Sunny Destinations to Beat the February Cold

February’s come around again, which means those cold winter blues are setting in. This is when it pays to seek out warm weather, palm trees, and sandy beaches. Relax on the ocean shore or sit back on your private balcony and watch the sunrise amidst the lush tropics. Whatever you do, just do it in some warm weather.

Since travel destinations are Newverest’s specialty, we’ve done a little research for you and found the best spots to beat the cold this February. Visit as many as you need to get that tan and warm your toes, and mark each trip on your Newverest scratch off map. Ready for some fun in the sun? Check out our list of Sunny Destinations to Beat the February Cold.

Barbados, West Indies

There’s no better place to find some sun than the Caribbean. Make a trip to Barbados, an island country in the West Indies, and you’ll find miles of sandy beaches and blue ocean waves that call to people all year round. The great thing about going in February isn’t just the warm weather you’ll experience, it’s what you won’t experience. February is their dry season, which means you’ll miss the rain. Nothing but blue skies and sunny days for your whole trip.

Málaga, Spain

Visit Málaga, Spain in summer, and you’ll find temperatures hot enough to fry an egg. But visit during winter, and you’ll experience a subtropical climate that warms instead of chills. And it’s right off the Mediterranean Sea, which means you’ll have your pick of beaches. If beaches aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of history to explore. Málaga is one of the oldest cities in Europe. You’ll always have something to do here.

Cairo, Egypt

February is part of Cairo’s winter, but thankfully for people traveling there, that means the days are warm and the nights are mild. You won’t find beaches like you will in other cities closer to the coast, but you will find the pyramids. That alone makes the trip worth going. And if you absolutely need a little water on your vacation, take a boat ride down the Nile. It runs right through the city and can make for an adventure you’ll never forget.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Calling all surfers. KwaZulu-Natal is one of those places you have to visit to believe it’s real. The beaches are clean and the ocean water is warm enough to swim in without freezing your toes off, even in February. The best surfing conditions occur during winter when KwaZulu-Natal experiences its dry season, so the rainfall is limited. Even if you don’t surf, you’ll appreciate the warm days and temperate nights. Enjoy your time here, and when you get back home, maybe you’ll take a little of that relaxation back with you.

Orlando, Florida

If you’ve never been to Disney World, you’re missing out. Pack the bags and take your whole family here for an amusement park that can’t be beaten. Spend your days riding roller coasters and your nights dining at one of the many eateries within easy walking distance. Then switch it up the next day and spend your time soaking up some rays on a sandy beach. There’s literally something here for everyone, no matter their age.

Loja, Ecuador

Ecuador might not be the first place you think of when you start planning your February vacation, but it’s got a lot going for it, especially if you visit Loja. This amazing city is just south of the equator, which means the temperature is pretty much the same every day of the year. It’s always sunny and warm, and when the winter months strike, people flock here. Luckily, Loja’s residents are some of the friendliest you’ll meet and happy to point out local hotspots.

Central Valley, Costa Rica

If you want the ultimate in relaxation, check out Central Valley. Just how relaxed do things get here? Well, it’s always warm, the people are friendly, and preserving the natural beauty of the place is one of their top priorities. Here, people don’t worry about the same things other countries do. There’s no army, and politics aren’t the hot button issue they are in other places. Just sit on the beach, sip a fruity drink, and relax.

Melbourne, Australia

February might mean winter for most of the world, but it’s the peak of summer for Melbourne. That means hot temperatures and lots of tourists. Get in on the fun and experience Melbourne’s beaches as well as their bustling city with live entertainment, museums, and eateries. The entire family can find something to do here. Just beware of the sea breeze, which can cool things down. But not to worry, when the breeze goes away, those temperatures go right back up again.

Goa, India

This might not make the list of tropical hotspots, but one thing Goa has going for it is its year-round warm weather. You’ll find shores with plenty of beaches stretching along the Arabian Sea, and if you go in February you won’t have to worry about monsoon season, which runs May through October. That means all you’ll have to do is relax and let your winter blues slip away. Take a walk in the sun, lie on a beach, and try some authentic Indian food.

Cyprus, Mediterranean

Cyprus is one of the most beautiful islands you’ll find in the Mediterranean, and it’s warm every day here. The coastlines stretch on for miles, and there is no shortage of boats willing to take you out on that crisp, blue water. Don’t worry if you hear tales of snow falling in the mountains during you’re staying, it’ll never touch the beaches. The snow stays inland, and the sun and warm weather stay everywhere else.

All that sun, all that fun, sounds like a winter dream come true. Doesn’t it? So stop sitting on your couch staring at all the snow outside your window and start planning a trip to your favorite sunny location. If the winter blues have hit you extra hard this year, you might want to take more than one trip. And who says you can’t?

Newverest’s Trek Scratcher helps you remember where you’ve been, so you can decide where you want to go next. Mark off past travels, plan new ones, and always, always, always have fun doing it! See you on the sunny side of the beach.