I’m afraid it’s that time of year again. Time to decide what you’re going to do over the February Half Term, do you travel near or far? Stay at home and do nothing? Tell your kids that Half Term was cancelled and they’re going to school anyway? The possibilities are endless! That’s why we’ve come up with some ideas for the best February Half Term holidays. If none of them float your boat, check out these half term suggestions instead.
Half Term Skiing
Kaprun, Austria
Fly to Salzburg Airport and you’re a 90 minute drive from the slopes of Kaprun. This charming resort lies at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn and offers fantastic skiing for beginners and experts alike. The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier guarantees plenty of the white stuff although Kaprun hasn’t done too badly despite the recent warm weather.
Photo by: Nikolai Korzhov/Fotolia
Experts will appreciate the tricky blacks (including the 63% gradient Black Mamba run) and mogul fields while the wide pistes will suit beginners and intermediates. With over 130km of pistes and 48 lifts, you’ll have a fantastic time in the heart of the Austrian Alps.
When it comes to après-ski, the Optimum Sports Centre and Tauern Spa complex both have fantastic facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools and spa facilities.
Crystal Ski are offering half term deals here for an average price of £849 per person.
Short Haul Break
Copenhagen, Denmark
Photo by: SergiyN/Fotolia
I think parents know where I’m going with this, but it’s not Legoland! That’s almost 3 hours away in Billund. Copenhagen though is home to the two oldest amusement parks in the world; Bakken and Tivoli Gardens.
Bakken dates from 1583 and is home to rollercoasters such as the 40mph “Wolf” and terrifying “Tornado”. There are many other rides here, some even quite sedate, which will keep the kids screaming for more and you just screaming!
Tivoli Gardens is the better-known of the two, perhaps even the best known attraction in the city. Built in 1843, its most popular ride is the Demon which reaches speeds of up to 48mph. Other attractions include the Pantomime Theatre, the Concert Hall, and an aquarium.
Once the kids have got what they wanted, take a Nordic Noir tour of Copenhagen and visit the Øresund Bridge, star of Danish/Swedish thriller Bron/Broen or The Bridge as it’s known over here.
Long Haul
Orlando, Florida
OK, I know you probably could have thought of this yourself but it never hurts to be reminded. If you are thinking of Orlando, you’d better start booking now though as it fills up quick! Disney World aside, you can choose between Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Legoland, and many more.
If you fancy a taste of American culture, why not take a tour of the Sun Life Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins? Alternatively, catch the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena for some NBA action. Florida is also home to some excellent golf courses, one of the highlights is Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
Photo by: Nikolai Click Images/Fotolia
If it’s wildlife you’re after, head to the Ocala National Forest. Home to the Florida black bear, alligators, dear, boar, foxes, otters, armadillo, skunk, and bobcats, you’ll find Ocala a fascinating reserve to explore.
Staycation
Anywhere, UK
The great thing about a staycation is it gives the chance to really explore where you live and do the touristy things you normally don’t even think about. If you’ve actually managed to “do” your area, here are some other ideas for entertaining the kids.
Enrol them in a Half Term sports camp. Lots of sports clubs and parks run camps during the holidays and thanks to the World Cup, the rugby community is really keen to sign up new members. You may just have your own Richie McCaw on your hands. Alternatively, the RBS 6 Nations will be on during the half term so why not look to get tickets for European rugby’s premier event?
London regularly tops the staycation visitor numbers table so stay away from the capital. Consider Wales or Scotland for somewhere different – depending on where you live! Snowdonia, Conwy Castle, and Caernarfon Castle are all obvious locations in Wales but how about Big Pit: National Coal Museum in Blaenavon? Likewise in Scotland, stay away from Holyrood and Loch Ness and try Glamis Castle in Angus.
Photo by: Heartland Arts/Fotolia
Start planning your February half term holidays now – don’t be afraid to book early as there’s nothing worse than telling the kids they can’t actually go to Disney World and they’ll have to put up with the wonders of Woodhenge instead (Google it).
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We’ve been to Kaprun couple of times and its great family fun. One place I can definitely recommend for half term holidays.