But if you’ve been too busy to book your half-term away until now, finding somewhere to stay can be a problem.

One answer is Interhome, which has apartments to rent all over Europe and in Florida. At the time of writing, the website was still showing lots of European city-centre availability for later in the half-term week, though very late bookers may need to telephone to confirm. For example, an apartment for two in Florence, a mile and a half from the city centre with its own courtyard, is pound;201 for three nights. Or Bordeaux? A one-bed apartment in the old city centre suitable for two (or four) is pound;154 for three nights. Or Madrid, where four can share a two-bedroomed house with a pool for pound;196 for three nights.

The website has photographs and full details of the properties, and has 360-degree virtual tours for many. For families, there are lots of villas for seaside and mountain sun still available. Details: 020 8891 1294; www.interhome.co.uk.