Top 10 vacations in February

There’s a lot going on in February. Families are packing their thermals for memorable winter vacations in Finnish Lapland. Wildlife watchers are polishing their binoculars in anticipation of penguins in Antarctica, tigers in India, and whales in Sri Lanka. And culture vultures will be dreaming of Cuba, driving themselves around Tasmania, or touring the iconic Golden Triangle in India. And like a pointy bit in the Arctic Ocean, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Keep reading to discover our top 10 February vacations.
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1. Antarctica  

February is one of the best months for small ship cruising in Antarctica. It’s (relatively) warm and has near 24-hour daylight, there are plenty of penguin chicks and seal pups about, and it’s in the short window for crossing the Antarctic Circle. Zodiac tours get you up close with the wildlife, and limited passenger numbers mean you won’t spend hours waiting around for your turn on an activity.

2. Finnish Lapland

Basing you in Saariselkä, north of the Arctic Circle, the beauty of this trip is that it offers a range of activities suited to all ages, and you can pick-and-mix according to your family’s preferences. Dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing – all the classic Finnish Lapland experiences are here. Plus you’ll stay throughout in an aurora cabin with a glass roof so you can watch for the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own beds.

Our top trip: Tailor made Northern Lights family vacation
See all our trips: Northern Lights watching vacations
Read more: Northern Lights travel guide

3. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is not shy about pushing its spectacular biodiversity to center stage. With much of the country shrouded in protected forest, it contains some of the world’s most precious ecosystems and species. Wildlife vacations here introduce you to toucans, sloths and monkeys in rainforest canopies, and turtles in Tortuguero National Park, with expert naturalist guides showing you exactly where to look.

Our top trip: Costa Rica wildlife vacation
See all our trips: Costa Rica vacations
Read more: Costa Rica travel guide

4. Tasmania

A self drive tour of Tasmania is a great way to meet the locals, and not all of them human. Traveling between farm stays and family-run B&Bs you’ll get a great introduction to Tasmanian culture, not least through delicious home cooking. And with the odd wilderness cabin thrown in, you might find an endangered Tasmanian devil on your porch steps, a kangaroo bouncing off in the distance, or a platypus down by the stream.

Our top trip: B&B self drive tour of Tasmania
See all our trips: Vacations in Tasmania
Read more: Tasmania travel guide

5. Cuba

A small group tour of Cuba is a sociable, and convenient, way to experience the unique culture of this Communist outpost in the Caribbean. Watch expert cigar rollers at work, try out some steps with an informal salsa class in Viñales, discover life in rural Cuba with a stop in Trinidad, and learn the history of the Revolution with a knowledgeable guide escorting you throughout. This is a fantastic way to discover many of Cuba’s unique highlights in a short space of time.

Our top trip: Cuba cultural tour
See all our trips: Cuba vacations
Read more: Cuba travel guide

6. India

India is lovely in February – warm and dry – and you’re at the start of the main tourist season so you’ll hopefully miss most of the crowds. The celebrated Golden Triangle route takes you from Delhi, to Agra and the Taj Mahal, and on to Jaipur, and can be combined with Ranthambore National Park. This is also a good time for tiger-spotting in national parks such as Pench, but wrap up warm for morning game drives.

Our top trip: North India cultural tour
See all our trips: India vacations
Read more: India travel guide and tiger safaris travel guide

7. Southeast Asia

October to February is, in general, Southeast Asia’s drier season, so you’ll enjoy cooler, less humid days perfect for adventures. Chill on Thailand’s beaches, hike with Vietnamese hill tribes or visit some excellent elephant sanctuaries. Cambodia and Laos offer more off-the-beaten track community experiences and Angkor Wat’s ancient temples are, of course, a highlight. Alternatively, discover untouched islands, home to sea gypsies, sailing around Burma’s Mergui Archipelago.

Our top trip: Northern Thailand and Laos cultural vacation
See all our trips: Southeast Asia vacations
Read more: Southeast Asia (Indochina) travel guide

8. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a popular destination in February, whether you’re there for the whale watching off Galle, the food, or the islands. Small group tours uncover the highlights from Dambulla and Kandy to Horton Plains and the Kitulgala rainforest, but if you fancy exploring a little differently, why not take to two wheels on a cycling vacation instead?

Our top trip: Small group vacation to Sri Lanka
See all our trips: Sri Lanka vacations
Read more: Sri Lanka travel guide

9. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

While you can see the amazing wildlife of the Galapagos Islands year-round, the warmer, wetter season is the best for calm seas and underwater visibility, and February falls slap-bang in the middle of it. Cruise vacations sail from island to island, rarely staying in one anchorage for too long. Snorkelling, hiking volcanoes, diving, following giant tortoises around – there’s simply too much to do in the Galapagos Islands to hang around.

Our top trip: Galapagos cruise
See all our trips: Galapagos Islands vacations
Read more: Galapagos Islands travel guide

10. Spain

Spain takes wellness seriously, with yoga retreats in Valencia and luxury fitness vacations on the Costa Blanca on the menu in February. Walking and showshoeing are popular in the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada – a sustainable winter vacation alternative to downhill skiing. In Valencia, daily yoga and meditation sessions are combined with classes in nutrition and philosophy for a holistic approach.

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Tigers and whales; salsa lessons and Northern Lights – there’s much more to February than ski slopes.
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Wildlife watchers, Antarctic cruisers, and fitness fans will love our best places to vacation in February.
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Written by Sarah Faith
Photo credits: [Page banner: Chloe Evans] [Antarctica: Paul Carroll] [Cuba: Augustin de Montesquiou] [Sri Lanka: Supriya S] [Spain: Steve Slater]
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