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Whether it’s a romantic escape in honor of St Valentine’s Day or joining the party at a vibrant Mardi Gras celebration, our favourite February travel experiences are packed with culture, spectacular scenery and fun-filled festivals. For us, February is all about adding a little “wow” to your world – enjoy!
Easter Island, Chile
Also known as Rapa Nui, this remote, Polynesian island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean is renowned for its unique historic and cultural heritage. It’s probably best known for the huge, distinctive carved stone statues, known as moai, that are found across the island. The various moai sites are known collectively as Rapa Nui National Park, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire island is just 23 kilometres long and eleven kilometres wide, so it’s relatively easy to get around. You can spend your days exploring the rugged coastline and hiking volcanic craters, or simply unwinding on the white coral sand of beautiful Anakena Beach.
New Zealand’s third-largest island, also known as Stewart Island, is located off the southern tip of the South Island, and late summer is a wonderful time of year to experience its immense natural beauty. The island is a haven for some of New Zealand’s most unique and endangered wildlife. Be sure to include a visit to tiny offshore Ulva Island: this pest-free sanctuary, where Hooker sealions frequently laze on the beaches, is pretty much the only place in New Zealand (and therefore on Earth) where you can spot wild Kiwi during daylight hours. A significant portion of Stewart Island is designated as Rakiura National Park, where you’ll find a variety of walking tracks ranging from half an hour to several days that lead to secluded beaches, lush forests, and panoramic viewpoints. The charming seaside town of Oban is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle and friendly locals, as well as some of the best fish and chips you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Arlberg, Austria
Known as ‘the cradle of alpine skiing,’ the Arlberg region of Austria is considered one of the world’s great ski destinations. Ski Arlberg, which links three separate ski resorts to create the largest connected ski resort in Austria, features fifteen aerial tramways, 45 chairlifts and 28 drag lifts which service a total of 300-plus kilometres of groomed trails. February in Arlberg typically offers cool temperatures (average -2C) and plenty of snow, as well as fewer crowds. It’s a winter wonderland of alpine villages surrounded by snowcapped peaks where you can ski your heart out all day and refuel each evening on hearty Austrian dishes like Käsespätzle and Gröstl.
Located in southern Kenya, Amboseli is one of Kenya’s most popular national parks: home to a diverse range of wildlife including lion, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest and large elephant herds. The park’s relatively small size and diverse ecosystem – including open plains, acacia woodlands and wetlands – means wildlife spotting is more accessible some of the larger parks. Amboseli is home to the Maasai people, and some game lodges offer visits to local villages where you can learn about the traditional Maasai way of life. A sundowner safari is an essential element of any African wilderness holiday, made even more spectacular in Amboseli thanks to breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which overlooks the park from just across the border in Tanzania.
Dreamy Zanzibar
Leaving behind the wide-open spaces of Kenya, a short hop from Nairobi or Mombasa airport will deliver you to the fascinating Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. Stone Town is the historic and cultural heart of Zanzibar: a UNESCO World Heritage Site where narrow, winding streets are lined with a stunning blend of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European architectural styles. Often referred to as the “Spice Island”, a spice tour is a great way to learn about the plantations of cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg and other spices that have been a major part of Zanzibar’s history. The island’s pristine beaches, including Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje, are ideal for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. Unique wildlife experiences abound on Zanzibar: Jozani Forest Reserve is home to Red Colobus monkeys, one of the rarest primate species in the world, and the turquoise waters surrounding the island are home to sea turtles, dolphins and even whale sharks.
Palm Beach, Aruba
Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, the island of Aruba is a fabulous choice for a romantic beach escape: it’s renowned for its stunning beaches, laidback atmosphere and vibrant culture. Laze on the pristine, white sands of Eagle Beach or Palm Beach, or go snorkelling in their turquoise waters. Take a stroll through the island’s capital city, Oranjestad, where you’ll find charming Dutch colonial architecture, colourful buildings, and lively markets where you can pick up an assortment of delicious local specialties that combine Dutch and Caribbean influences. Popular water-based activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and sailing, and the island’s vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks offer incredible diving. A jeep safari is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Arikok National Park, including Guadirikiri Cave (known for its stalactites, stalagmites, and population of bats) and Fontein Cave (famous for its ancient Arawak Indian drawings and carvings).
Venice Carnival, Italy
For many countries, February means Carnival season, and Venice is home to one of the biggest and brightest carnivals in the world. The dates for the Carnevale di Venezia vary from year to year, as the festival is timed to conclude with the Mardi Gras celebrations that precede the pre-Easter period of Lent. The party begins with the Grand Canal Parade – an unmissable spectacle in which lavishly decorated boats and gondolas parade along the Grand Canal in feast of colours, costumes, and music. Masquerade balls and themed parties, as well as street performers, art exhibitions and concerts, ensure that you’ll be treated to a festive atmosphere throughout your stay. The final extravaganza is the traditional Svolo del Leon (Flight of the Lion) and a candlelight parade on the Rio di Cannaregio: a beautiful conclusion to your Carnival experience.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If Venice is all about art, culture and history, Carnival in Rio is all about sunshine, sparkle and samba. It’s another of the biggest and most famous carnival celebrations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year, so you will need to plan and book your stay well in advance. The Sambadrome is the epicentre of the Carnival: a purpose-built parade area that serves as the main stage for the parades of samba schools. Each night delivers an incredible spectacle of colour and music, as rival samba schools show off their floats, costumes and choreography as they compete for the title of the best performance. The energy is electric, so reserve your spot on one of the grandstands, don your brightest feather boa and get ready to cheer for your favourites. Join one of Rio’s vibrant street parties, known as “blocos,” or attend a samba school rehearsal before the main event to get a taste of what goes into each performance. The main parades usually take place on Sunday and Monday nights, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy other Rio’s other attractions, from Sugarloaf Mountain to Ipanema Beach.
February is generally an enjoyable time to visit Singapore – the dry season brings moderate temperatures and lower humidity. You can explore the island state’s nature reserves and outdoor spaces, from the serene beauty of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to the theme parks and beach clubs of Sentosa Island. Enjoy the beautiful Gardens by the Bay, take a stroll along the Marina Bay Sands waterfront, or visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens. If your visit coincides with the Chinese New Year (the dates vary year to year), it’s a fantastic time to experience the vibrant and festive atmosphere of this key holiday, as Singapore comes alive with colourful decorations, performances and parades. Make the most of the city’s vibrant nightlife and stunning skyline, visiting rooftop bars, taking a river cruise or exploring the night markets for a taste of Singapore’s multi-cultural culinary delights.
These are just a few of our favourite February holiday experiences – ask your personal travel manager for more ideas and inspiration and start planning your own adventure!
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
