Where To Go In February 2025

It might only be the start of the year, but you’d be forgiven for already itching for a break. After all, it’s been a long winter and the need to shake off the humdrum of everyday is real. Happily, there’s so much going on around the world to lure us out of our loungewear. If it’s sun we want, far flung places are at their peak, while culture vultures can expect plenty of carnivals, and less crowded streets around the most famous attractions.

The school half-term and Valentine’s Day cause an uptick in prices in the middle of the month, so with a little imagination, a bit of determination and some flexibility, there’s a February holiday ready and waiting for everyone. Here are our top recommendations for a February break.

Koh Rong Sanloem, Cambodia

Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, and that’s what you’ll find with its neighbour of Cambodia – just without the crowds. More rustic, off the beaten track and cheaper, Koh Rong Sanloem is an excellent alternative to the likes of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The tiny island is less than 10 square miles, and is surrounded by stunning, clear waters that make it a snorkeler’s paradise: be on the lookout for the many seahorses found in the area.

On land, Koh Rong Sanloem barely has a road network – transport mainly involves boats or water buffalo carts. Each resort runs from its own electricity, and internet is patchy, though you’ll be fine in the main tourist drag of Saracen Bay. If that sounds like your idea of heaven, it’s surprisingly accessible: it’s well serviced by five ferry companies that take around an hour to reach it from the mainland.

Verona, Italy

With Valentine’s Day coming up, attention turns to the many romantic destinations in Europe. But few have the allure of Verona, the city in which Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet was set.

The whole destiantion feels dedicated to the star-crossed lovers. You can visit the houses of the feuding families that inspired the depiction of the Montagues and Capulets, and have your picture taken with a statue of Juliet outside Casa di Giulietta, featuring the famous balcony. You can even try the delicious ice cream flavours of Romeo and Giulietta at Gelateria Verona, which are a match made in heaven.

The city has so much to offer besides their most famous fictious residents. Aside from the delicious food and delectable wines, Verona Amphitheatre is at its centre. Despite being over 2000 years old, it’s still in use today. A guided tour will delve into Verona’s Roman history, and uncover how it’s helped Verona stay a hotbed of culture.

Quebec, Canada

While winter might be a quiet time for some, in Quebec it’s an excuse for more festivities – this time in the form. of Quebec Winter Carnival, which takes place from 7 to 16 February. In the French-speaking capital of Canada, celebrations began in 1894 and it’s now the biggest winter festival in the Western hemisphere. Expressing their joie de vivre, you’ll be able to admire an array of ice sculptures, watch vibrant parades, tuck in to comforting street food like poutine, and attend a grand masquerade ball at Chateau Frontenac.  Keep a lookout for the festival’s mascot, Bonhomme. As a seven-foot-tall, red-hatted snowman, he’s hard to miss!

Erding, Germany

An easy hour-long bus ride away from Munich in Germany lies the world’s biggest spa complex, at over 185,000m2 of thermal waters in which to luxuriate. Expect everything from slides to a wave pool here, but especially in colder months, the piece de résistance is the glass-domed thermal bath garden. Here, you’ll find an aquatic playground of hydrotherapy stations, waterfalls, a sandy beach, a pool bar, a beach bar, and aqua aerobic sessions. It’s one of a few places in Europe that makes some concessions for those who prefer to wear swimwear, so it’s especially popular with those of a British sensibility!

Saly, Senegal

It’s not easy to find proper sunshine – the kind that warms your skin up from the outside in – close to home in February. For the most effective blast of sunshine, it’s all about heading due south, which is why Senegal makes for a fab February break.

A six-hour flight away, Senegal is expected to grow in tourism as the likes of TUI and First Choice offer holidays there. With 23C temps in February, it’s too tempting to stay by the beautiful beaches and soak in the sun, but those who tear themselves away will be rewarded with an enriching experience. If the chequered history of capital Dakar and beyond doesn’t broaden your world view, the famed Senegalese food and music will make it a holiday to remember for certain.

If you’re heading away this year make sure to pack a Switched On Travel Insurance policy. It’s feature packed cover is available to buy online or over the phone. Policies provide a 24/7 emergency helpline and gadgets are covered automatically. Find out more by visiting the Switched On travel pages.