It’s the shortest month, but February can seem to go on for ever. Get a break from winter with a hot-weather holiday, or take advantage of a late skiing deal. If you’re looking ahead to May, these ideas might inspire you.
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France
Take advantage of excellent snow conditions with a last-minute ski holiday in Méribel, one of the most popular resorts in France’s Three Valleys. Alpine Elements has availability from 3 February in Chalet Marcelle, which is in a handy spot near the bars and slopes of Rond Point. A week’s holiday costs from £427pp and includes flights, transfers, breakfast, afternoon tea and five evening meals.
Tanzania
Safaris, historic towns, beaches and elephants – you can get all of these on a 10-day holiday in Tanzania. Fleewinter has a break starting in the Selous Game Reserve, where you spend three nights watching elephants and going on game drives, boat safaris and bush walks. Then a couple of nights spent exploring Stone Town before collapsing on a Zanzibar beach for the final four nights. The starting price of £2,650pp excludes flights but includes full board at Selous, B&B in Stone Town and half board in Zanzibar, plus transfers and tours. Departures are throughout February.
Gran Canaria
Combine a city break with a few days at the beach in Gran Canaria’s capital, Las Palmas. Stroll around the colourful streets of the 15th century old town, Vegueta, and its wonderful food market before hitting the long sandy stretch of Playa de las Canteras. Jet2 Holidays has a five-night break departing 9 February at the Hotel Concorde, which has a rooftop pool and is within spitting distance of Playa de las Canteras. The starting price of £409pp includes flights and breakfast.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s captivating wildlife and varied landscapes are a winning combination, and you can get an enticing introduction to this gorgeous country during Sunvil’s 12-night Classic Costa Rica tour. After arriving in the capital, San Jose, you’ll head off to the Caribbean coast and the mangroves of Tortuguero before exploring the volcanic region of Arenal. Then it’s off to the Monteverde before finishing on the beaches of Nicoya peninsula. Prices start at £2,683 and include flights, transfers, breakfast and two nights’ full board.
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Ireland
Grab a gang of eight for a communal get-together with a difference. Smiths Castle in County Clare dates from the 15th century is chock full of antiques and cosy medieval corners. Sleeping eight, the castle is set in five acres, with long sandy beaches and ferries to the Aran Islands within a short drive. Oliver’s Travels has five nights’ rental throughout May from £1,539, and includes breakfast and a welcome hamper. There’s also a private chef service.
Sardinia
Get to know some of the scores of beaches tucked into Sardinia’s southern coast – including the soft sands of Santa Margherita di Pula. Sardatur Holidays has a week’s full board at Hotel Flamingo, which has a long sandy beach just beyond its outdoor pools. The starting price of £606pp includes flights, transfers and all meals, for an 18 May departure.
Dorset
The wonders of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast deserve long, slow exploration. With a five-night self-guided walking holiday with Headwater, you start in Weymouth before climbing to the top of Burning Cliff and carrying on to the fantastically shaped Durdle Door rock arch towards Lulworth Cove. You’ll also walk along the Purbeck Hills before finishing on the Sandbanks peninsula. The starting price of £699pp is for departures throughout May and includes B&B accommodation, luggage transfers and walking notes.
Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
