February is a good time to journey, particularly if you wish to attend among the yr’s most fun occasions. Winter sports activities fanatics ought to set their sights on northern Italy, the place the 2026 Winter Olympics will happen all through the month in venues in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. And Carnival and Mardi Gras festivities will wrap up Feb. 17 in varied locations world wide.
Climate-wise, February gives varied preferrred situations throughout the globe: it’s prime ski season within the Northern Hemisphere whereas it’s late summer time within the Southern Hemisphere. It’s additionally the dry season for a lot of tropical locations, making it a super time for journey to the Caribbean, Central America and plenty of elements of Asia and Africa.
Listed below are 10 nice locations to contemplate in your February getaway.
Northern Italy
Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, are the official hosts of the 2026 Winter Olympics, which takes place from Feb. 6-22. Downhill snowboarding and luge occasions will happen within the Dolomites, whereas Milan will host the ice skating occasions and the opening ceremony. The newly constructed 16,000-seat Milano Santa Giulia Area would be the ice hockey venue, whereas the traditional Roman amphitheater in Verona will host the closing ceremony. Snag tickets to occasions and competitions right here to affix the motion.
TPG tip: Cortina d’Ampezzo is experiencing a luxurious resort growth proper now, together with the reborn Ancora Cortina and an upcoming Mandarin Oriental, which is anticipated to open in 2026. Our eyes are on the luxurious Aman Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano, a 45-minute drive exterior of Cortina d’Ampezzo, that’s bookable with factors by way of American Categorical Fantastic Inns + Resorts. Choose Amex cardholders can even obtain perks like day by day breakfast for 2 and assured 4 p.m. checkout. Money charges begin at $2,567 per evening in February.
Malaysia
Malaysia is quick changing into one among Southeast Asia’s most fun locations. In 2025, it gained its sixth UNESCO World Heritage Web site: The Forest Analysis Institute Malaysia, northwest of Kuala Lumpur, is a human-made tropical rainforest established on degraded tin-mining land from the Nineteen Twenties.
The Penang Historical past Gallery, which opened in April 2025, gives an immersive expertise of Penang’s numerous historical past and lesser-known tales, spanning from the British occupation to World Struggle II, the Japanese occupation and the journey to independence.
In an effort to draw extra cruise ships, Malaysia has been actively investing in cruise terminal enhancements, together with upgrades at Port Klang, a brand new devoted terminal in Kota Kinabalu, and plans for a brand new Pulau Duyong Jetty Terminal in Kuala Terengganu. Most enjoyable is the brand-new Melaka Worldwide Cruise Terminal in Pulau Melaka, Banda Hilir, which is now Southeast Asia’s largest cruise jetty.
TPG tip: The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur opened within the Merdeka 118, Southeast Asia’s tallest skyscraper, in August. Charges begin from $322 or 17,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening in February. The Kimpton Resort Naluria Kuala Lumpur opened in late 2025. Charges begin at $110 per evening in February — IHG One Rewards charges will not be out there but. Outdoors of Kuala Lumpur, there’s the beachfront Mandarin Oriental The Sireya, positioned on the Desaru Coast, that opened final yr (charges begin at $561 per evening).
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New Orleans
Formally, Mardi Gras takes place Feb. 17, however New Orleans has quite a few parades and celebrations main as much as Fats Tuesday. This yr, the times main as much as Mardi Gras fall over Valentine’s and Presidents’ Day weekend, so it’s a good time to plan a visit to the Massive Simple. The primary large weekend of parades begins Feb. 6, after which there shall be seven consecutive days of parades beginning Feb. 11 and operating by way of Feb. 17. When you’re a canine lover, time your go to to incorporate Feb. 8, when the Mystic Krewe of Barkus holds its parade.
New Orleans has lengthy been recognized for its vibrant meals and beverage scene. Along with the various informal bars, cafes and eating places lining the streets of the French Quarter, the town acquired its first Michelin stars with the famed meals information’s debut within the American South in November 2025. Emeril’s — which the well-known chef’s son E.J. Lagasse now runs — was the one restaurant within the South to attain two stars. Saint-Germain and Zasu every earned one star as effectively. In fact, there’s scrumptious meals available on almost each nook, so come able to eat and drink.
