The Best Vacation Spots in February

The Best Vacation Spots in February

Antonio Jiménez Alonso: sxc.hu

Some destinations are just better during certain months. This is especially true of February, when Valentine's Day has couples taking off and winter is starting to relax its windy grip. What spots are better depends on taste, budget and even how long you're traveling for, although there are some spots, both in the country and abroad, that are especially nice in February.

Europe

Europe in March has many things going for it. For starters, it's the low season for tourism, which means less crowds, better prices and a chance to experience life around the locals, rather than in crowded touristy spots. But don't let the rainy February weather put you off either. There's nothing more romantic than having a cafe in Roma while the rain is falling outside your window. France and Switzerland remain at their peak times as skiing destinations, so they'll be more crowded than other locales. While you won't be able to swim in the Mediterranean, you can still take cruises (again, cheaper at this time of the year), join walking tours or bike along the coast.

Florida

Most visitors come to Florida during the wintertime, when the weather gets tough in their own towns and they're flying south in search of some warm sun. December and January, however, can get chilly in the evenings and this will reduce your time on the beach. By February, however, the temperature hovers between 60 to 70 degrees, with plenty of sunshine and little rain. The largest crowds are here in December and then in March and April (for spring break). Because the crowds are smaller, hotels and flights tend to be cheaper, as companies are competing fiercely to attract more visitors. The lower temperatures are ideal for strolls, hiking and other active pursuits that would be too tiring in the heat of summer.

In February, Florida is also host to a number of outdoor events and festivals, including Bike Week in Daytona Beach and the Florida State Fair, where visitors can have access to organic foods, recreation at a turn-of-the-century village, arts and crafts, animals and outdoor concerts. Both these events are a great way to spend the day outdoors, walking and interacting with others. Other events in February include the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival, Gasparilla Pirate Festival (which includes the chance to sail) and the Strawberry Festival (held at the end of February or beginning of March, depending on the year).

Ski Destinations

February is a very good month for skiing, as the crowds are smaller than during December (one of the peak periods due to the holidays) and the weather is starting to warm up. Both Aspen and Vail in Colorado are busy all winter, but February is calmer compared to the beginning of winter and to the more moderate March and April. Other ski locations are also worth visiting. An example is Taos, which has the Kachina Peak ski lane, only open occasionally, when the weather is agreeable. There is no lift here and skiers need to hike up the mountain if they want to try this slope. February is one of the best winter months to attempt this, as winds are calmer and snowstorms are less likely.

Article Written By Sarah Dray

Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.

Write for Trails.com
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