Where to go in February
February, it would seem, is the most unsuitable time for a vacation. Cold, slush, nowhere to go. However, we are ready to convince you otherwise. In this article, we have gathered many locations where you can go on vacation in February: there are beach options, European ones, and even ideas for domestic Russian trips. Let's go!
Where to go in February in Russia
Kaliningrad
It's good at any time of the year. To listen to the organ in the Cathedral, buy amber, and try Baltic cuisine, sun and heat are not necessary. The main thing is to dress warmly so you don't freeze from the wind blowing from the Baltic Sea. And tickets to Kaliningrad are always cheap, especially in winter.
Sochi
Going to the Black Sea for winter is a great idea. February is the lowest season in Sochi, accommodation prices are cheap, and the beaches are empty. True, you won't be able to swim, and in the evenings you might need to wear a light down jacket, but here you'll find sun, sea, fresh air, huge plates of mussels, and no queues at the Sochi Arboretum. Beautiful!
Kislovodsk
In February, you'll need to wear something warmer than a T-shirt in Kislovodsk, but overall the weather is quite comfortable (from +10 °C to +13 °C), especially at the end of February. It's perfect for strolling through the Valley of Roses or the Narzan Gallery between spa sessions (Kislovodsk has many hotels offering wellness programs). And don't forget to visit the Lermontov monument in the national park, where you can see a bas-relief depicting the writer and a mystical hero from the poem “Demon”.
By the Sea
Egypt
Let's be honest: among all the options for where to fly in February, this one is the most foolproof. The weather for a vacation in Egypt at this time is quite comfortable — from +20 °C to +25 °C. All that remains is to choose a resort. For example, Sharm El Sheikh is perfect for those who love to lie on the beach or relax in all-inclusive hotels. In Hurghada, it's a bit cooler in winter than in Sharm, but there are many attractions here: aquariums, shopping centers, children's rides, and surf spots.
Sri Lanka
February in Sri Lanka is the calmest and driest month: no monsoons or sea storms. So you can go with confidence. In winter, it's better to relax on the south coast, where there are fewer waves. The top 3 resorts in Sri Lanka are Bentota, Tangalle, and Unawatuna, all located a short distance from each other.
- In Bentota, the tourist infrastructure is not very developed, but there are many places for snorkeling, diving, sailing, surfing, plus luxurious hotels to choose from.
- Tangalle offers clear water and soft sand. Excursions to Sri Lanka's national parks are often arranged from Tangalle.
- Unawatuna is a “wild” village with almost no expensive hotels, but the beaches here are the best and cleanest: tourist turnover is low, there are no umbrellas or sun loungers, and no one litters on the sand.
Inexpensive flights to Sri Lanka can be chosen on Kupibilet: there are direct flights and options with layovers.
Dominican Republic
Where to go to the sea in February? To the Caribbean. Just a day's flight — and you're listening to the rhythms of the country's life.
You can start your acquaintance with the Dominican Republic in Punta Cana — the most popular and crowded local resort, home to an international airport. In February, the temperature here is ideal for a beach holiday: +28 °C. And fans of a healthy diet will appreciate the opportunity to eat mangoes, avocados, nuts, and passion fruit cheaply, which are sold everywhere.
The beaches in Punta Cana are like something out of commercials. In fact, they are probably all filmed there. Spending a day on the white sand with an umbrella, sun lounger, and a nice bar within walking distance will be inexpensive or even free, as most of the beaches here are public. Entry into the sea is easy and shallow. And if you're interested not only in swimming but also in snorkeling to get a closer look at marine life, there are plenty of diving centers along the coast.
Besides Punta Cana, you might consider the resort of Puerto Plata. It has equally excellent beaches and hotel infrastructure, but more attractions. The church where the first mass in America was held, Columbus's house, San Felipe Fortress, the Amber Museum, a replica of the Christ the Redeemer statue from Rio de Janeiro — these are just some of the places that will be interesting to see with or without a guide.
Must visit: a tour of the Brugal distillery, where they show how sugarcane is turned into Caribbean rum.
India
In Goa — not just for beach holidays, but also for meditations, massages, herbal teas, and other joys of the Indian lifestyle. For a more relaxed family vacation, the southern part of Goa is suitable: you'll have to pay more for accommodation, but there are fewer people here. The best beaches with white sand and luxurious hotels are Aguada, Majorda, Varka.
In the north, there are more activities for solo travelers and groups without children, but the beaches are inferior to the southern ones: the sand is dirtier, and there's some trash. However, it's hard to get bored here: North Goa is home to the legendary Anjuna beach, which was favored by hippies in the 1960s. Since then, the beach has had a party reputation. More tranquil options are Baga and Candolim.
Thailand
For Thais, February is a cold month. But Russians don't think so. The air temperature in February reaches +28 °C. Therefore, it will be comfortable both for excursions and lounging on the beach. Pattaya is suitable for party holidays, Phuket is a quiet family resort, chosen most often. You can get there in different ways; if you're going to Pattaya, it's easier to get there from Bangkok.
- Check prices for Moscow — Phuket tickets.
- Check prices for Moscow — Bangkok tickets.
A less common option is Krabi province (where, by the way, the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed) or Koh Phangan island, which is considered one of Thailand's spiritual centers. Monthly, Koh Phangan hosts the Full Moon Party — three days of unrestrained techno dancing.
