Bourke Leopard

Bourke Leopard

Holiday Ideas for February

Sometime in February there will be half term and many people will either be making for the slopes or looking for somewhere sunny to spend a few days or the week.  Which of our great range of holiday ideas will appeal to you?  To help we have broken the holiday ideas down into a three overall categories, you can start by going straight to the type of holiday idea or activity that appeals most to you.

• February Winter Holiday Ideas and Activities
• February Sun Ideas (Short haul and Long haul)
• February Sun Active Holiday Ideas
• February City Break Ideas

February Winter Holiday Ideas and Activities

It is by no means an exclusive list but here are some local and not so local February Holiday Ideas, perhaps for those that relish a bit of snow and ice.

Antarctica

Among most adventurous of holiday ideas Antarctica is an untamed territory of wild, natural beauty, as well as a land of superlatives: the world's fifth largest continent, the coldest place on earth, the highest average altitude, and the lowest humidity. The continent is devoid of a permanent human population, although what it lacks in the human factor, it more than makes up for in mammals and marinelife, wildlife and scenery.  On your Antarctic adventure holiday you can witness penguins sliding on ice, whales emerging from the sea and seals playing along the shoreline – all in their magical natural environment.  A huge variety of wildlife inhabits this part of Antarctica including gentoo penguins, leopard seals, orca and the humpback whale.  November is best for icebergs and penguins and you can see seal pups from December to February.

Sweden – Lapland: The Adventure company

Geographically, Sweden is the biggest Scandinavian country, yet has a population of barely nine million, leaving much of Sweden a haven of unspoilt natural beauty. Anyone on an adventure holiday in Sweden can explore masses of ancient, coniferous forests punctuated by crystal-clear lakes; discover more than 10,000km of trekking and bicycle paths; see bountiful historical sites, including burial mounds, churches and fortresses; or wander the preserved, unpopulated national parks of Swedish Lapland with the magnificent Northern Lights sparkling above.

Travel into Europe's northern reaches and explore the winter landscapes of Lapland. This is an active trip with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the snow-covered forests and discover the culture of the Sami people.     The Adventure company offer a five day family tours which includes husky safari,  snowshoeing, ice hotel, skidoos and other snow based activities and The Northern Lights (although these depend on the weather conditions).    There is also an adult only tour, which lasts 7 days.

February Sun Holiday Ideas

Here is a good range of different ideas for getting away to sunny climes during February, we have ordered it by short haul to long haul. 

Egypt – Sharm El Sheik

Sharm El Sheik on the Red Sea is the door to a magical underwater world of technicolour fish and coral that draws divers from around the world, it is a very popular, and so far safe destination.   It boast a full range of accommodation to suit all budgets from self catering to 5 star spa resorts.   Temperatures will be around 22 degrees max daytimes on average in February and flying time from the UK is about 6 hours.

Gambia

The Gambia is mainland Africa's smallest nation, it is scenically varied, with sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, swamps, marshes and large areas of wooded savannah. The River Gambia, one of Africa's great waterways, dominates the country.  The Gambia is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 540 different species. While the country's parks, reserves and up-country villages are a major draw for ecotourists and those interested in African culture, for many visitors it is the country's pleasant tropical climate and relaxing beach resorts which are the star attraction.

Southern Turkey

Sit at a harbour front restaurant eating fresh calamari and sun drenched tomato salad washed down with fresh orange juice.  Hike through the pine forests breathing in the scents of pine and wild thyme and oregano.   Just stretch out by the pool or one of the amazing beaches and soak up the sun, perhaps browsing a good book and sipping a beer.  Southern Turkey and resorts like Dalamar and Marmaris make an excellent February holiday idea, with a balmy climate and lots to see and do, while being accessible to nearly any budget.     Buy a package, or get cheap flights with the low cost airlines.  Flying time is about 5 hours from the UK.

Bali

Beautiful Bali is blessed with some of the finest landscapes in the Indonesian archipelago. It also has a unique cultural heritage making it a fascinating holiday destination. Choose from the resorts of Nusa Dua and Sanur. Nusa Dua is a purpose-built resort dedicated exclusively to tourists, with clean white beaches and clear waters. More traditional Sanur has a good selection of family-run restaurants and bars and is great for watersports. Take advantage of the regular public transport from Sanur to Denpasar, the capital. Ubud is the place for culture in Bali and is famous for its handicrafts and paintings.

February Sun Holiday Activities

For those who want to escape the Winter but are  looking for a bit more than lounging by the beach and the pool, have a look at some of our February active holiday ideas.

India

Stroll through bazaars, discover magical and majestic temples and palaces, learn about India’s colonial past and see its influences particularly the colonial architecture. Visit the Taj Mahal, the Holy River Ganges, the Taragarh Fort or take a rickshaw just for the fun of it.

India by rail Specialist travel agency SD Enterprises sells a one-month rail pass for anyone of any age who wants unlimited travel around India.

