Best February Half-Term Holidays

February in the UK is still in the depths of winter, and while spring is on the horizon, you may need a little mid-term boost to get you through.

February half term

With that in mind here is some tempting inspiration for a February half-term vacation, from the best ski resorts to warm, sunny beaches and memorable experiences that will leave an imprint on you all. Read on for the best February half-term vacations.

Best Family Vacation Destinations for February Half-Term

Most schools only have one week at February half-term and if you don’t want to spend too much time traveling, pick an adventure in Europe. These destinations prove you don’t need to fly long-haul for a truly exceptional family vacation.

Abama, Tenerife
Tenerife

Along with a sub-tropical climate comes an ethereal-like landscape, with craggy coastlines, volcanic terrain, lush pine forests and a mix of sandy and rocky coves. Lounge in the warmth of its beautiful beaches, while just a few miles away, snow glints on the peak of Mount Teide. All this is just over a 4-hour direct flight away from the UK, making it a fantastic February half-term vacation idea for families. Stay at the Ritz Carlton Abama, which is the best hotel in Tenerife for those traveling with children.

Aurora Safari Camp, Swedish Lapland
Finland

Finland is among the top 10 happiest countries in the world, for a taste of those endorphins head to Finnish Lapland and embark on the kind of adventure that all ages will relish. See the Northern Lights, go husky sledging, sleep in a log cabin in the Arctic and marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty. The accommodation in Finnish Lapland is like something out of storybooks, there are glass-roofed igloos, hideaways in the wilderness and even treehouses to sleep in. This is one of the best February half-term vacations you can have.

Best Hot Vacation Destinations for February Half-Term

Swap the bleak mid-winter in the UK with hot weather and a side of culture in these enriching destinations, which combine sunshine and culture.

Sphynx and Pyramids of Giza
Egypt

Egypt is an epic country where ancient history and modern culture. And, thanks to a four-hour flight from London, and child-friendly sightseeing, it’s just the place for February half-term vacations abroad. See the Pyramids of Giza, cruise down the Nile at sunset and learn about Pharaohs and goddesses. In a week to 10 days, you can pack in quite a bit, thanks to good internal flights. You might like to add a few nights by the beach at the Four Seasons in Sharm el Sheik or stick to the culture route and hop from Cairo to Luxor then Aswan.

Six Senses Zighy Bay
Oman

Year-round sun, dramatic landscapes, ornate mosques, and age-old traditions are all stand-out selling points for a winter jaunt to Oman. There’s plenty of family fun to be had too. Head to Wahiba Sands to spend a night under the stars, dune bashing in a 4x4 and enjoying tea and dates with a Bedouin family in their tent. Go hiking in the Hajar Mountains near Nizwa. Fill up your suitcase at the souks in Muscat and spend some lazy days by the coast. For total barefoot luxury make a beeline for Scott Dunn’s favorite Six Senses Zighy Bay.

Best Beach Vacation Destinations for February Half-Term

If the call of the beach is strong this February, you have the pick of white sandy coves and transparent waters waiting for you. Here are our top three destinations for a beach vacation this February half-term.

Shore at Carlisle Bay
Antigua

Antigua is utter fly-and-flop perfection but this tiny island also has endless opportunities for family vacations in the UK February half-term. You’ve got 365 beaches, so there’s one to suit everyone. There are fantastic off-shore reefs and lukewarm waters in which to swim and snorkel. Families with younger kids might prefer to hop aboard a glass-bottom boat to spot the marine life instead, plus this is a perfect place to learn how to sail, thanks to the calm winds. Stay at Carlisle Bay or Jumby Bay for accommodation to suit all group sizes.

Rotana Exterior Sunset
United Arab Emirates

It's easy to see why Dubai and Abu Dhabi are such popular vacation destinations. Aside from year-round sunshine, they have child-friendly hotels by the bucket load with adjoining rooms, waterparks, and kids’ menus. Saadiyat Rotana in Abu Dhabi has our Explorer’s Club available year-round for children aged 6 months to 11 years old. Outside the hotels, there’s just as much to put a smile on your kids’ faces, from desert safaris to theme parks, malls for shopping, quad-biking adventures, and water sports.

