Travelling to new places is undoubtedly one of life's most rewarding and exciting experiences. However, modern life demands that many of us are only able to travel during certain times of the year.
This means that you need to be informed of which destinations are best to visit during your chosen time period. We've done our research on factors such as weather and climate patterns, prices and seasons, crowd volumes, and activities. If you are planning your next adventure during the month of February, the following ten destinations are ideal.
Weather patterns in Thailand vary across the country's different regions. However, in general, the period between November and April is the cool and dry season. By February, it begins to get hotter, but not unbearably so. Prices are lower than during the peak times of December and January, and the higher temperatures are ideal for enjoying the stunning, tropical-like islands and exploring the bustling capital of Bangkok. See our Thailand tours here.
The period between November and April is generally considered to be best time to visit the islands of the Maldives. This is the dry season, the ideal time to enjoy the white sand beaches and idyllic tropical setting. February is also one of the best months for snorkelling in the Maldives. The water clarity is high and visibility is excellent, allowing you to see some of the world's most breathtaking underwater scenery. And don't forget, of course, that a Maldives tour is the perfect couple's or honeymoon destination- what better time to enjoy this romantic island getaway than during the month of love?
The exotic and fascinating south-east Asian nation of Bhutan is a unique travel destination. It is known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural landscapes. In February, the Bhutan winter is coming to an end. Temperatures are still rather low (but not freezing), and if you are prepared to brave this, you will be rewarded with smaller crowds. Skies are clear and there is little rainfall. See our Bhutan tours here.
The topography of Egypt is comprised, for the most part, of desert. This means that during the summertime, temperatures soar, and can reach uncomfortable and even unbearable levels. If you don't deal well with extreme heat, it is a much better option to visit the country during its cooler months, of which February is one. An added bonus is that this is the off-season, which means that the crowds are considerably smaller than they are during the peak season. Keep in mind, though, that it can get chilly, and sometimes quite cold, especially at night. See our Egypt tours here.
February is wintertime in Turkey- and therefore the off-season. While the low temperatures may not appeal to some, if a winter wonderland is your idea of a great time, a Turkey tour is an ideal option! The prices are significantly lower, the queues are shorter, and the crowds at the sites are smaller. In recent years, there have been stunningly beautiful snowfalls in places like Istanbul- the perfect complement for the beautiful architecture, narrow streets, and big-city atmosphere. The famous rock formations of Cappadocia are also breathtaking during the cold season.
Botswana is another country which has its off-season in February. This is a very good time to book a safari, especially if you are on a budget, as prices drop considerably. Although it is the wet season, this can have its advantages in that the terrain is fresh and green, and the beautiful rainbows, which are common after thunderstorms, make wonderful backdrops for photos. This is also a time during which many plains game give birth to their young- a wonderful sight in itself, and also a lure for predators. The birdlife during the rainy season is also incredible.
February is also the time of the year during which the amazing zebra migration occurs - if you visit the areas of the migration during a Botswana tour, you can see the awe-inspiring sight of hundreds of zebras making their way across the plains.
Antarctica is the ultimate bucket-list destination. The icy continent at the "bottom of the world" is a place that only a handful of people in the world can say they've been to. February is one of the best times to visit this fascinating destination. One reason is that the wildlife activity during this time is at its best. It is peak whale season, newborn penguins become highly active, and predators such as leopard seals and skuas are commonly sighted. February is one of the warmest months in Antarctica (relatively speaking!). This means easier access through the ice, as well as a chance to cross the Antarctic Circle, a unique opportunity. See our Antarctic tours here.
The weather in Tanzania in February depends on the location. The northern parks are drier, while the parks in the west are wetter.
If you want to tick off the unique experience of witnessing wildebeest calving- a truly wondrous experience- then Tanzania in February is the time to do so. This is when the migratory herds gather on the plains to feed on the grasses and birth their young. The best place to see this is in the world-famous Serengeti, in a place called Ndutu. Millions of wildebeest gather here and approximately 50,0000 calves are born. Predator action is good during this time, and the birdlife is also excellent.
Another of south-east Asia's fascinating destinations, Cambodia is a must for lovers of culture, history, and nature. The peak season in Cambodia ends in January, making February a good time to visit in terms of avoiding extreme crowds. The weather is also relatively good. Temperatures are starting to warm up, but remain at manageable levels, and rainfall during this time is still low. See our Cambodia tours here.
Lebanon is the only Middle Eastern country that has four distinct seasons. However, it generally has moderate and pleasant weather all year 'round. February falls during its winter, which is fairly mild in Lebanon. Days are pleasant and nights are cool. However, the country is also home to spectacular mountain ranges, which do experience low temperatures and snowfall during the winter. Skiing and other winter sports are offered in some regions. This is also the off-season, meaning smaller crowds and lower prices.
This special Egypt tour features the amazing Sun Festival at the Abu Simbel temple to Ramses II on the 22nd Feb and 22nd Oct each year. We combine this with time in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor, discovering more of ancient Egypt.
Type
Days
Price
Small Group
9
From
£1489
This 13-day tour explores cosmopolitan Istanbul and the ancient sites of Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus, features a 3-night cruise in the Gulf of Fethiye on board a traditional Turkish gulet and explores the fantastic scenery of Cappadocia.
Type
Days
Price
Shoestring
13
From
£1597
£1699
Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.