So you’ve decided to take off and explore a new country next February? It might not seem like the best month for traveling, but there are hidden gems and many great places worth visiting!
Picture by Kader D. Kahraman on Pexels
February is not the most popular month for traveling, that’s what you might think. And it’s true, not many people choose it willingly. But, if you start thinking about it, that is one of its main advantages! Fewer people traveling means the airports are less crowded and the flights are cheaper. You’ll have more options for accommodations, and you’ll be able to visit the major landmarks without that many people around.
You also have the option to visit a really cold place with mountains and lots of snowy slopes to ski. February is one of the best months for winter sports since the holiday crowds are long gone, but it’s still pretty cold. Or you can go completely opposite, and go to a warm paradise to enjoy the dry season and the gentle heat on the beach.
But before you go, you’ll need a way to stay connected. How else would you be able to stay updated on your trip and access maps and schedules? And, of course, you want to send plenty of photos and videos to your family and friends! You’ll need reliable mobile data, and Yoho Mobile has the solution. With an eSIM, you can stay connected without expensive roaming fees, and you even get a discount just for reading this article! Use our promo code YOHO12 for 12% off your next purchase.
Best Places to Travel in February
The Austrian Alps, Austria
No, we’re not talking about Australia, but Austria, a lesser-known European country that completely transforms during the winter. While visiting in spring or summer is a great experience, there’s something magical about the wintery months, especially if you travel to the Alpine villages.
Even if it’s your first time practicing winter sports, you’ll find great slopes. If you’re a veteran who has been sliding as long as walking, there are also challenging routes for both skis and snowboards. You just have to visit the popular resorts, like St. Anton am Alberg and Zell am See. After a whole day skiing, you can enjoy some good mulled wine and a thermal spa! And if you want to enjoy the local culture, in February there’s the Fasnacht Celebrations, a traditional masked parade and party in most of the Tyrolean villages.
Photo by Olga Mandel on Unsplash
Iceland
Another great place for a winter vacation, but this one is not for the weak. Iceland can be as brutal in February as it is painstakingly beautiful. The nights are long, the winds are strong, storms are common, the roads get blocked, and the temperatures get below the freezing point. And yet, you’ll forget it all once the sky starts to glow. Many people have described this phenomenon, and yet it’s hard to explain in a few words how it makes you feel. For many is almost religious, as they feel like they’re part of something infinitely bigger and incomprehensible. If you’re intrigued, you’re not alone, as every year, many adventurers and photographers do the long trip just to see the Northern Lights.
While the Aurora Borealis is incredible and one of the main attractions in Iceland, if you’re looking for a unique adventure, there’s much more. You can hike through glaciers, like Vatnajokull, or explore the stunning ice caves that are only accessible during the winter. And don’t forget the hot springs! After so many hours in the freezing outside, you’ll want to visit Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.
Photo by Nicolas J Leclercq on Unsplash
Belize
If just reading about those cold places gives you the chills, then you might prefer to travel to a different destination. How about a tropical one? And if this February you just want to relax, we highly suggest you travel to Belize. It’s one of the best places to visit for a tropical vacation; just keep in mind that many people will have the same idea, so it can be a bit overcrowded and more expensive.
But it has many activities you can do! Aside from just relaxing by the beach with a cold cocktail and a book, which sounds amazing. If you don’t feel like leaving the beach, you can do some snorkeling or even scuba diving. You can also take a catamaran tour around Belize’s Barrier Reef and the Islands. If you want to learn more about who inhabited the place before the Europeans, you can explore the Mayan ruins in Xunantunich and Caracol. And, to support the local businesses and the eco-tourism, you should do some fun activities in the rainforest, like cave tubing and ziplining.
Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash
Cancun
Keeping with the tropical and beach paradise destinations, you can also travel to the beautiful Cancun! It’s a better place than Belize if you’re missing the nightlife. But, February is peak tourism season, so better make your reservation with plenty of time.
If you’re looking forward to spending some time in the turquoise waters, you can visit popular beaches like Playa Delfines and Playa Norte on Women’s Island. Or you can explore the cenotes if you want to swim in a more unique place. These are big holes in the earth and rock, connected to the sea or to subterranean rivers, beautiful and undisturbed, with incredible visibility. But of course, as much as you like swimming and exploring during the day, you want to party all night! And there’s no better place like Coco Bongo, famous for its beach parties. In February, you can also participate in the Carnaval de Cozumel!
You Might Also Like to Read: Best and Worst Time to Travel to Cancun
Photo by David Vives on Unsplash
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The best place to travel in February if you want to see the most famous carnival in the world is Rio de Janeiro. The city is usually lively, and Brazilian people love to dance and party, but during February, the streets completely transform. There’s music everywhere; locals and tourists alike are dancing and celebrating in every corner. During the Carnival itself, you’ll see many parades across the city and thousands of people with colorful outfits full of feathers and glitter dancing samba.
There’s more to do in the city, and partying nonstop all day is extremely tiring, so you should take a break from time to time and explore the main landmarks, like the giant Christ the Redeemer on Sugarloaf Mountain. If you need to rest, you can lie down on Copacabana or Ipanema Beach, where there’s also plenty of parties if you want to join later.
Photo by Ferran Feixas on Unsplash
Jaipur, India
Heading off to a different continent, far away from the heated Carnivals, you can go into a much older city, in a country full of history. Jaipur, also known as the Pink City and the capital of the Rajasthan region, is one of the best places to travel in India in February. It can be a bit crowded, yes, but you want to visit during the colder months as the heat in India can be unbearable.
The city attracts many historians, backpackers, and even some richer travelers. It has a lot of historic places, like the Amber Fort and the City Palace. Don’t forget to take your camera, as the architecture of the older buildings in India is often breathtakingly beautiful, and you’ll want to remember every little detail. If you want to see the whole city at once, you can take a hot air balloon ride, and to explore the countryside, you can ride an Elephant at Dera Amer.
Photo by Aditya Siva on Unsplash
Tips for traveling in February
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Stay Connected: Keep your phone handy in case of emergencies and for quick access to mobile data. This will help you contact family or emergency services when needed. Using Yoho Mobile eSIM is especially useful in cities where safety could be a concern, ensuring you stay connected and informed.
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Pack smartly for the cold: If you’re visiting European countries this February but want to travel light, then opt for the thermal layers. Lightweight Merino wool tops and leggings will help you stay warm and comfortable. Before you take the bulky coats out of the closet, try to pack more layers, so you can add and take off depending on the activity you’re doing.
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Just as smart for the heat: Layers are still your best friend even if you’re going to the other end of the world. But this time, instead of thermal layers, we’re speaking of sweat-wicking layers. Add the mosquito protection and dry bags to store your electronics in case of rain or boat rides.
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Plan around Valentine’s: Unless you’re traveling in February specifically to celebrate this day, you might want to travel around that date. Destinations like Paris, Venice, or Rome are going to be more crowded, and getting into a restaurant is going to be impossible. So book early if you really want to eat in a nice place.