- 9 January 2023
As the festive season draws to a close, you may be feeling a bit blue. Back to work and missing that vacation feeling? February and March don’t have to be just like any other ordinary month. In fact, this is a fantastic time to travel! Gone are the crowds of Christmas and the inflated high season holiday prices. If you’re wondering where the best places to travel in February and March are, Expat Explore knows just the spots for you! And we’re giving you a pretty great discount too…Read on to find out how to save big on your next adventure!
These are the top 8 places to travel in February and March 2023:
1. Paris, France
Reasons to visit Paris: What better way to celebrate the month of love than in the city of love? With Valentine’s Day coming up on 14 February, there is no better way to celebrate than with a trip to Paris! February is also a quieter month in Paris making it an ideal time to sightsee. Imagine seeing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe without the massive crowds! It is also still wintery with occasional snow making it all the more magical.
How to get there: Spend a free day exploring Paris on our flagship Europe Escape tour!
2. Petra, Jordan
Reason to visit Petra: While it can get a bit chilly, winter is actually the best time to visit the Middle East. With balmy temperatures reaching upwards of 40℃, exploring Jordan in summer can be, at best, unpleasant and, at worst, unbearable. Visiting a spectacular outdoor destination such as the famous archaeological site of Petra requires ideal weather conditions. A winter escape in March is the perfect time to explore Petra as the rainfall is minimal and the temperatures are mild. However, those desert nights can still be chilly so be sure to pack accordingly!
How to get there: Discover the Red Rose City of Petra and more wonders of Jordan on our Highlights of Israel and Jordan tour.
3. Madrid, Spain
Reasons to visit Spain: Spain is a very popular destination in summer thanks to its sunny days and beautiful beaches. However, summer in the capital of Madrid can get sweltering and make it very difficult to go sightseeing. Visiting Madrid during shoulder season is ideal with mild temperatures that are generally still warmer than the rest of Europe. Make the most of this mid-season by exploring Madrid’s top sights, trying hearty Spanish cuisine and wandering the city’s cobblestone streets. The spring flowers also start to bloom in late February/early March making Madrid’s parks a gorgeous sight to see.
How to get there: Explore the many Highlights of Spain and Portugal on this 9-day tour!
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Reasons to visit Cape Town: Dying to escape the seemingly endless European winter? Look no further than sunny Cape Town, South Africa! Cape Town celebrates a warm Christmas and while this may sound appealing, the number of tourists visiting the city during the festive season can be overwhelming. Restaurants have also been known to hike up their prices around this time of year. Enjoying a getaway to Cape Town from February through March offers fewer crowds, great discounts on activities and accommodation and plenty of things to do while still enjoying sunny days and warm weather.
How to get there: Enjoy sun, sea, safari adventures and more on our South Africa Escape tour!
5. Venice, Italy
Reasons to visit Venice: If you’re looking to avoid crowds, this next destination may not be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for unforgettable festivities, a buzzing atmosphere and dazzling spectacle, be sure to visit Venice in February! The historic Venice Carnival will take place from 4-21 February 2023 and it is a sight and celebration to behold. From street parades and performances to mysterious masked balls, this carnival showcases Italy’s floating city at its finest. The festivities, rich culture and exciting atmosphere make Venice a fantastic option for a winter break!
How to get there: Travel to Venice on our Rome to Amsterdam Rail Explorer!
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Reasons to visit Rio de Janeiro: Another unmissable celebration taking place in February occurs annually on the other side of the globe in South America. The iconic Rio Carnival is hosted in Brazil’s capital city and is often referred to as the biggest party on the planet! From 17 – 25 February 2023, expect colourful parades, electrifying musical and dance performances and a whole lot of festivities all over this already vibrant city. This getaway is certainly one for the bucket list!
How to get there: Look forward to four days in Rio de Janeiro when you join our Brazil & Iguazu Highlights tour!
7. London, United Kingdom
Reasons to visit London: London is well known for its cold and rainy weather that lasts well into spring. While this may not sound ideal for exploring, there is actually so much that you can do indoors while enjoying an end-of-winter escape in this city during February or March! Christmas in London is certainly magical but it is also chaotic and often bitterly cold. It usually starts warming up towards mid-March. However, if the rain and cold do get in the way of your adventures, simply warm up in a cosy café or visit one of London’s many fascinating and world-renowned museums!
How to get there: Enjoy time in London and journey through England, Scotland and Wales on our Great Britain tour!
8. Hanoi, Vietnam
Reasons to visit Hanoi: March is by far the best time to visit the bustling Vietnamese city of Hanoi. During this month you can expect sunshine and blue skies along with cool temperatures (around 23℃). Hanoi is well-known for its often chaotic streets and humid weather, especially during peak tourist season. As this mid-season comes after the frantic festive season and Tết (Vietnamese New Year), there are fewer crowds and costs are lower. Enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee while comfortably sitting outdoors, stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake or even rent a bicycle or tuk tuk!
How to get there: Venture to Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam as well as Cambodia when you join our Vietnam & Cambodia Explorer tour!
Let’s make this February and March one to remember. Have a look at our upcoming tours or book any one of the tours mentioned above – and don’t forget to use your discount code! Use the code SECRET to get 10% off all tours departing before the end of April. The code is only valid until 30 April 2023 on new, direct bookings so be sure to secure your spot before the end of April 2023 and save!
