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Cheap places to travel in February

Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh, Morocco Photo: Contiki

Added ‘travel more’ to your new year’s resolutions? Or maybe you’ve already binned your “new year, new me” plans and just want to treat yourself for making it to the second month of the year? We feel you. February is known as the month of love, but it’s also a great time to visit many destinations off-season and get more wanderlust for your money. We’ve found an array of amazing yet cheap places to travel in February to inspire you. We guarantee you’ll find a new place to love, even if there’s a shortage of Valentine’s cards in your inbox.

These are the best places to travel in February

These are the best places to travel in February

by Tina Burke Jan 31, 2020

1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio is a city that needs little introduction but might seem out of reach or more of a bucket list fantasy. While February is off-season in most countries, that doesn’t stop the Brazilians from having one of the biggest street parties in the world, Rio Carnival. The Brazilian Real will get you a decent amount for your dollar, pound or euro and the carnival is a vibrant and amazing way to samba your way through Feb.

Outside of the carnival itself, there are amazing beaches like Copacabana and cheap local bars where you can immerse yourself in the culture. If you live in a cold country, it’s the perfect time of year to get a winter tan to see you through the rest of winter as well as a few smug points.

Christ the Redeemer in Brazil

Image source:Contiki

2. Budapest, Hungary

Over in Europe, it might not be toasty but for a bargain you can get yourself a cool and cultured trip to Budapest. Day-to-day spending is typically lower than in Western Europe and it’s jampacked with hotspots. Famous for its thermal baths (heat!) and lively bar scene, there’s relaxation and late-night fun without breaking the bank. There are affordable flights from other European countries and the US which will help your overall purse-friendly trip and you can lap up all the goulash your heart desires for a couple of euros. It’s an underrated cheap place to travel in February and shouldn’t be overlooked!

Check out more places that are affordable to fly into Europe from the US.

3. Dominican Republic

Looking for a bit of heat and some cheap warm places to travel in February? The Caribbean can be surprisingly affordable in places, and you can look to the Dominican Republic for more beach for your buck. Compared to the USA and many Caribbean islands, the Dominican Republic has a lower cost of living so your money will stretch further. The weather is stunning all year round, but February has perfect temperatures to paddle in the turquoise waters and sink a few cocktails at sunset.

If the white sand beaches (free!) don’t take up all your vacation time, Los Haitises National Park is a must-see. Far from your standard park, you can take in boat rides, waterfalls, more stunning beaches, outstanding tropical greenery and wildlife, all in the same place! February is typically high season in the Caribbean, but this hasn’t stopped the Dominican Republic from being a cheaper alternative and features all the beauty you’ve drooled over in your Pinterest.

4. Marrakech, Morocco

Serving up warmth, bustling culture and an endless list of activities, Marrakech in Morocco should be on your list of cheap winter vacations. In early February, the weather is the good kind of hot and the exchange rate of most Western currencies to Moroccan dirham is excellent. You can scoop up all the crafted leather goods and spices at the souk while also having spare change to visit the mountains, camel ride in the Agafay desert or just chill out by a swimming pool.

Hotel prices are excellent value compared to other hot destinations and it’s famous for its riads (hotel buildings with rooms situated around a central courtyard that look way pricier than they are). Don’t forget to also check out our great tips on how to be a pro at travelling cheaper and smarter to maximise your year of travel.

5. Boston, MA, USA

Boston, Massachusetts may be on your list of must-see cool cities, but at this time of year it’s especially great and a cheap place to travel to in Feb! Flights from within the USA are affordable to Boston and once there you can expect to pay less than neighbouring states.  Mid-February sees Presidents’ Day weekend kick-off in the US, and this is a great place to spend it.

Winter fun, from cheap ice skating to free attractions such as its Freedom Trail that takes in beautiful (and very snowy in February) neighbourhoods make the layering up all worth it. Eating out can be done for a great price and you can hire cheap city bikes if you’re looking to get about without splashing the cash. Presidents’ Week celebrating the federal holiday has some great theatre shows and special events in museums, galleries and more that will keep you occupied while successfully avoiding concerned emails from your bank.

6. Thailand

Head over to Asia for a bit of sunny for your money. Thailand is famous for its incredible food, vibrant culture and amazing weather, but did you know it’s also very reasonably priced? Accommodation comes in a huge variety of price ranges, and you can bag yourself a top quality abode for far less than in Europe, USA and other parts of Southeast Asia. In February, it’s hot and if you’re looking to escape Valentine’s Day, you have a better chance here.

Hit up Contiki to see what’s on offer in The Land of Smiles (a name that totally makes sense once you see it). Tuck into a green curry while ‘gramming yourself in the ultimate golden hour sunsets and grab a bargain tuk-tuk to take you sightseeing. Island hopping will cost you little and there’s deals to be bartered by the ports, if you’re feeling bold!

7. Florida, USA

Now, we’re not suggesting you hit up Disney World and expect to come back with spare change but hear us out. Florida (the sunshine state) has pretty awesome weather year-round and outside of the magical gates, the rest of the state can be a cheap place to travel in February. It’s low season at this time of this year and the perfect time for winter sun, Miami beach (hello art deco, pastel sun-drenched buildings and reggaeton) and natural wonders like the Everglades. While half the globe is adding their 5th layer of clothing, you’ll be topping up your beer and saving on hotel prices.

8. Canary Islands, Spain

Take your pick of the islands in the Canaries, just off the coast of Africa. In February, temperatures are high unlike in Europe and there’s plenty of fun for a fraction of the cost outside of high season in summer (it’s v popular with families once school’s out). It’s a great cheap place to go in February and leave winter behind! Swing by Gran Canaria for its beautiful sand dunes in Maspalomas, Tenerife for its golf and party scene in the south or Lanzarote for its beaches and Mediterranean cuisine (and wine!) and beautiful landscape.

9. Croatia

It’s probably best known outside of Europe for featuring in Game of Thrones, but there’s a reason the location was chosen for such a mega smash hit of a series. Ancient Roman castles anyone? Couple of euros for a beer instead of breaking the bank? Yes please. Croatia is way cheaper than its neighbour Italy but with just as much culture, crisp clear seas and a whopping 1,000+ islands you can hop around by ferry.

Diocletian’s Palace in Split is a Roman palace filled with bars, restaurants and dancing in its court that’s both achingly cool (think hipster bar but tucked into an old cave) and affordable. Dubrovnik has your G.O.T fan favourite spots and is also a great cheap place to visit off-season. In summer you’ll have a few more crowds and prices are a little higher, so February is the perfect time to go and get your selfies without unwanted photobombers.

Split, Croatia

Image source:Contiki

10. Georgia

It’s having a bit of moment right now, so you’ll want to hit up Georgia before everyone else hears about it. Georgia (the European one, not the US one) is a bit of a dark horse but is a great choice for somewhere cheap to travel in February, with a lot of beauty for your currency as the Georgian lari will get you a good amount when exchanged.

The capital Tbilisi looks like a Christmas card in winter and is packed full of museums, national parks and a fortress (free!) that is just begging to be your phone’s lock screen. Throw in tons to see by foot and cheap food and wine and you’ve got yourself a cut price Feb break that doesn’t skrimp on cool.

The fantasising doesn’t need to stop there! If this has got you ready to escape as soon as month one of the new year has finally finished, we’ve got more February options to weigh up. And if February’s not your travel month of choice still, find some other inspo for the cheapest time to fly into Europe. We thoroughly recommend making the fantasy a reality though and get booking ASAP. Especially now you know you don’t need to beg the boss for a raise to get there.

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