The ten greatest locations to go to in February 2026

February is a good time to journey, particularly if you wish to attend a number of the 12 months’s most fun occasions. Winter sports activities lovers ought to set their sights on northern Italy, the place the 2026 Winter Olympics will happen all through the month in venues in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. And Carnival and Mardi Gras festivities will wrap up Feb. 17 in varied locations all over the world.

Climate-wise, February provides varied excellent circumstances throughout the globe: it’s prime ski season within the Northern Hemisphere whereas it’s late summer season within the Southern Hemisphere. It’s additionally the dry season for a lot of tropical locations, making it an excellent time for journey to the Caribbean, Central America and plenty of elements of Asia and Africa.

Listed here are 10 nice locations to contemplate to your February getaway.

Northern Italy

Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, are the official hosts of the 2026 Winter Olympics, which takes place from Feb. 6-22. Downhill snowboarding and luge occasions will happen within the Dolomites, whereas Milan will host the ice skating occasions and the opening ceremony. The newly constructed 16,000-seat Milano Santa Giulia Area would be the ice hockey venue, whereas the traditional Roman amphitheater in Verona will host the closing ceremony. Snag tickets to occasions and competitions right here to affix the motion.

TPG tip: Cortina d’Ampezzo is experiencing a luxurious resort increase proper now, together with the reborn Ancora Cortina and an upcoming Mandarin Oriental, which is predicted to open in 2026. Our eyes are on the luxurious Aman Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano, a 45-minute drive exterior of Cortina d’Ampezzo, that’s bookable with factors via American Specific Wonderful Resorts + Resorts. Choose Amex cardholders may also obtain perks like each day breakfast for 2 and assured 4 p.m. checkout. Money charges begin at $2,567 per night time in February.

Malaysia

Malaysia is quick turning into one in all Southeast Asia’s most fun locations. In 2025, it gained its sixth UNESCO World Heritage Website: The Forest Analysis Institute Malaysia, northwest of Kuala Lumpur, is a human-made tropical rainforest established on degraded tin-mining land from the Nineteen Twenties.

The Penang Historical past Gallery, which opened in April 2025, provides an immersive expertise of Penang’s numerous historical past and lesser-known tales, spanning from the British occupation to World Conflict II, the Japanese occupation and the journey to independence.

In an effort to draw extra cruise ships, Malaysia has been actively investing in cruise terminal enhancements, together with upgrades at Port Klang, a brand new devoted terminal in Kota Kinabalu, and plans for a brand new Pulau Duyong Jetty Terminal in Kuala Terengganu. Most enjoyable is the brand-new Melaka Worldwide Cruise Terminal in Pulau Melaka, Banda Hilir, which is now Southeast Asia’s largest cruise jetty.

TPG tip: The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur opened within the Merdeka 118, Southeast Asia’s tallest skyscraper, in August. Charges begin from $322 or 17,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time in February. The Kimpton Resort Naluria Kuala Lumpur opened in late 2025. Charges begin at $110 per night time in February — IHG One Rewards charges should not out there but. Outdoors of Kuala Lumpur, there’s the beachfront Mandarin Oriental The Sireya, positioned on the Desaru Coast, that opened final 12 months (charges begin at $561 per night time).

New Orleans

Formally, Mardi Gras takes place Feb. 17, however New Orleans has quite a few parades and celebrations main as much as Fats Tuesday. This 12 months, the times main as much as Mardi Gras fall over Valentine’s and Presidents’ Day weekend, so it’s a good time to plan a visit to the Massive Straightforward. The primary massive weekend of parades begins Feb. 6, after which there will likely be seven consecutive days of parades beginning Feb. 11 and operating via Feb. 17. In case you’re a canine lover, time your go to to incorporate Feb. 8, when the Mystic Krewe of Barkus holds its parade.

New Orleans has lengthy been identified for its vibrant meals and beverage scene. Along with the numerous informal bars, cafes and eating places lining the streets of the French Quarter, the town acquired its first Michelin stars with the famed meals information’s debut within the American South in November 2025. Emeril’s — which the well-known chef’s son E.J. Lagasse now runs — was the one restaurant within the South to attain two stars. Saint-Germain and Zasu every earned one star as effectively. In fact, there’s scrumptious meals available on practically each nook, so come able to eat and drink.

