February in the UK might be one of the grimmest times of year – but it can be one of the best times to take a winter holiday. In many tropical countries, it’s summer all year round, so why not top up your vitamin D levels by jetting off to balmier climes? February is also a great time to bag a bargain on flights. Not only do many people prefer to take their holidays either in the summer, or at Christmas, but airlines often run New Year’s promotions which can knock off a significant chunk of your ticket cost. For a tan that will be the envy of all your friends, here’s our top picks for where to go, plus travel advice to keep you safe and healthy throughout your trip.
Costa Rica
A small tropical paradise, the Central American country of Costa Rica is home to dramatic volcanoes, an astonishingly abundant range of animals, plants and birds, and lush rainforest. Here, February has some of the best weather of the year, and visitors should expect sunshine, clear skies, and blue waters. Activities include some of the continent’s best white-water rafting, in the Turrialba region, and exploring the majestic Volcán Arenal National Park, or the Tortuguero National Park, known as the “mini-Amazon” due to its intense biodiversity. Spot the beautifully-plumed quetzal at San Gerardo de Dota, or see animals including anteaters, alligators, and sloths at the Jaguar Centro de Rescate, an animal rescue centre named in honour of its first resident, a jaguar.
Staying healthy
As in many countries in the region, there is a risk of tropical diseases in Costa Rica. Many of these, including Zika virus and dengue, are transmitted through mosquito bites, so protecting yourself from being bitten is important. Always sleep under a good-quality mosquito net, and wear mosquito repellent when outside. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise checking what vaccines you need at least eight weeks before your departure date. You can find country-specific information at Travel Health Pro, or you can ask your local travel clinic for up-to-date health advice. Be aware that if you’ve recently travelled to a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you’ll need a certificate of vaccination to gain entry into Costa Rica.
Staying safe
Theft is common in Costa Rica, especially on buses and in crowded places. Keep your belongings in sight at all times, avoid going out alone at night, and stay alert. For extra peace of mind, consider investing in a security pack for valuable items (passport, cards, cash) which can be worn underneath your clothes.
Kerala
Set on India’s southern coast, Kerala is the laid-back big sister to its party neighbour Goa. It’s famous for its winding, serene backwaters, best experienced by chartering your own private boat and spending a day or two gliding through quiet, interlocking waterways. As well as backwaters, Kerala has beautiful, quiet beaches, delicious southern Indian cuisine, ultra-fresh seafood, and Cochin’s charming Dutch canals. February sees peak season tailing off, meaning that there are fewer tour groups and prices are lower (or can be haggled lower). Weather is still good, with little chance of rain. Low humidity means that it won’t feel oppressively hot, even for those coming straight from UK winter weather. After Kerala, there are many other places in India which you could tag onto your trip, including the peerless Taj Mahal, the “Pink City” of Jaipur, the deserts of Rajasthan, or the lush, monkey-filled forests of Himachal Pradesh.
Staying healthy
Indian hospitals are generally of a low standard, and private medical facilities are expensive. It’s a good idea to get comprehensive travel insurance which will cover you for your entire trip. There are risks from mosquito-borne diseases, as Kerala has so much water. Take lots of mosquito repellent with you (not always easy to find in India), and sleep under a good mosquito net. Kerala has a low risk for malaria, but if you’re travelling to other areas of India, or you’re in a higher-risk category (infants, pregnant women, the elderly, those on immunosuppressants), it’s wise to take a course of antimalarial drugs. As hospitals are often some distance away, it’s also wise to be up-to-date with all your vaccinations, including rabies.
Staying safe
Although Kerala is generally a safe area for tourists, take normal precautions and stay alert. Keep your valuables close, particularly on trains, buses, and at the side of roads (drive-by bag-snatching has been known to happen) and be alert to possible scams. Women should be especially careful, even when travelling with others. Observe local dress codes, avoid isolated areas, and don’t take taxis or motorbikes alone at night.
Singapore
If you’re craving big-city life with a tropical twist, Singapore is the place for you. Filled with regal colonial buildings, glitzy skyscrapers, and cutting-edge contemporary architecture, this wealthy city-state is full of life. It’s invested heavily into city development, and the creative industries, meaning that music, the arts, and literature all flourish here. Whether it’s the colourful street art of ultra-hip Haji Lane or Little India, the elegant Peranakan shopfronts of Chinatown, or parties at Ce La Vie, a glamorous club set right at the top of Singapore’s highest building, there’s always something to enthral here. Plus, it has the best airport in the world.
Staying healthy
Singapore is a great destination for travel health. It’s a very clean city, and famously used to even ban chewing gum from its streets. Don’t forget that there are still risks in the region, however. Take precautions against mosquito bites (cases of Zika, dengue and malaria are not common, but still very possible), and check with a travel clinic whether you need any vaccinations, at least eight weeks before you plan to leave. If you’re planning on painting the town red, exercise moderation (with alcohol – be aware that any other substances are strictly illegal and could land you in serious trouble). Singapore is a cosmopolitan country, meaning that hookups are more likely here than in other Asian countries. If there is any possibility of taking a new friend home for the night, always carry condoms to protect against pregnancy and STIs.
Staying safe
Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. It has strict laws against harassment, streets are almost never empty, and Singaporeans are very honest. However, as always, take reasonable precautions, and always keep your valuables on your person. Petty theft and bag-snatching are the most likely crimes to be perpetrated here.
