While the festive season may have only just passed, savvy travellers are already looking ahead to secure their winter escapes. February 2026 presents a prime opportunity for a holiday, particularly for those planning around the school half-term break. From snowy Alpine adventures and vibrant European carnivals to blissful tropical retreats, there is a wealth of options to suit every taste and budget.
Alpine Thrills and Winter Sun Escapes
For those seeking the quintessential winter sports experience, the Austrian Alps are calling. The renowned resort of St Anton offers excellent skiing conditions, with significant snowfall expected across the region. Travel specialist Iglu Ski is currently offering a substantial discount of 55 per cent on a week's stay at the centrally located Hotel Galzig. A package departing on 7 February 2026, including flights, transfers, and breakfast, is priced from £1,472 per person, reduced from £3,243.
If warmer climes are preferred, the Canary Islands provide a reliable source of winter sunshine. Mercury Holidays has a compelling offer for the February half-term, with a week at the Sands Beach Resort in Lanzarote starting from just £669 per person, including flights. The resort boasts proximity to Costa Tequise and Playa de los Charcos, alongside its own sandy area and swimming pool.
Coastal Charm and Carnival Spirit
For a holiday closer to home, the UK's dramatic coastlines offer a perfect retreat. A picturesque thatched cottage in North Devon, available through Marsdens Devon Cottages, provides a cosy base for exploring the rugged scenery. The four-bedroom Hartland Cottage, set in woodland with a garden stream, is available for a five-night self-catering break from 14 February at a cost of £814. It is also dog-friendly.
Meanwhile, the South of France will be alive with colour and celebration. The famous Nice Carnival runs from 11 February to 1 March 2026, featuring spectacular parades and the traditional 'Battle of the Flowers'. For a stylish stay, the art-filled Hotel Windsor in the city centre offers rooms from £79 per night through i-escape, with availability from the carnival's start date.
Luxury Adventures and Romantic Getaways
For travellers looking to indulge in a truly unique experience, an Arctic adventure in Greenland promises unforgettable memories. A tour operated by Best Served Scandinavia includes a night in Copenhagen before flying to Ilulissat to witness colossal icebergs, potential Northern Lights viewings from a glass-walled cabin, husky sledding, and boat trips. This epic journey starts at £4,455 per person, covering flights, transfers, select meals, and excursions.
Couples seeking a romantic Valentine's retreat can find solace in Pembrokeshire. The one-bedroom Dairy Cottage, nestled within the Coastal National Park, features exposed stone walls and a wood-burning stove. Bookable through Rural Retreats, it is available from 13 to 16 February 2026 for £315, a reduction from £450, and is just a short walk from the coastal path and Aberbach beach.
Other notable options include a premium all-inclusive break in the Maldives with Away Holidays, featuring a six-night stay at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi from £1,955 per person including flights, and an extensive 18-day rail journey from Singapore to Bangkok through Malaysia and Thailand with Wendy Wu Tours, priced from £6,390 for a 20 February departure.