TPG tip: You’ll want a snug place to relaxation up between events and parades. Fortunately, the town has a number of new resort developments: Caesars New Orleans opened within the previous Harrah’s On line casino after a $435 million transformation on the finish of 2024 (charges begin from $99 or 12,899 Caesars Rewards credit per night time), and the Factor New Orleans Downtown will open within the former Financial institution of New Orleans constructing in mid-February. Charges begin at $123 or 39,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time.

Colorado Springs

2026 is the US’ 250th anniversary — and it’s additionally Colorado’s a hundred and fiftieth anniversary. Honor the Centennial State (so named for gaining statehood 100 years after the founding of the nation) with a go to to Colorado Springs throughout prime ski season.

The Monarch Mountain resort debuted its No Identify Enlargement this season, including 377 acres of intermediate-to-advanced terrain and 10 new runs on each side of the Continental Divide, boosting skiable terrain by 50%.

Off the slopes, guests can expertise guided excursions of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Coaching Heart and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum — a world-class attraction that showcases your entire journey of the Olympic Video games. This winter, the museum will provide each day artifact demonstrations, dwell Olympics protection on its 40-foot LED wall, alternatives to fulfill Group USA athletes and different partaking programming all through the Olympics.

You possibly can heat up with a trip alongside the award-winning Colorado Historic Scorching Springs Loop, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this 12 months and provides a soothing highway journey via eight prime soaking locations. Enterprise to Cripple Creek, 44 miles west, for the annual Cripple Creek Ice Competition — which runs from Feb. 14-16 and between Feb. 21 and 22 this 12 months — to look at dwell ice carving of elaborate sculptures and luxuriate in actions, distributors and extra.

TPG tip: Final winter, Allegiant Air added a number of new direct routes to Colorado Springs Airport (COS) from airports like Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona, John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, California, and St. Pete-Clearwater Worldwide Airport (PIE) in Florida.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The climate in Punta Cana in February is fairly excellent for anybody in search of solar and heat as an alternative of the Northeast’s freezing temperatures. With miles of seashores alongside the Caribbean, an lively worldwide airport and a glut of recent all-inclusive resorts, the well-connected coastal metropolis makes for a straightforward and inexpensive trip from most U.S. cities.

Punta Cana is now house to the very first adults-only, all-inclusive property by W Resorts, W Punta Cana (charges begin from $1,146 or 215,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time). About an hour’s drive northwest in Miches, the brand new Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Assortment by Hilton caters to households (charges begin from $902 or 317,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time). In the meantime, Hyatt additionally opened two new all-inclusives in Miches, together with the adults-only Secrets and techniques Playa Esmeralda (charges begin from $492 or 29,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time) and the family-friendly Desires Playa Esmeralda (charges begin from $366 or 23,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time).

Associated: First look: Secrets and techniques and Desires Playa Esmeralda convey all-inclusive vacationing to a secluded Dominican seashore

TPG tip: In early December, American Airways launched direct flights to Punta Cana Worldwide Airport (PUJ) from Indianapolis Worldwide Airport (IND), Nashville Worldwide Airport (BNA), Pittsburgh Worldwide Airport (PIT) and Raleigh-Durham Worldwide Airport (RDU).

Appenzellerland, Switzerland

The under-the-radar ski space of Appenzellerland, positioned within the pre-Alps of northeast Switzerland, has 10 smaller ski resorts that are perfect for households and people new to snowboarding. It’s extra approachable (and inexpensive) than standard high-altitude areas like St. Moritz or Verbier.

Not a skier? You possibly can snowshoe, ice skate and luxuriate in sleigh rides via the countryside. You too can go to Appenzeller Schaukaserei, the place you may see how the area’s well-known herb-brined cheese is made. Depart time to discover the charming metropolis of St. Gallen, gateway to Appenzellerland, to see the architectural marvel of the Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Website that dates again to the eighth century and is house to the magnificent Library of St. Gall. On the Appenzeller Brauchtumsmuseum, guests can be taught concerning the area’s wealthy traditions and tradition, together with the Alpine cattle drive, Alpine farming, yodeling and string music.

TPG tip: The luxurious Huus Quell opened on the finish of final 12 months, together with a large spa complicated. It’s a part of Appenzeller Huus resort group, which additionally options 10 bars and eating places, in addition to two extra motels, so there’s one thing for all budgets. Charges begin at $487 per night time in February.

