What Are the Best Destinations for February Vacations?

The winter sports season is well underway, and if you haven't already, now would be a great time to plan a trip to a snowy destination. And while February in Europe might not be the first month that comes to mind for a vacation, if you're willing to bundle up and do some indoor sightseeing, it's a fantastic time to visit. Without the throngs of tourists that visit during the summer, Paris and London become even more romantic on Valentine's Day.  

If you're looking for a warm place to visit this February, consider the Caribbean, Arizona, Florida, or Mauritius. After a day of hiking in comfortable weather, you might want to treat yourself to some R&R in a spa town like Sedona or Hilton Head. St. Augustine joins communities across the country in celebrating Black History Month with memorial events and a music festival.  

Here are eleven of the top destinations in the United States and beyond for a February getaway.

This island nation is found 500 miles east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of Africa. The volcanic island has pleasant weather all year long thanks to its location among coral reefs; average February highs reach the low to high 80s. The ultra-luxurious One&Only Le Saint Géran is located on a private peninsula, and it features a mile-long beach and a lagoon that is protected from the elements. The resort's signature restaurant will be under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic for a pop-up dinner service from late February to early March. The luxurious Shangri-La Le Touessrok features a selection of rooms as well as two world-class golf courses.

This popular ski resort is undergoing a $200 million makeover that includes a new gondola serving a beginner area, a food and drink hall, and an ice skating rink. It is located about three hours northwest of Denver, near the Wyoming border. In addition to the obvious winter sports of skiing and snowboarding, visitors can also enjoy fat-tire biking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, snow tubing, and scenic gondola rides. From Feb The 110th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival will take place February 8-12, with a parade, fireworks, racing, ski jumping, and more. Gravity Haus, located just a few short steps from the Steamboat Gondola, is increasing its membership options and planning further enhancements for the upcoming ski season.

Skiers and snowboarders everywhere were elated when an early snowstorm allowed this popular ski area to open before its competitors. Snowcat tours, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, terrain parks, and snowmobiling keep the good times rolling. Lodging options range from rustic cottages to five-star hotels and extravagant mansions. Minutes from both the city center and the Mammoth Ski Area, the brand new Sierra Nevada Resort is an Outbound Hotel with 179 rooms. Slope-side restaurants and the upcoming contemporary Italian-American restaurant Vulcania in The Village are both part of the experience. Bryan Voltaggio, a James Beard semi-finalist, and Michael Voltaggio, a Michelin three-star chef, both found inspiration on the MS Vulcania, the ship that brought the Voltaggio family from Italy to the United States.

Hilton Head is known more as a summer vacation spot and golfer's paradise, but the winters are mild and perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Oysters and other Lowcountry specialties can be enjoyed while biking the many trails or taking a Gullah Heritage Tour. Check into the Beach House Hilton Head Island and enjoy being steps away from the water. Consider a trip to Hilton Head Health, an all-inclusive health and wellness resort, if one of your New Year's resolutions is to take better care of yourself. A variety of individualized programs include daily beach walks, yoga, stress management, and life balance sessions. Make this New Year's Eve one to remember with spa treatments, gourmet food, and one-of-a-kind activities.

With temperatures in the fifties and a stunning landscape, not to mention affordable prices, this destination is hard to beat. The month of February is a great time to visit Sedona because it is a relatively quiet time and there are fewer tourists. On February 1, just in time for the winter season, the Mii amo destination spa will reopen for business. Two after spending $40 million on upgrades and expansion You can choose to stay in one of two refurbished Casitas or three brand new Casita buildings, all of which feature fireplaces, private patios, and heated bathroom floors. Enchantment Resort, located on site and surrounded by Boynton Canyon's red rocks, offers overnight accommodations.

Palisades Tahoe, located in Reno Tahoe, is a world-class ski area with 34 lifts, 6,000 skiable acres, and a brand-new Base to Base Gondola connecting The Village at Palisades Tahoe and the Alpine Lodge. It hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. Starting on February 16th, Palisades Tahoe will play host to the men's slalom and giant slalom events. between January 24 and 26, 2019 on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Tour Away from the slopes, guests can take in the vivacious city's many attractions, including the Liberty Food & Wine Exchange and dozens of murals depicting local scenes and Burning Man sculptures. Enjoy downtown lodging at Whitney Peak Hotel and look out at the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas.

Located on Florida's historic northeast coast, the nation's oldest city hosts an annual event at Fort Mose to celebrate the settlement's place in Black history. Fort Mose was the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in the territory that would become the United States. Visitors are transported to the early 18th century at the Flight to Freedom event, which honors the establishment of the Underground Railroad. Beginning in February, the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series will host a lineup of incredible artists. ages 10-19, "celebrating heritage and unity through music" ”

Popular tourist spots in the South Caribbean include the so-called ABC Islands, where the weather is pleasant year-round, the water is turquoise, and the locals are friendly. Carnival in Aruba begins in early January and ends on Ash Wednesday, February. 22nd, a day of parades and celebrations The Ritz-Carlton Aruba, the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba, and the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino are all excellent options. Bonaire is a popular diving destination because of its pristine beaches, wildlife, and natural beauty. The largest of the three islands, Curaçao, has a bustling urban core full of restaurants, bars, and shops. This year's Carnival celebrations begin in early February and continue throughout the month. Stay at the opulent Sandals Royal Curaçao, an all-inclusive resort situated on a 3,000-acre private estate just outside of Willemstad, where the majority of Carnival activities are located. You could also stay at Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino, which is located close to a dive site that is widely regarded as among the best in the world.

The 2023 Waste Management Open, a major PGA Tour tournament, will add to the already packed sports schedule in Arizona during the month of February thanks to the Super Bowl and Major League Baseball spring training. Warm, sunny days in the low 70s in February make Phoenix and Scottsdale great destinations for outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, and simply taking in the desert scenery. There is a wide variety of hotels to choose from in Scottsdale, such as the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, and Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney's Resort & Spa.

The weather may be chilly, but that's all the more reason to bundle up and take a stroll to a warm café for a Valentine's Day date. Enjoy the City of Lights without the crowds of tourists during the winter with a cruise down the Seine, a trip to the Louvre, and a delicious meal. You can be one of the first guests at the brand new Hôtel Dame Des Arts, opening in February on the Left Bank just ten minutes from Notre Dame Cathedral and the Luxembourg Gardens. The historic and luxurious Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris is conveniently located near the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées. The Hotel de Sers is a beautiful retreat that was once a mansion built in 1880.

There's a lot to do indoors in London in February, making it a great month to enjoy the city's hushed, romantic vibe. Date night can be cultural, as many museums are open late, or it can be romantic and sightseeing by taking a boat down the Thames after dark. During the weekend, you can get a private tour of the stunning Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, which doubled as Buckingham Palace in the Netflix series The Crown. In January, the iconic Dorchester Hotel in London will reopen following extensive renovations. The Lanesborough is a plush, pet-friendly hotel in a prime Hyde Park location. Opening in early 2023, The Peninsula London will be a luxury hotel in the heart of Belgravia, with views of Wellington Arch and Hyde Park Corner.