Where to go in February?

Nebulous2

We came to Tenerife quite late, post-covid, and unexpectedly really liked it. We fairly quickly went off it, as the price has gone up dramatically since 2021, and it is struggling with 'over-tourism.' 

I posted here asking for suggestions for a holiday in November 2023 and we ended up going to Malta, which blew us away, with its history. It was also considerably cheaper than Tenerife would have been. 

I'm now looking for suggestions for February next year. We have a significant celebration, and may be willing to push the boat out slightly more with costs. 

Criteria would be:- 

1) significantly warmer than Scotland. 

2) Things to do - we aren't beach people, we like museums, history, exploring locally. It's a bonus to be able to do that in shorts and t-shirt. 

3) Safety - not interested in politically unstable places where tourists have to be coralled into secure compounds and are advised not to exit these. We like to wander. 

The only thing we've possibly agreed on so far is Malaysia. 

So, any suggestions for me? 



 

Eldi_Dos

Madeira would fit the bill, hotel in central Funchal so easy walking to all it has to offer although it is not a late night town.
Could not comment about present costs but found it reasonable when we were there about eight years ago.

Contessa

If you're thinking of Malaysia also consider Singapore. An amazing country/city. Interesting museums with not only WW11 history but others devoted to different cultures making up Singapore. Transport (bus or metro) is cheap and efficient. The people are welcoming and it is safe.

Emmia

I'd try Athens - in February it will be 12 - 15°c (not shorts weather, but jeans and a jumper would be fine) there's lots to do to that would fill a week or so, especially if you opt to visit places like Delphi.

We've visited recently and found costs reasonable.

Nebulous2

Contessa said:

If you're thinking of Malaysia also consider Singapore. An amazing country/city. Interesting museums with not only WW11 history but others devoted to different cultures making up Singapore. Transport (bus or metro) is cheap and efficient. The people are welcoming and it is safe.

Thanks - isn't it very expensive for food accommodation? We've passed through the airport several times, but have never been outside. 

blindman

I would say Oman.

Researching for a trip now onwards.

Should be warm in Feb and the trip can be a week long easily. History, museums desert mountains.

Despite its closeness to Iran and Yemen you should be safe

michele-p

We had a long weekend in Marrakesh in Feb this year. Beautiful winter sun and the airport is only 10 mins drive away from the city. There's so much culture and museums, or just wandering through the souks of the medina.


We stayed in a Riad in the old town, perfect position, and so peaceful inside compared to the bustle outside. Well worth a visit 

https://riad-rihani.com/en/

DullGreyGuy

Nebulous2 said:

3) Safety - not interested in politically unstable places where tourists have to be coralled into secure compounds and are advised not to exit these. We like to wander.  

Safety is always a difficult one to judge for others as what one person feels safe in another person may feel terrified. We've spent a moderate amount of time in India and wife has never felt unsafe walking around etc however a colleague who travelled with us on one trip wouldn't go out on her own unless it was a hotel arranged taxi to a specific place and back again but she was ok going out if accompanied by my wife or I. 

We've wintered in Mexico several times, there are highly touristy places like Playa Del Carmen, realer places like Oaxaca that still have tourists and then small places where almost no one will speak English depending on your preferences. Was last there in 2022 and you could go to a taqueria and eat many tacos, have a several beers for 2 and have enough change for the taxi home from £10 (as long as they dont charge you gringo rates). 

Given the temp requirement you could almost draw a line on the globe and anything south of that will meet your requirements. We've gone to Mexico, India, Sri Lanka, US, Cuba, Columbia, Brazil, South Africa, Oman and Morocco. The to do list still has Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia. Oz and NZ would be on many people's lists but not ours. 

Nebulous2

DullGreyGuy said:

Nebulous2 said:

3) Safety - not interested in politically unstable places where tourists have to be coralled into secure compounds and are advised not to exit these. We like to wander.  

Safety is always a difficult one to judge for others as what one person feels safe in another person may feel terrified. We've spent a moderate amount of time in India and wife has never felt unsafe walking around etc however a colleague who travelled with us on one trip wouldn't go out on her own unless it was a hotel arranged taxi to a specific place and back again but she was ok going out if accompanied by my wife or I. 

We've wintered in Mexico several times, there are highly touristy places like Playa Del Carmen, realer places like Oaxaca that still have tourists and then small places where almost no one will speak English depending on your preferences. Was last there in 2022 and you could go to a taqueria and eat many tacos, have a several beers for 2 and have enough change for the taxi home from £10 (as long as they dont charge you gringo rates). 

Given the temp requirement you could almost draw a line on the globe and anything south of that will meet your requirements. We've gone to Mexico, India, Sri Lanka, US, Cuba, Columbia, Brazil, South Africa, Oman and Morocco. The to do list still has Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia. Oz and NZ would be on many people's lists but not ours. 

I'm not easily terrified, and we like meeting people. There are some regimes I'd object to on ethical grounds, but that's different. I've been to a few big cities with pickpocket issues, but that didn't bother me. 

I've spoken to people on all-inclusive beach type holidays who have basically been in a compound and told it isn't safe to leave. That may work for them, but it isn't for me.

I would also avoid somewhere that the foreign office said wasn't safe to travel, as I wouldn't want to jeopardise my insurance. 

Malaysia with a few days in Kuala Lumpur followed by some internal travel is certainly favourite at the moment. 

Contessa

Nebulous2 said:

Contessa said:

If you're thinking of Malaysia also consider Singapore. An amazing country/city. Interesting museums with not only WW11 history but others devoted to different cultures making up Singapore. Transport (bus or metro) is cheap and efficient. The people are welcoming and it is safe.

Thanks - isn't it very expensive for food accommodation? We've passed through the airport several times, but have never been outside. 

It's not the cheapest country in Asia. Transport is cheap and food can be if you eat at hawker centres. Hotels probably cost £100+ per night. I'm hoping to go back again soon but will be solo so expect it to cost more. 

eDicky

I think that Northern Thailand would be worth considering for February, especially if you'd prefer a Buddhist to the basic Islamic culture of Malaysia and avoidance of oppressive heat. There's plenty to see and do in and around Chiang Mai and neighbouring provinces.

Bali is increasingly suffering from 'over-tourism' and traffic congestion, especially in the South and Ubud area, but there's still opportunity to experience a unique culture with a bit of exploration by car or motorbike. Neighbouring Lombok island is easily accessible by fast ferry to its Northwest region, interesting and culturally diverse, the South best avoided.