Where to go in February without breaking the bank

[8-P]

Looking to go somewhere in February half term.

Obvious place is the Canary Islands but they know they’ve got the weather so prices are daft with a family.

So, trying to think outside of the box - Cyprus, Turkey, Greece etc

Are any of these any good in February? Id be happy with 15 degrees rather than the Uk 5.

All ideas welcome thanks.

[mikef]

Egypt isn’t much further than Cyprus and prices are still depressed

[JimmyConwayNW]

Likely to be good deals for Dubai and likely to be better weather than the Canaries for less cost.

[havoc]

JimmyConwayNW said:

Likely to be good deals for Dubai and likely to be better weather than the Canaries for less cost.

But spending when you're out there is significantly more, unless you can easily get into the old town (is that still a thing / still cheaper?).


Egypt definitely worth a punt but depends on the age of your kids and how much they just touch stuff / stick their finger in their mouth for various reasons...hygiene out there is definitely 'optional', even in some of the allegedly 4-star hotels.
I love the weather and snorkelling, but I wouldn't take my 6y.o. there and I'm not even sure my 12y.o. has enough common sense!
If you do go, pick the best resort you can afford (Hyatt Grand Regency is on one of the best off-the-beach/jetty snorkelling areas, but their own beach is quite small), and even then maybe avoid buffets and/or get somewhere close to the town and google which restaurants are good bets.

The Med itself won't have warmed up by Feb, so whilst you may get decent sun and 20+ in e.g. Cyprus, the sea and any swimming pools will still be rather cold.

[scot_aln]

Wherever you end up watch out for whether pools are heated in cooler seasons. Have done a few Canaries breaks in Feb school hols but found unheated pools rather refreshing.

[Shaoxter]

mikef said:

Egypt isn’t much further than Cyprus and prices are still depressed

I'd rather stay at home than go to Egypt, you'll come back with more stress than before you went.

Turkey/Greece/Cyprus are too cold at that time of year and a lot of stuff will be closed as it's offseason.

Dubai will have lovely weather at that time but not really budget friendly if you intend on eating out/doing activities etc.

[mikef]

Shaoxter said:

I'd rather stay at home than go to Egypt, you'll come back with more stress than before you went.

Strange comment. I've never had any issues, with beach resorts or on Nile cruises (which I much prefer)

[8-P]

Interesting thanks.

Perhaps a city break in somewhere warmer than the UK, so pleasant enough temperature but hardly subbed weather type location.

Wife doesn’t fancy Egypt or Dubai.

[Macneil]

Malaga, Almeria?

[8-P]

Good thought. Actually I went to nearly Benidorm on a cycle holiday in Feb years ago and it was pleasant. Locals dressed up for Autumn while we were shorts and T-shirts by day anyway.

[Regbuser]

Ghana - very good weather

[Boringvolvodriver]

8-P said:

Interesting thanks.

Perhaps a city break in somewhere warmer than the UK, so pleasant enough temperature but hardly subbed weather type location.

Wife doesn’t fancy Egypt or Dubai.

Depends on what your kids are happy doing perhaps?

We had a lovely short break in Rome, albeit at the end of February - cooler in the morning but T shirt weather in the afternoon.

Cyprus might be ok although might not be - luck of the draw really - it was certainly better than the UK in early February (came home just before half term) - I was in shorts and had a couple of days when we could sit in the sun for a few hours in the middle of the day.

South of Spain might be Ok and Malaga is an under rated city and then there is always a day trip to Gibraltar in that region.

Fuerteventura may be better priced than say Tenerife and weather usually pretty good in February - we have been there twice in January/February and it has been lovely. Maybe look at some of the villas/self catering options as well.

[RichFN2]

According to AccuWeather Seville floated around 19-21 degrees and got as high as 23, Valetta and Athens were also similar.

That's where I would be looking, if you want warmer then it's the canaries or North Africa.

[tighnamara]

Gambia, went a number of years ago and had a great time.

https://visitthegambia.com/

[Old Merc]

Last time we went to Cyprus in February it was cold evenings with lots of places still closed.
Then we tried Cape Verdi, had a great time in Santa Maria Sal Island. Weather was great.

[Rob 131 Sport]

If your careful in Dubai, eating out in Dubai can be very reasonable and there’s plenty of choice.

[Veteran63]

The Algarve will be sunny and bright but not hot. Take a look at Cap Verde, although there's not much to do there. My recommendation though would be Madeira.

[Griffith4ever]

mikef said:

Shaoxter said:

I'd rather stay at home than go to Egypt, you'll come back with more stress than before you went.

Strange comment. I've never had any issues, with beach resorts or on Nile cruises (which I much prefer)

Egypt is a bit of a polariser.

Some people can't handle the pestering, others can.
Some people can't handle the lack of hygene, some can.
Some people barely leave their complex, and when they do, the 1ts person perstering them ruins their holiday and they refer to outside the hotel as "3rd world" (which it is to be fair, but it should not be a surprise).

I love Egypt, but I can see why some don't. Same time I last went a mate did - different holidays, same time. He absolutely hates the pestering and will never go again, we took it in our stride and made it as "fun" as possible. No one is right or better, just we were nto as bothered.

[mikef]

No one pesters you on a Nile cruise, and the hygiene depends on what level of boat you pay for. It’s just one amazing historic site after another, with a guide off the boat

[Exiled Imp]

As a couple of posters have already mentioned, Cape Verde could be an option