Travelling during school holidays can be a nightmare. Prices increase, places are booked up, and there are children everywhere. This is no doubt great for parents but not so much for those who want some peace and quiet. There are ways to avoid kids on your February Half Term holiday. You just need to be sensible about where you’re going and what you’re doing. If you don’t mind what’s thrown at you, check out these other half term holiday ideas.
Eastern Europe
Cut off from the world until the 1990’s, tourism in Eastern Europe has rocketed in the last few years. This is mainly thanks to the beautiful scenery, wonderful architecture and relative obscurity of some of the destinations. Croatia has become perhaps the most popular country. Bulgaria and Romania aren’t far behind.
We’re recommending Macedonia this time though. Centred on the Balkan Peninsular, Macedonia is surrounded by Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Kosovo. It has a rich history involving the Persians, Romans, and Ottomans. It’s home to some wonderful architecture from these periods.
The capital, Skopje offers a bizarre mix of traditional buildings, a Turkish old town, ancient fortress, and a communist era city centre sprinkled with modern buildings. These elements combine to form an unusual yet fascinating city.
When it comes to scenery, you can’t go far wrong with the stunning Lake Ohrid, the national parks, or the wonderful mountain ranges which include the Šar Mountains.
Photo by: ollirg/Fotolia
Quebec, Canada
Quebec is a great place to visit at any time of year, but in winter it’s even more special. Head to the Centre Bell stadium in Montreal to see the Canadiens in the NHL. Drive to Quebec City to see one of the most picturesque cities in North America. Its Old Town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts narrow cobblestone streets overlooked by the gorgeous Château Frontenac Hotel.
Photo by: johnny a yataco/Fotolia
If you’re here for the snow, you’ve got Mont Tremblant for some top skiing action. Pros should head to the North Side (Versant Nord) to try their luck on Dynamite, a double black diamond run with the steepest drop in North America.
February is maple syrup season in Canada. There’s plenty to see and do, so seek out a sugar house (cabane à sucre) to see it being made. Make sure you try some Maple Taffy, a delicious mix of hot maple syrup and snow whilst here.
UAE
We’re not talking Dubai here, rather Ras Al Khaimah. It’s located further up the coast, north east of Dubai. It has some great beaches and golf courses but without the crowds of some of the busier Emirates. If you want to head into the desert, there are some huge, rolling sand dunes to explore on a desert safari. Alternatively, why not stay at Bassata Desert Village and sample some authentic Arabic traditions? Also worth a visit is the abandoned village of Jazirat al-Hamra. This former home of pearl divers and fishermen is now a collection of fascinating ruins.
Photo by: philipus/Fotolia
If you want to hit the water, there’s some excellent sailing to be had along the coast. The Ras Al Khaimah Sailing Academy is a great place to start.
Norway
Head to Norway in February and you’re still in with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights in one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Fly to Stavanger and explore some of the fjords and must see sights such as Pulpit Rock before heading up the coast to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bergen. Alternatively, start at Trondheim and head north to Tromsø via the Lofoten Islands for the best Aurora experience.
Photo by: javarman/Fotolia
If you really want an Arctic experience, make your way to Hammerfest. The town where Bill Bryson stayed whilst trying to glimpse the Northern Lights is a small and agreeable port which is well worth visiting if you have the time.
Top tips
- Not all kids are picky eaters but many are. Why not head to a sushi restaurant or somewhere serving traditional local cuisine with indecipherable menus?
- Head to more traditional or remote areas where there are less attractions for kids.
- Consider an adults only break.
If you have any recommendations for avoiding children during the February Half Term holiday (or any holiday for that matter) get in touch below with your thoughts.
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