Vietnam
The weather in Vietnam varies by region. In the north, it can be cool for swimming: +18–20 °C. But in the south, it will be quite comfortable for a vacation. However, the most delicious pho bo is prepared here all year round, so the choice is yours.
The most developed and popular South Vietnamese resort is Vung Tau. Besides hotels, there's a wide selection of villas, which are convenient to rent if you're traveling with the whole family. Attractions include the White Villa, built by the French in the early 20th century, the Niet Phat Tinh Xa Buddhist temple, and the Hai Dang lighthouse, which has an observation deck with picturesque views of the “Vietnamese Riviera”.
Another area for recreation is Phan Thiet. There are few places for cultural activities, but plenty of new, clean hotels and opportunities for active recreation: many sports equipment rental points, diving, and surfing zones.
With a Child
All the above options are equally great for adults, but when you travel abroad with a child, you need to remember the nuances: is there good infrastructure, entertainment, how long is the flight? That's why we've created a table of where to fly in February if you're traveling with family.
|
Country/City |
Should you go with a child? |
|
Egypt |
Yes, hotels and resort areas offer many activities for children. |
|
Dominican Republic |
No. The flight is too long — if the child is small, it can be difficult. |
|
Goa |
Possibly. Depends on the part of Goa you are heading to. We recommend going to the southern part. |
|
Thailand |
Yes. If the child is not afraid of long flights, Thailand has excellent family hotels and entertainment. |
|
Vietnam |
Possibly, but there are few children's activities, and the cuisine might be unfamiliar. Families with children often stay in Phan Thiet. |
|
Sri Lanka |
Possibly. The flight is direct, and it's convenient to get there, but tourists warn that insect bites might be an issue. |
Visa-Free
Armenia
The average temperature in February in Armenia is around +3 °C. We recommend planning a trip to Yerevan so you can stroll through museums, visit the best establishments, and warm up when needed. Of course, any visit to the Armenian capital should begin with a visit to “The Cascade” and the city's best nearby establishments. February is also a great time to tour the most beautiful monasteries: Etchmiadzin, Haghartsin, Goshavank, and Khor Virap. Yes, you'll have to travel a lot, but what views will open up to you!
Belarus
Rushing for draniki without a reason is a good quest for February. The first place you definitely need to go is the capital. Moreover, in summer we shared in detail, what to see in Minsk. After a whirlwind tour of Las-Legas, the Belarusian State Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Lifestyle, and seeing all the architectural sights, we head to the Grodno region. There you will see castles and palaces of famous European dynasties. We believe this route is already an achievement, but if you want to get the most out of your trip, go to Brest Fortress.
Turkey
Going to Turkey for a beach holiday in February is not the best idea. But you can indulge in unstoppable shopping: here you'll find H&M, ZARA, and Uniqlo — in short, all the cream of the mass market. Take a bigger suitcase with you and head to Istanbul — alternate shopping with sea cruises along the Bosphorus.
Georgia
In February, the thermometer in Georgia usually doesn't drop below zero, so you can safely go for a walk. It's best to start exploring the country from the capital — Tbilisi. Begin your journey with a hearty lunch at Gabriadze Cafe — this place serves some of the most delicious national dishes in the city. Afterward, stroll through Old Tbilisi to appreciate the local architecture, then head to Rike Park. From there, you can take a cable car up to Narikala Fortress — it offers a wonderful panorama of the entire city.
Europe
Serbia
In February, you can definitely come to Serbia to clear your head: the average temperature here at this time is around +4 °C. After all, the local food is so hearty that you'll always feel warm from the inside. If you dress warmly, you can take a whirlwind tour of Belgrade's main attractions: you'll see the main temple of the Balkans — the impressive Cathedral of Saint Sava, stroll through the medieval streets of Zemun, and explore Kalemegdan Park.
Montenegro
An option for those who miss the sea, but without swimming, bright sun, and SPF cream. February leisure in Montenegro means strolling along the Adriatic coast in a raincoat, drinking wine in family restaurants, and admiring medieval architecture.
Another option is to go skiing in “Žabljak” and “Kolašin,” these are the two main mountain resorts in the country. All the infrastructure is quite decent: hotels, spa hotels, heated pools where you can swim in winter.
Ski Resorts
Dombay
The easiest way to get to “Dombay” is from Mineralnye Vody, where the airport is located. From there — by bus or taxi. This small ski resort in Karachay-Cherkessia is much less popular than Krasnaya Polyana, but it is no less beautiful. People come here to see Elbrus from Mount Mussa-Achitara and to be amidst the wild Caucasian nature. The service is not yet very developed: there are hostels, guesthouses, three-star hotels, inexpensive but delicious family cafes. Lift tickets are cheap (from 200 rubles), and the slopes are designed for skiers of different levels.
Krasnaya Polyana
February is the peak of the ski season. Rent equipment and go conquer the ridges of the Caucasus. Fortunately, the choice of slopes is huge for both beginners and enthusiasts. “Rosa Khutor” is suitable for more advanced skiers, while beginners can try their hand on the gentle slopes of “Gazprom”. The infrastructure everywhere is excellent. Polyana will also be interesting for those who are far from skiing activities: at every turn, there are open heated pools, hammams, massages, and Finnish saunas. You can get there by plane, flying from Moscow to Sochi, and then taking a taxi to Polyana: the ride will take a little over forty minutes.
We wish you a great vacation in February!