Niyama Private Islands, Maldives
Maldives

The Maldives are superb for the February half-term vacations. As a famous water sports destination, there is plenty to do, with first-rate snorkeling and diving in the turquoise ocean, plus boat trips to explore tiny sandy islands. On dry land, there are some extraordinary family-friendly resorts that cleverly combine luxury with magical experiences for kids. Stay at Niyama, a spectacular property with a relaxed atmosphere that makes vacationing with children a joy, in part thanks to the Scott Dunn Explorer’s Club.

Best Ski Vacation Destinations for February Half-Term

Ski vacations in February half-term can provide you with the best snow conditions in certain resorts, have the bonus of ski schools being full of other kids and the mountains are alive with the buzz of happy skiers. For the best places to ski in February half-term, read on.

France

Whether you’re taking your kids for the first time or wanting to whizz down the black runs, France has something for everyone. There are smart resorts with lobster lunches and traditional villages that ooze charm. Our Explorer’s Club in Val d’Isere and Courchevel during February half-term makes the resorts ideal for young children. Both have world-class skiing, sumptuous restaurants, and ski-in-ski-out hotels. Non-skiers will love Megève, which is a short transfer from Geneva and its car-free streets are nice and safe for ski-boot-wearing tots.

Dolomites
Italy

Italy has a vast network of ski runs, wonderful alpine restaurants and scenery that will blow your ski boots off. If you’re wondering where to go in February half-term, then skiing in the Dolomites is nothing short of a revelation. February in the Dolomites tends to bring the best snow conditions, making it a great option for families looking to ski over half-term. Stay at Hotel Fanes, which has excellent accommodation options, from junior suites to chalets, and a Mini Club for children aged 4 and over.

Best Adventure Vacation Destinations for February Half-Term

If you have two weeks off during February half-term or are planning an adventure with older/adult children, head to one of these mesmerizing destinations to tick something off your bucket list.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
South Africa

When it comes to South Africa in February, start in Cape Town for a cosmopolitan adventure. Then make your way to the Winelands for a few days in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch. If a safari is high on your list, the Eastern Cape Game Reserves are the closest to Cape Town, so are fantastic February half-term vacation destinations. Stay in Kwandwe Ecca Lodge where stunning tents with floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the wilderness; the home of the Big Five. Alternatively, head to Hermanus or De Hoop for unspoiled coastal scenery.

Iceland
Iceland

Iceland’s scenery is the kind that makes you stop in your tracks. Glacial waterfalls, black sand beaches, hissing geysers and basalt sea cliffs decorate this small country, which is only three hours from London. Kick off your vacation in Reykjavik where you’ll find a thriving food scene and eclectic culture. Unwind in the nearby Blue Lagoon, quad bike through the mountains around the capital, and go whale watching. Then head south to the Golden Circle for a snowmobile adventure through exploding geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, and lava tunnels.

Tea plantations in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is exciting, cool and beautiful. It’s like a mild version of India, with a side of surfing and a crop of incredible hotels. There’s culture in Colombo and Galle, tea plantations in the hills around Kandy, national parks which are teeming with leopards and elephants, plus the shoreline is adorned with incredible palm-fringed beaches, particularly on the south coast. You’re spoiled for choice with hotels, from luxury 5-star glossy ones to eco-retreats. You can see a lot of Sri Lanka in a two-week February half-term family vacation.

Explore the Best February Half-Term Vacation Destinations with Scott Dunn

This is just a taster of what Scott Dunn has to offer. All our vacations are put together to match exactly what it is you’re looking for. Whether that’s a thrilling adventure or a peaceful time, relaxing as a family. We use our insider experience to select the right accommodation, experiences and guides to make your vacation extraordinary. When you book with us, you’re safe in the knowledge that your trip will be seamless, and there will be someone at the end of the phone 24/7 no matter where in the world you are. So, start planning your dream February half-term vacation with us today.

Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday

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