The best half-price autumn breaks

Six nights' self-catering for six people in the western Cornish village of Phillack, near Land's End: stay in Sanderling, a six-bedroom Victorian family house, with bay-window views across farmland to the Hayle Estuary. One sitting room has a hearth for log fires, while the dining room opens onto a manicured garden. Normally: £500. You pay: £250. Going: 14 October; call Cornish Traditional Cottages (01208 821666).

TWO BUSINESS CLASS CARIBBEAN FLIGHTS

Buy a ticket to Barbados or St Lucia on BWIA (British West Indian Airlines) and your companion pays only the tax on theirs. Normally: £3,822 for two.

You pay: £1,911 for two (plus £61 tax for second flier). Going: by 30 December (departures daily, must be booked by 30 September, with Cheapest Flights (0871 750 1788).

EASTERN MED CRUISE

Round-trip from Venice on the 800-berth MSC Rhapsody, stopping at Bari (heel of Italy), Katakolon (Peloponnese peninsula), Patmos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Rhodes and Dubrovnik. Normally: £910pp. You pay £399, including return flights to Venice, inside twin cabin, all meals and entertainment on board.

Going: 28 September; call Mediterranean Shipping Cruises (020 7637 2525).

WELSH COTTAGE WEEK

Seven nights for four people in the luxury two-bedroom Lindsway Cottage, on private acres beside the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Modern interiors, widescreen TV, DVD, shared gym, sauna. The private lake is popular with anglers. Normally: £600. You pay: £300, includes hamper of wine, cheese, cakes and preserves. Going: 21 or 28 September; call Kiln Cottages (01437 891 007).

LATE ALGARVE SUN

Seven nights' self-catering near Praia da Vau, in the Villa Bella apartments, with indoor/outdoor pools, restaurant and tennis courts locally. It's 10 minutes by courtesy bus (£3 by taxi) from Praia da Rocha, along the same sandy stretch, abuzz with restaurants and nightlife (season ends late October).

Normally: £551pp (two sharing). You pay: £269, including flights. Going: 26 September; call First Choice (0870 750 0001).