Feb half term ideas?

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Looking for a bit of a treat holiday for February half term, generous budget but am struggling with ideas.

Not skiing, Dubai, Canaries or Disney, just not our thing. Kids will be 11 and nearly 9. Would prefer a holiday with some activities or sightseeing rather than fully resort based.

Any ideas very welcome especially if you’ve done it with these age kids! Jordan? Caribbean (but where)? Think Malaysia/Thailand is a bit far for only 7/8 nights?

Oman would be my first suggestion, February should be an nice temperature to do sightseeing and there are some lovely resorts which offer good value in my opinion if you do want some more relaxing days. There can be some rain in February but it is usually short sharp showers rather than ongoing. It’s about 7hrs direct from London to Muscat.

You could also look at Egypt - Luxor to do sightseeing maybe.

Does it need to be warm?

We're pondering Iceland, which is my favourite place on the planet.

My husband took my step-son to Kenya one Feb. half term. Had a great time and the time difference is not enough to cause issues either going or returning.

I think Thailand is too far for a week, Jordan on the other hand is perfect. It's such a small country that it's easy to get around - Petra and Wadi Run are mind blowing. The dead sea is fun and there are lots of other ruins too.

I'd also consider Morocco if you like the idea of of Jordan, it's that bit easier and cheaper to get to. We flew into Marrakech which is vibrant and exciting (but some beautiful places to visit too). Then did a private tour out to a desert camp in Merzouga with stops at Ait Benhaddou, and some other really cool places. Then after that we went up to the Atlas mountains for a few days.

Both Jordan and Morocco though will be cold at that time of year though, we went at Easter to Morocco and it snowed in the Atlas mountains while we were there.

If you want to be somewhere sunny then I would go for the Carribbean. What about Cuba if you want some sightseeing? We went from Havana to Vinales and then down to Santiago. We've also been the Cayman Islands and swam with giant stingrays which was fab. Mexico is another option, but like Thailand it could do with more than a week.

We loved Finland and I’d also add Norway.

I think Iceland is nicer in the summer

If you want warm, we have been to Fort Lauderdale at that time of year for a week.

Another vote for Oman.

I thought of Oman as soon as I saw the question. Great weather at that point, and super friendly.

Tonnes of activities (desert adventures / camel stuff / turtles to see), but also nice and family- friendly hotels to chill in.

Ooh thank you all

Liking the sound of Oman, Jordan, Cuba, Caymans (we all love snorkelling and elder DD just starting to dive)

A cold holiday like Finland could also work, I would need to check temperatures but I would so love to see the Northern Lights (I know it’s never guaranteed)

Marrakech we went a few years ago, enjoyed it but might wait a bit before going back

Lots of lovely research to do

When we went to Ruka (Finland) we used the local tourist information to help book trips. It worked really well.

We also loved Jordan and Cuba, but Cuba has so much it’s a shame not to go when you have a longer period.

Oman is def on our hit list too.

So many places and not enough time!