Last-minute trips, events to attend, and hotel deals.
After the great excitement of December, things calm down in the new year. The rush is (mostly) gone with people getting back to work and school after the Christmas break. Nonetheless, the second month of the year is popular amongst travelers: Valentine’s Day and half-term break both fall around the middle of the month. And with the lingering trend of revenge travel, you can’t expect airline and hotel prices to be heavily discounted. But there is one thing you can count on: the sun.
North America has been affected by cold snaps all through January and if you’re over the freezing weather, these places will offer a much-needed respite. Plus, we have included hotel deals that will sweeten the trip along with events happening in these destinations that may be reason enough to book a flight.
Phoenix, Arizona
The southwestern city proudly markets its 300+ days of sunshine to travelers. Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the U.S. and it’s bustling with a superb art scene and serves up sensational Mexican food. Whether you want to hit some trails in the Sonoran Desert or relax in a high-end resort, you’ll have your time under the sun in this city.
For golf lovers, not only is there a huge selection of golf courses, but February also brings the WM Phoenix Tour, part of the PGA Tour and this year, it’s scheduled for Feb 5-11, 2024.
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WHERE TO STAY
Napa, California
February in Napa is chillier than the summer months, and that’s why the crowds are thin. You can enjoy a much peaceful time in the region (at a much lower cost) if you don’t mind occasional rain showers. Plus, there are plenty of seasonal food events, wine tastings, and shows happening in the month. You will also find Valentine’s Day-themed dinners and brunches if you’re trying to impress your sweetheart.
WHERE TO STAY
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Instead of Mardi Gras this February, you can fly to Trinidad and Tobago and attend the famous Carnival from Feb 7-14. Expect costume parades, street parties, colorful shows, Calypso music, and lots of corn soup and doubles (barra pancakes with chickpea stuffing).
Apart from the rich biodiversity and wonderful beaches that you’d expect from a Caribbean island, the history and culture of Trinidad and Tobago will fascinate travelers. These twin islands are credited for giving the world the gifts of limbo, soca, and Calypso. Its street food culture is unbelievable, and you can’t go wrong with roti and pholourie.
WHERE TO STAY
Related: Carnival 101: Everything You Need to Know About the Best Party in the Caribbean
Cancún, Mexico
Just before spring breakers descend on Mexico, you can book a last-minute, quick getaway to the lovely sands of Cancún. The Caribbean beaches are a major draw for tourists who love the soft sand and turquoise waters. The city is also known for its wild party scene, but there are plenty of Mayan sites, food and cultural experiences, and water activities (scuba diving for example) to keep you occupied both day and night.
WHERE TO STAY
Related: How to Experience Cancún’s Best Beaches
Curaçao
Very few destinations have the privilege of being classified by the U.S. State Department as ‘Level 1: Exercise Normal Precaution’ and Curaçao is one of them. This Dutch Caribbean island was on Fodor’s Go List 2023 and we still stand by it—it’s a great pick for divers, food enthusiasts, and culture lovers. February is a busy month on the island, but it’s the time of celebration with the carnival, making it erupt into a mélange of colors. The carnival season opened on January 6, 2024, and the farewell parade is scheduled for February 13, 2024, so you still have a short window to experience it if you book fast.
WHERE TO STAY
Related: 11 Under-the-Radar Things to Do in Curaçao
Valletta, Malta
Did you know that Malta is the smallest country in the European Union by size and population? The tiny country in the Mediterranean has 7,000 years of history and UNESCO has acknowledged many of its temples and sites with the Heritage Site status. Its capital city Valletta was the European Capital of Culture in 2018. The fortified city has 320 monuments and you’ll find a history lesson whenever you walk its cobblestoned streets, photograph its Baroque buildings, and visit the famous St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
WHERE TO STAY
Related: Going to Malta for the First Time? You Need to Know These 10 Things
Goa, India
The season in the coastal city of Goa in southern India starts in October and tourists keep arriving until March before it gets too hot to rent bikes and go around. For party-goers, the north part is always buzzing with hip events, while South Goa is known to be more laidback and chill. In February, the beach shacks will still be serving beer and calamari fry, and surfing and parasailing will be in full swing.
Gokarna, which is three hours by road from Goa, is another beach town with the Arabian on its side. It’s less crowded than its popular neighbor, and has beautiful beaches for a very relaxed vacation.
WHERE TO STAY
Related: The Pandemic Has Reminded Me How Much I Love Local Markets
Queenstown, New Zealand
New Zealand is experiencing a beautiful summer this time of the year. Queenstown, on South Island, is a stunning destination, and it’s also on Fodor’s Go List 2024. The scenery of this town is worth clicking hundreds of pictures and Kiwis are known to be outdoorsy and thrill-seeking, so the activities involve adrenaline. Seems fitting that bungy jumping became popular because of this town.
INSIDER TIPBook your adventure with Queenstown-based, small group tour company Active Adventures that has 5- to 14-day trips filled with hiking, biking, cycling, diving, and boating.
There’s also nature and wellness activities for the non-adventurous, and Queensland is shining with high-end properties that offer the luxury of doing nothing.