TPG tip: You’ll want a snug place to relaxation up between events and parades. Fortunately, the town has a number of new resort developments: Caesars New Orleans opened within the previous Harrah’s On line casino after a $435 million transformation on the finish of 2024 (charges begin from $99 or 12,899 Caesars Rewards credit per evening), and the Component New Orleans Downtown will open within the former Financial institution of New Orleans constructing in mid-February. Charges begin at $123 or 39,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening.
Colorado Springs
2026 is the US’ 250th anniversary — and it’s additionally Colorado’s one hundred and fiftieth anniversary. Honor the Centennial State (so named for gaining statehood 100 years after the founding of the nation) with a go to to Colorado Springs throughout prime ski season.
The Monarch Mountain resort debuted its No Title Enlargement this season, including 377 acres of intermediate-to-advanced terrain and 10 new runs on either side of the Continental Divide, boosting skiable terrain by 50%.
Off the slopes, guests can expertise guided excursions of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Coaching Middle and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum — a world-class attraction that showcases all the journey of the Olympic Video games. This winter, the museum will provide day by day artifact demonstrations, reside Olympics protection on its 40-foot LED wall, alternatives to satisfy Staff USA athletes and different partaking programming all through the Olympics.
You may heat up with a experience alongside the award-winning Colorado Historic Sizzling Springs Loop, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this yr and gives a calming highway journey by way of eight high soaking locations. Enterprise to Cripple Creek, 44 miles west, for the annual Cripple Creek Ice Pageant — which runs from Feb. 14-16 and between Feb. 21 and 22 this yr — to observe reside ice carving of elaborate sculptures and luxuriate in actions, distributors and extra.
TPG tip: Final winter, Allegiant Air added a number of new direct routes to Colorado Springs Airport (COS) from airports like Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona, John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, California, and St. Pete-Clearwater Worldwide Airport (PIE) in Florida.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The climate in Punta Cana in February is fairly preferrred for anybody in search of solar and heat as an alternative of the Northeast’s freezing temperatures. With miles of seashores alongside the Caribbean, an energetic worldwide airport and a glut of recent all-inclusive resorts, the well-connected coastal metropolis makes for a straightforward and inexpensive trip from most U.S. cities.
Punta Cana is now house to the very first adults-only, all-inclusive property by W Inns, W Punta Cana (charges begin from $1,146 or 215,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening). About an hour’s drive northwest in Miches, the brand new Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Assortment by Hilton caters to households (charges begin from $902 or 317,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening). In the meantime, Hyatt additionally opened two new all-inclusives in Miches, together with the adults-only Secrets and techniques Playa Esmeralda (charges begin from $492 or 29,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening) and the family-friendly Desires Playa Esmeralda (charges begin from $366 or 23,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening).
Associated: First look: Secrets and techniques and Desires Playa Esmeralda carry all-inclusive vacationing to a secluded Dominican seashore
TPG tip: In early December, American Airways launched direct flights to Punta Cana Worldwide Airport (PUJ) from Indianapolis Worldwide Airport (IND), Nashville Worldwide Airport (BNA), Pittsburgh Worldwide Airport (PIT) and Raleigh-Durham Worldwide Airport (RDU).
Appenzellerland, Switzerland
The under-the-radar ski space of Appenzellerland, positioned within the pre-Alps of northeast Switzerland, has 10 smaller ski resorts that are perfect for households and people new to snowboarding. It’s extra approachable (and inexpensive) than in style high-altitude places like St. Moritz or Verbier.
Not a skier? You may snowshoe, ice skate and luxuriate in sleigh rides by way of the countryside. You may as well go to Appenzeller Schaukaserei, the place you possibly can see how the area’s well-known herb-brined cheese is made. Go away time to discover the charming metropolis of St. Gallen, gateway to Appenzellerland, to see the architectural marvel of the Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that dates again to the eighth century and is house to the magnificent Library of St. Gall. On the Appenzeller Brauchtumsmuseum, guests can be taught in regards to the area’s wealthy traditions and tradition, together with the Alpine cattle drive, Alpine farming, yodeling and string music.
TPG tip: The luxurious Huus Quell opened on the finish of final yr, together with a large spa advanced. It’s a part of Appenzeller Huus resort group, which additionally options 10 bars and eating places, in addition to two extra motels, so there’s one thing for all budgets. Charges begin at $487 per evening in February.
