilities.

So you could be spending a few nights at a city hotel Amsterdam to experience sights such as Anne Frank's House and the Van Gogh Museum, moving on to Utrecht to stroll along the canals, and finishing off at Rotterdam for a spot of shopping.