Where to go in February?

Voyager2002

Nebulous2 said:

Lots of good suggestions here folks, there is a whole world out there, and we've seen very little of it. 

We have to start somewhere though, and we've settled on Malaysia. We've booked a flight to Kuala Lumpur and 4 nights accommodation there, with the plan to take internal flights to another couple of destinations, then back to KL for the flight home. 

Thanks very much for all your help. 

Malaysia is a good choice, although I think that four nights in KL is too much. Pity that you have booked already, since I would have suggested flights with a stopover in Muscat (the capital of Oman).

The island of Penang (Pinang) is an absolute gem! The city of Georgetown is fascinating and full of things to do and wonderful food. I particularly loved the botanical gardens and the walk up the mountain from there: I spent a complete day wandering! There is also a national park close to the city with pristine beaches and enormous natural beauty.

The best way to get there from KL is by train to Butterworth (first class is a very affordable treat) and then a short ferry ride to the heart of Georgetown.

There is also an overnight sleeper train from Butterworth all the way to Bangkok in Thailand: again, first class is comfortable and very affordable.

Another gem in Malaysia is the ancient city of Melaka. You cannot get there by railway (the Japanese stole the tracks during World War 2 and they have never been replaced) but there is a good bus service.

Rosa_Damascena

It looks like you have made up your mind, OP - but the top of my list for a short haul winter escape is Lisbon. It won't be hot, but it will be sunny and spring-like in February, and a darn sight warmer than Scotland! Its choc full of history and culture.

The same can be said of Sorrento / Amalfi, but I would wait until at least March to be able to roam around in summery temperatures.

Nebulous2

Rosa_Damascena said:

It looks like you have made up your mind, OP - but the top of my list for a short haul winter escape is Lisbon. It won't be hot, but it will be sunny and spring-like in February, and a darn sight warmer than Scotland! Its choc full of history and culture.

The same can be said of Sorrento / Amalfi, but I would wait until at least March to be able to roam around in summery temperatures.

Thanks - we are booked now. I've never been to Portugal. We took a crossing to Bilbao at one time and intended going to Portugal, but the weather there was looking bad, so we turned the other direction and chased the sun. I'm sure we will try again at some time. 

BikingBud

Another vote for Lisbon.  Many go to Portugal for the beaches but in Lisbon there is so much to see and you can walk around very easily.

Short travel time, excellent food and wine at reasonable prices. What's not to like.

Emmia

BikingBud said:

Another vote for Lisbon.  Many go to Portugal for the beaches but in Lisbon there is so much to see and you can walk around very easily.

Short travel time, excellent food and wine at reasonable prices. What's not to like.

I'd also recommend Porto for a short break, we went in July and it was hot. But not too hot.

mvk0016

Depending on whether is short-haul or long-haul, Morocco (Marrakesh or Fez are nice) or Vietnam (my favourite country in the world, and I've been to all of SE Asia - was in Malaysia last March).

dinhoecotour

Vietnam is also a good destination in February.

lady1964

Can recommend Penang too, we spent 3 days in KL, visit the Batu caves, then flew to Penang, we spent a few beach days in Batu Ferrenghi then a few days in Georgetown, we loved it, such an interesting place and we treated ourselves to staying at the Eastern and Oriental hotel in Georgetown, which was surprisingly affordable, we also went in February but pre Covid so prices may have risen a lot. 

jimjames

We did Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam a few years ago in Feb, temperature was great and decent weather as it's outside the rainy season. Plenty to do and see so might tick a few of your boxes. Edit - see you've now booked, good choice. Malaysia is one of the places on my list next.