February might be the month in which we go all gooey for Valentine’s Day, but there’s not an awful lot to love about the depths of British winter.
Rather than suffer the bleak old trudge until spring, why not swap these shores for a much-needed recharge abroad? According to the Channel Islands Co-operative Travelmaker, there are some great deals to be had for those looking to travel in February.
‘As an independent travel agent, Co-operative Travelmaker has no links to tour operators so our agents will search a wide selection of holiday and cruise companies for the best deals, all of which have sales until mid-February,’ said a Travelmaker consultant.
‘It’s the ideal time to bag a last-minute deal or book your 2020 summer holiday.’
Though short-haul sunshine in Europe is harder to find this time of year, February is a good time for a cosy break in one of the continent’s great cities. World-class restaurants, hotels and attractions will be easier to book and explore out of peak season.
Further afield, there are palm-fringed beaches basking in high temperatures, exotic cities and Mardi Gras parties kicking off around the world. So, what are you waiting for?
For city lovers
Paris is on most people’s travel bucket list, and for good reason – it’s one of the world’s great capitals, after all. Providing you don’t coincide your trip with Valentine’s Day, February is a good time to explore the city, its candle-lit bistros and famous museums, without battling massive crowds. Unlike in the summer, where Parisians exit the city en masse, everything is open, meaning reservations are easier and rates are generally lower.
‘ABTA has predicted the top city breaks for 2020 are Vienna and Madrid, including the neighbouring cities,’ said Travelmaker.
‘In 2020 Vienna will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Beethoven, just one of the city’s many great composers. Vienna’s coffee houses and rich cakes are world renowned, but a pleasant surprise are the many good value restaurants. The city is particularly lovely in the winter snow with many Christmas markets, especially outside the magnificent town hall or Rathaus.’
Madrid might be a party city but it also packs a punch when it comes to culture, with more than 60 museums.
‘Its four neighbouring cities are very different and all quite exceptional. Toledo, a beautiful city enriched through its rich Christian, Moorish and Jewish cultural heritage; Segovia with its fairy tale castle, the Alcazar; Ávila, rising out of the plain with its intact medieval walls and Cuenca, a totally unique place with its signature cliff-top hanging houses.’
A winter wonderland
Slovenia is usually blanketed in snow come February and pleasantly lacking in crowds, so you can enjoy the country’s landmarks practically to yourself. Take in the art nouveau splendours of Ljubljana or rustic Hungarian-style farmhouses of Prekmurje. Go ice-skating in Lake Bled, and hit culinary hot spots like Hiša Franko in the Soca Valley. Of course, you can always enjoy winter sports in the Julian Alps too.
Winter sun close to home
‘We know the school half-term break is the perfect time for families to enjoy some winter sun and the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife, are very popular for a short-haul holiday,’ recommends Travelmaker.
‘Costa Adeje has some of the best hotels in the world and you can often find a good deal with the added bonus of free room and board upgrades this time of year.’
With average February temperatures of 18°C, enjoy the romantic chaos of Casablanca. Often overlooked, with Marrakech and Tangiers attracting bigger crowds, Morocco’s largest city has a charm all of its own. Stroll its Art Deco quarter, its authentic medina markets, and soak up the sea views from a roof-top cafe.
Long and medium-haul adventures
‘Despite only having a week off school, it doesn’t stop some families from travelling further afield to holiday. The Caribbean, with Barbados and St Lucia, tend to be the most popular. Thailand is also well liked and we’ve seen a rise in bookings to Vietnam and Bali for early 2020,’ said Travelmaker.
‘Dubai remains a favourite with families and couples. Abu Dhabi has grown in popularity in more recent years and provides an alternative experience to Dubai whilst offering the luxury and warm climate of its neighbour but often at a fraction of the cost.’
Another great destination on the Arabian Peninsula is sultanate of Oman, where the weather is dry and warm in February. It’s also the time of year the country’s most important cultural festival takes place, the Muscat Festival.
It’s Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, so this is the place to come if you’re looking for the most raucous party on earth. The fact it’s a very pleasant 31°C and boasts gorgeous beaches doesn’t hurt, either.
To enquire about the latest deals email [email protected] or call 01534 784300 to speak to a Travelmaker consultant.