Tigers and The Ganges.  In the tracks of Mowgli The Indian subcontinent is home to more than 500 species of mammal, but to big game fans the Royal Bengal tiger is the major attraction. This trip not only offers an authentic insight into the great cultural and religious lifestyles of India, but is also a combination of temples, palaces, architecture and of course wildlife. Venture into the heart of Kipling country and visit two of India’s most famous wildlife reserves in search of tigers, the most majestic of all animals.

Maharajas, Tigers and Taj Mahul:

Venture into India on this 12 day tour, and introduce your family to the rich history and traditions of this fascinating and colourful country. This tour takes us to the palaces of Maharajas, past and present, and from small villages to the bustling city of Delhi. We visit the Taj Mahal, the tigers of Ranthambore, a camel breeding farm and wander around the forts of Junagarh and Mehrangah. A mixture of local transport includes camels, bicycle rickshaws and jeeps. We look for tigers and sloth bears in Ranthambore National Park, and we explore the beautiful city of Jaipur, also called the ‘Pink City’ - with its City and Amber Palaces. Discover the abandoned and ruined ghost city and ancient capital of the Mughal Dynasty, Fatehpur Sikri, and visit Pushkar – home of the famous annual camel fair.

Vietnam  

This 12 day tour starts with classic Hanoi to Saigon: Your adventure starts in the charming old city of Hanoi, exploring its characteristic markets and backstreets.  You'll travel to Halong Bay (as recently seen on Top Gear and The Best of Top Gear) for an exciting overnight boat trip amongst towering limestone cliffs and hundreds of spectacular islands - a true fairytale setting.  Hué & Hoi An: Boarding the famous Reunification Express train, you'll head south glimpsing scenes of rural life from the train window before arriving in Hué, the cultural capital. Here you'll travel by boat along the Perfume River to the tombs of the ancient Nguyen dynasty. You'll have three nights to savour the atmosphere of the old port of Hoi An (our favourite place in Vietnam) so there's plenty of time to explore its colourful streets and riverside market, or simply relax on a nearby beach.  Mekong Delta & Saigon: You'll spend a night with a local family in the Mekong Delta and travel by boat along rural waterways. Finally, you'll arrive in vibrant Saigon where you can explore its bustling streets and temples.

Responsible Travel:  The Adventure Company supports the Binh Luc Orphanage near Hanoi with $5 per person travelling. They are also supporting the Thai Nguyen Children's Centre with $5,000 raised from our customers to provide much needed bunk beds.

South Africa / Kwazulu Natal:  Rhino watching & Zulu battlefields

Your adventure starts with stunning scenery and culture as you explore Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon and the preserved Victorian gold mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest. Next up is the famous Kruger National Park where you’ll head out on game drives hoping to spot the big five of elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo – not to mention zebra, giraffe, antelope and numerous species of colourful birds.

After stretching your legs in the Swaziland hills, the wetlands of St Lucia offer a completely different habitat to explore. The game viewing in Hluhluwe with its high concentration of rhino is fantastic. Heading back inland you’ll visit the Zulu War battlefields of Islandwana and Rorke’s Drift before ending up in the Drakensberg Mountains. These dramatic peaks and sweeping amphitheatres of rock offer great walking possibilities and you’ll have two full days to make the most of it.  Travel with The Adventure Company.

Sri Lanka

Boasting warm temperatures throughout February, of 27 degrees, Sri Lanka is a perfect destination to visit. The country has seven world heritage sites and is ultimately South Asia’s favourite tourist destination.  Natural wonders of the country comprise Golden beaches, abundant forests and rich wildlife habitats. The “Pearl of the Orient” Sri Lanka reflects a strong wealth of both natural and cultural diversity which spans over 2,500 years. Mountains and hills are rich in flora and fauna with waterfalls cascading down the mountains surround the four major national parks.  Sri Lanka never fails to captivate with its tropical beaches, diverse culture and ancient cities. Take a walk along a palm-fringed beach or jump in a canoe for something a little more active. Experience the romance, colour and spice of Sri Lanka, a truly remarkable destination that you'll never forget!

Kumuka offers three tours to Sri Lanka and visits all seven of the Unesco World heritage sites:  Sri Lanka uncovered (12 days);  Elephants,  Fire Walkers and Beaches (12 days);Action Sri Lanka (9 days) all with  optional beach tour 4 day extension pack.

Brazil - Carnival

You are greeted with delight, dazzle, and decadence when arriving at the annual Brazilian Carnival. People from all around the world flock to the streets of Rio de Janiero to share in the celebration with locals known as Cariocas. Starting the Friday before Ash Wednesday, seven weeks before Easter Sunday, Rio de Janeiro hosts many festivities that occur throughout the city complete with music, parades, dancing, and renowned Carnival balls. Many activities take place during the carnival, including events that take place before the actual four day festival, including parades and rehearsals. The various gatherings combine to create days of enchantment, energy, and enjoyment, capturing the true sense of Rio's Carnival. The Carnival is celebrated every year on a different weekend, the official date always being forty days before Lent.

About the Author

Rachel is a travel enthusiast and writer. Visit her blog Find holidays4U Blog or get you own unique holiday ideas by taking the free profile at Find Your Ideal Holiday

Meet My Obsession: Purse Collection