Uganda
Uganda is without doubt one of the two nations on this planet the place you possibly can observe gorillas of their pure habitat. February marks the again finish of the second dry season, providing preferrred situations for jungle treks and safari excursions.
It’s additionally an amazing alternative to see different wildlife past gorillas. Within the savannah parks, there’s much less vegetation, which helps with visibility, and animals have a tendency to assemble round watering holes for simple recognizing. Moreover, nationwide parks in Uganda are much less crowded than these in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania. And whereas Uganda’s infrastructure is rather less developed than Rwanda’s, it’s typically the extra inexpensive choice for gorilla safaris.
Uganda Airways started flying to Europe in 2025 with a direct flight 4 instances every week between Entebbe Worldwide Airport (EBB) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
TPG tip: The Gorilla Forest Lodge reopened final summer time after present process a serious renovation, whereas Volcanoes Safaris Kibale Lodge opened in July 2024, finishing a circuit for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. It lately launched a brand new 10-night gorilla and chimpanzee trek.
Mendoza, Argentina
When you’re sick of the Northern Hemisphere’s chilly temperatures, head down south to Argentina, the place it’s the tail finish of summer time.
The grape harvest season — “la vendimia” in Spanish — strikes in late February and early March in Mendoza, making it a super time for a go to to one among Argentina’s most well-known wine areas to tour wineries and vineyards and see the motion up shut. Cease into the various tasting rooms present in Mendoza and the encircling areas of Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley for sips of the area’s malbecs, bonardas and torrontes.
TPG tip: The world is unlikely to have any brand-new motels till 2027, when an Unbound by Hyatt property is scheduled to open. Nevertheless, the Awasi Mendoza, a 25-year-old lodge surrounded by 55 acres of vineyards, has lately turn out to be a member of Relais & Chateaux (charges begin from $1,180 per evening).
Rio de Janeiro
The world-famous Rio Carnival will happen Feb. 13-21, and the occasion schedules shall be packed as normal. Particular Group Samba Faculty Parades will happen Feb. 15-17, that includes the very best and most well-known samba faculties. The Youngsters’s Parade is Feb. 20, and the Champions Parade — with the winner of the particular group parades and the 5 runners up — is Feb. 21. However, in fact, there are tons of unofficial avenue events (“blocos”) earlier than, after and throughout the official dates.
When you come to Rio for Carnival, it’s additionally in all probability price extending your journey to go to Sao Paolo on the finish to catch Dangerous Bunny carry out Feb. 20 and 21 at Allianz Parque.
TPG tip: Whereas many Rio motels e book up shortly, there are nonetheless some rooms out there on factors final time we checked, together with at Courtyard by Marriott Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca (charges begin from $448 or 16,500 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening), the Residence Inn by Marriott Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca (charges begin from $547 or 17,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening) and the Hilton Barrio Rio de Janeiro (charges begin from $116 or 31,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening).
Guatemala
As a result of Guatemala is close to the equator, it has moist and dry seasons reasonably than hot and cold seasons. February lands squarely throughout the dry season, making it a super time to go to.
Guatemala gives a mix of tradition, historical past and pure magnificence. To start out, there’s the UNESCO World Heritage Web site and former colonial capital of Antigua, and the majestic Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America, surrounded by Mayan villages. Tikal Nationwide Park, located close to the Belizean border, is house to among the most unimaginable Mayan archaeological websites. For extra historic wonders, see the spectacular Mayan masterpieces in Quirigua.
In 2025, Guatemala gained a number of new routes connecting it to the U.S. Final Could, Avianca launched day by day service between Miami Worldwide Airport (MIA) and Guatemala Metropolis’s La Aurora Worldwide Airport (GUA), whereas JetBlue started day by day service in April from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport (FLL) to GUA. American Airways additionally launched three weekly flights from Chicago’s O’Hare Worldwide Airport (ORD) to GUA in November.
TPG tip: Whilst you seemingly gained’t spend a lot time in Guatemala Metropolis, you could must once you arrive and depart. For that, e book a room at The Westin, Camino Actual, Guatemala (charges begin from $191 or 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening). Outdoors of the capital, try Good Resort Antigua, a member of Design Inns (charges begin from $116 or 22,500 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening). Close to Tikal, e book a room at Bolontiku Boutique Resort and Spa, an SLH Resort (charges begin from $275 or 65,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening).