Uganda

Uganda is among the two international locations on the planet the place you may observe gorillas of their pure habitat. February marks the again finish of the second dry season, providing excellent circumstances for jungle treks and safari excursions.

It’s additionally an excellent alternative to see different wildlife past gorillas. Within the savannah parks, there’s much less vegetation, which helps with visibility, and animals have a tendency to collect round watering holes for simple recognizing. Moreover, nationwide parks in Uganda are much less crowded than these in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania. And whereas Uganda’s infrastructure is rather less developed than Rwanda’s, it’s typically the extra inexpensive possibility for gorilla safaris.

Uganda Airways started flying to Europe in 2025 with a direct flight 4 occasions every week between Entebbe Worldwide Airport (EBB) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW).

TPG tip: The Gorilla Forest Lodge reopened final summer season after present process a significant renovation, whereas Volcanoes Safaris Kibale Lodge opened in July 2024, finishing a circuit for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. It just lately launched a brand new 10-night gorilla and chimpanzee trek.

Mendoza, Argentina

In case you’re sick of the Northern Hemisphere’s chilly temperatures, head down south to Argentina, the place it’s the tail finish of summer season.

The grape harvest season — “la vendimia” in Spanish — strikes in late February and early March in Mendoza, making it an excellent time for a go to to one in all Argentina’s most well-known wine areas to tour wineries and vineyards and see the motion up shut. Cease into the numerous tasting rooms present in Mendoza and the encircling areas of Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley for sips of the area’s malbecs, bonardas and torrontes.

TPG tip: The realm is unlikely to have any brand-new motels till 2027, when an Unbound by Hyatt property is scheduled to open. Nevertheless, the Awasi Mendoza, a 25-year-old lodge surrounded by 55 acres of vineyards, has just lately grow to be a member of Relais & Chateaux (charges begin from $1,180 per night time).

Rio de Janeiro

The world-famous Rio Carnival will happen Feb. 13-21, and the occasion schedules will likely be packed as standard. Particular Group Samba Faculty Parades will happen Feb. 15-17, that includes the most effective and most well-known samba faculties. The Kids’s Parade is Feb. 20, and the Champions Parade — with the winner of the particular group parades and the 5 runners up — is Feb. 21. However, after all, there are tons of unofficial avenue events (“blocos”) earlier than, after and through the official dates.

In case you come to Rio for Carnival, it’s additionally in all probability value extending your journey to go to Sao Paolo on the finish to catch Dangerous Bunny carry out Feb. 20 and 21 at Allianz Parque.

TPG tip: Whereas many Rio motels e book up rapidly, there are nonetheless some rooms out there on factors final time we checked, together with at Courtyard by Marriott Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca (charges begin from $448 or 16,500 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time), the Residence Inn by Marriott Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca (charges begin from $547 or 17,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time) and the Hilton Barrio Rio de Janeiro (charges begin from $116 or 31,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time).

Guatemala

As a result of Guatemala is close to the equator, it has moist and dry seasons moderately than hot and cold seasons. February lands squarely inside the dry season, making it an excellent time to go to.

Guatemala provides a mix of tradition, historical past and pure magnificence. To start out, there’s the UNESCO World Heritage Website and former colonial capital of Antigua, and the majestic Lake Atitlan, the deepest lake in Central America, surrounded by Mayan villages. Tikal Nationwide Park, located close to the Belizean border, is house to a number of the most unimaginable Mayan archaeological websites. For extra historic wonders, see the spectacular Mayan masterpieces in Quirigua.

In 2025, Guatemala gained a number of new routes connecting it to the U.S. Final Might, Avianca launched each day service between Miami Worldwide Airport (MIA) and Guatemala Metropolis’s La Aurora Worldwide Airport (GUA), whereas JetBlue started each day service in April from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport (FLL) to GUA. American Airways additionally launched three weekly flights from Chicago’s O’Hare Worldwide Airport (ORD) to GUA in November.

TPG tip: Whilst you doubtless gained’t spend a lot time in Guatemala Metropolis, you might must if you arrive and go away. For that, e book a room at The Westin, Camino Actual, Guatemala (charges begin from $191 or 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time). Outdoors of the capital, try Good Resort Antigua, a member of Design Resorts (charges begin from $116 or 22,500 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time). Close to Tikal, e book a room at Bolontiku Boutique Resort and Spa, an SLH Resort (charges begin from $275 or 65,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time).