Top five destinations to visit in February

There are too many incredible places to see, not enough vacation days, and sometimes we all have to content ourselves with scrawling another spot on the bucket list and hoping the stars align.

The year 2020 stopped us dead in our tracks - we watched the world of travel come to a halt while having to push our dream vacations aside but, now with restrictions somewhat relaxed we find ourselves once again looking forward to international travel.

In anticipation of the moment that we can officially start travelling again, we'll be compiling a monthly list of the top five destinations of each month of the year - starting with the month of love.

From ancient Egypt to historical Jordan, and more, read on for details on the best countries to visit in February.

Egypt

Rich in ancient history, architecture and culture, Egypt is a bucket-list worthy country and here's why you should go.

The last ancient wonder of the world

The Great Pyramids of Giza are the only surviving ancient wonder of the world, well, along with other ancient Egyptians' statues and tombs. These continue to seize the attention of top archaeologists and, of course, the world.

The Nile River

Ranking as the longest river in the world, the Nile River extends around 6,695 km in length and flows into the Mediterranean. The felucca cruise on our Egypt tours is a great way to experience the beauty of the Nile River.

The Red Sea

The Red Sea happens to be one of the best places to go diving, not only in Egypt but the world. From bright corals to colourful distinctive fish - diving or snorkelling in the Red Sea is a unique experience.

Jordan

Jordan has delighted visitors for centuries with its world heritage sites, friendly towns and inspiring desert landscapes. Here are just a few reasons everyone should not only visit Jordan but visit now.

Petra

Probably known as Jordan's most famous site, Petra is much more than just the one popular rock-carved architectural masterpiece and you'll need at least a full day to explore it properly.

It's estimated that only 15% of Petra has been explored by archaeologists, which means there plenty of secrets undiscovered about this Jordanian jewel.

Amman

The capital of Jordan known for its rich history. There are few better places to explore in the region than Amman that dates back to at least the 13th century B.C. From the top of the Citadel with impressive Greek and Roman ruins to the old souks and markets, you can easily lose yourself in the history of the city and Jordan itself.

India

Very few countries in the world carve a deep, lasting impression on a traveller as India does. Sitting upon layers upon layers of history, there is perhaps no other country that is home to such marked contrasts as India is. A trip to India is full of the unexpected but one thing's certain: you won't return home quite the same.

The locals

The people in India are some of the kindest and most hospitable people you'll come across while on your travels - whether you're invited into a local's home for a traditional meal or just simply wander the streets and encounter children playing, you'll surely be touched.

The Taj Mahal

One of the seven wonders of the world and is one of the most famous monuments in the world. Built by the Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his favourite wife, this 'teardrop on the face of eternity' is widely considered one of the most beautiful architectural wonders ever created.

The cuisine

The food alone is reason enough to travel to India - the people of India take their food very seriously and the cuisine, just like the country, is incredibly diverse.

In the North, you'll taste lots of thick, creamy curries that are moderately spicy. The food in the north is heavily influenced by Persian and Mughlai styles of cooking. Southern Indian cuisine is commonly characterised by the use of ingredients such as coconut, seafood and rice and is spicier than food in the north.

The holiest river in the world

The Ganges River runs 2,525 km from the northern Himalayas all the way to the Bay of Bengal. Not only is the river believed to provide sustenance in the form of fishing, industry and agriculture, it's also believed to transport the prayers of believers to heaven and a dip in the river is said to purify the soul.

Many observant Hindus make a pilgrimage to Varanasi, India's oldest city, to participate in ceremonies or to cremate the dead along the banks of the Ganges.

Its rich history

India is an exceptionally beautiful and architecturally diverse country filled with forts, palaces, mosques, temples, monuments, and ancient ruins. Home to some of the world's oldest civilisation, the architecture of India is rooted in its history, religion and culture.

There are currently 32 UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites across the nation, making India a treasure trove for history buffs and design enthusiasts.

Maldives

The Maldives is all about luxury and tryst with nature. It is often referred to as the Manhattan of the Indian Ocean, perfectly blended with the tropical charm - one of the prevalent reasons to visit the Maldives.

Luxurious beaches

Undoubtedly among the best reasons to visit Maldives will be the laid-back time on the beaches without any trace of littering, but the vast bluish green Indian Ocean kissing the horizon, while mornings you'll witness that the soft sunlight and calmer waves are blissful, and that sunset hours are filled with a thousand hues of red, orange and purple are magical.

Diving and snorkelling

Take a deep-water diving session or snorkelling. The underwater marine life including the manta rays, sea turtles and barracuda swimming through the vibrant coral reef are another reason to visit Maldives.

Cambodia

Cambodia's already a well-known stop on a tour of South-East Asia, and now it's shaping up to be one of the most exciting, and it's easy to see why Cambodia's got something for everyone - from ancient temples and beautiful beaches to modern, vibrant cities and a few unexpected highlights.

Siem Reap

The sprawling temple complex in Siem Reap is a perfect example of architectural grandeur and home to a series of stunning structures and religious monuments, including the Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm - you can either choose to walk down the historical trails through the lush green jungles, or rent a cycle and explore the World's largest temple complex. Oh, and did we mention that its marked as a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Islands and beaches

The vast stretches of white sandy beaches and deep blue sea make a perfect combination to allure travellers looking for pristine hideouts! Cambodian islands like Koh Thmei, Koh Ta Kiev, Koh Totang, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem are nothing lesser than hidden gems and beachside locations like Sihanoukville can offer you the perfect treat that you are seeking.

Which of these destinations will you be travelling to? Tell us on our Facebook page.