10 Overseas Travel Spots for a Romantic February Winter Getaway
10 Recommended Overseas Travel Spots for February
February marks the end of winter. Those who dislike the cold head off in search of warm destinations around this time every year, but if you love winter activities, you may feel sad to see winter go. So depending on where you travel, you can either enjoy winter more deeply or escape the cold. The content I’ve prepared today is an overseas edition of February travel spots — places that are even more romantic and beautiful when you visit at the tail end of winter. I’ve put it together without bias (?), from Europe to Asia to the Americas, so if there’s a destination you like, start planning now.
Table of Contents
February Travel Picks — With Good Reason!
Spain, Madrid
Spain, Madrid
The first overseas February destination I’ll introduce is Madrid, Spain. Mentioned so often everywhere that you start thinking you really ought to go at least once, Madrid is said to have its off-season every February. So while it’s hard to catch festivals or events, you can stroll the relaxed Spanish city and enjoy sightseeing at your own pace. Hotels and airfare also get cheaper, which can save you on travel expenses. Madrid’s signature attractions include the Prado Museum, the Temple of Debod, the Real Madrid stadium, the Royal Palace of Madrid and its gardens, and the Cybele Palace.
Italy
Italy
Most people tend to avoid Italy as a February destination, since outdoor activities are tough in chilly weather. But February in Italy means cheaper hotels, airfare, and travel packages. So for those who couldn’t plan an Italy trip due to budget, February is actually the perfect time. The temperatures are cold, but it isn’t the kind of extreme cold Korea boasts. And crowd-free cities allow for leisurely sightseeing, making it easier to take photos at the major sights too. Italy’s signature February destinations include Sicily, Abruzzo, Calabria, and Apulia (Puglia).
Croatia, Zagreb
Croatia, Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia is said to have its cheapest hotel rates of the year in February, because it’s the off-peak season. That means a pleasant, leisurely trip with few crowds. And as Croatia’s capital, Zagreb offers its distinctive architecture and tours of various cathedrals, universities, and museums. Although it’s a city center, there are mountains and beaches nearby, so you can walk along the sea and even ski. Around this time every year, the Feast of St. Blaise and a carnival festival are also held — though lodging can get a little pricier during this period, so if you’re planning Croatia as your February destination, keep that in mind.
France, Nice
France, Nice
When you think of France, everyone pictures the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Some might also think of Provence, blanketed in blooming lavender. But if you want to visit France as a February destination, they say you absolutely must choose Nice — because every February, Nice hosts its Carnival. It’s one of the oldest carnivals in Europe, boasting all the tradition and splendor that implies. Running from mid-February all the way to early March, this festival is full of parades, elaborate float processions, fresh flowers, and captivating performances. Around this time, the temperature in Nice is a relatively chilly 39–54°F (4–12°C), but you don’t have to worry about rain.
USA, Colorado
USA, Colorado
The fifth overseas February destination I’ll introduce is Colorado, USA. There are countless U.S. travel spots, but the reason I specifically chose Colorado is that it’s the perfect fit for enjoying late-season winter. Colorado has ski areas spanning 3,000 acres and 169 trails, making it known as a dream playground for skiers worldwide. And at the hundreds of hotels and resorts lined up nearby, you can receive top-tier service. That said, since Colorado is not in its off-season around this time, it’s best to book hotels and flights well in advance.
Canada, Banff
Canada, Banff
Banff, Canada is another February destination that’s great for enjoying real late-season winter. Around this time every year, Banff is blanketed in snow, offering a quiet yet majestic atmosphere. Beyond skiing, all sorts of winter activities are possible — notably dog sledding, skating, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. At Johnston Canyon, you can even view frozen waterfalls. “Canada in winter — isn’t that way too cold?” some of you might worry. Canada does get especially cold in winter, and Banff is no exception: in February, the highs hover around 19°F (−7°C) and the lows around 3°F (−16°C). So if you’re planning a Banff trip, just bundle up warmly and enjoy a proper, full-blown winter!
Hawaii, Maui
Hawaii, Maui
Maui, Hawaii — said to be a must-visit at least once before you die — is also recommended as an overseas February destination. Around this time every year, Maui gets almost no rain and the weather is sunny, so there’s plenty to enjoy at the beach: notably snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, swimming, freediving, and relaxing. At nearby Haleakalā National Park you can encounter an active volcano, and the sunrise seen from here is said to be truly spectacular. That said, it’s a time when families on winter and spring break tend to flock in, so it’s best to book hotels and flights well in advance.
Jamaica
Jamaica
If you want a more special getaway, I recommend Jamaica, in the Caribbean. The reason I introduce Jamaica as a February destination is that it’s warm and dry, so you can enjoy soft sand and calm beaches. As in Hawaii, you can enjoy a variety of water sports, and leisurely relaxation is possible too. While you rest, you can also visit Dunn’s River Falls, the Bob Marley Museum, and Kool Runnings Water Park. And since Jamaica is the home of reggae, reggae performances are said to be held day and night around this time every year. To think such a passionate trip is possible in a relatively cold, quiet season — somehow it feels refreshingly new.
Tanzania, Zanzibar
Tanzania, Zanzibar
Tanzania is another African destination worth visiting in February. Other regions are beautiful too, but Zanzibar in particular boasts a hot yet dry climate and just-right beach temperatures. You can enjoy activities like diving, snorkeling, and swimming, and the water is so clear that you can observe sea turtles, dolphins, and beautiful coral reefs. The sunset watched from a Zanzibar beach is also said to deliver unforgettable emotion. In America, people say there’s good reason to endure months of saving for a trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania. If only the flight weren’t so long and I could get by with the language, I’d love to visit at least once too!
Philippines, Manila
Philippines, Manila
Every February, the dry season arrives in Manila, the Philippines. If you’ve hesitated to visit the Philippines because of Southeast Asia’s signature weather despite its being close by, this is the right time. The Philippines is made up of nearly 7,000 islands, so there are tons of places to visit, but the reason I still recommend the capital, Manila, is that it has so much to enjoy — museums, gardens, markets, plazas, shopping malls, and more. It’s also relatively easy to take a domestic flight to other areas like Boracay, Bohol, or Palawan. Isn’t that a fine overseas February destination?
Beyond these, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Costa Rica, New Zealand, and others were also good options for an overseas February trip. Among them, I tried to introduce the more appealing destinations. As someone who prefers far-off places over nearby ones and new places over familiar ones, I found Tanzania and Jamaica especially appealing. As I always think at times like this, I wish I were fluent in English — because if only my English worked, the only thing I’d have to put up with would be racism……