WHERE TO GO IN FEBRUARY | THE BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL THIS MONTH
February is short, cold and the perfect excuse to get away, whether that's a romantic weekend, a warm-weather escape over Presidents' Day or a trip planned around the snow.
Here are my top picks for February, plus a splurge and a save hotel for each one so you can choose what fits your budget.
1. Maui, Hawaii
Humpback whale season peaks from about January through March, and you can often see them breaching right from shore. Add warm water, snorkeling at Molokini and sunrise at Haleakalā and it's hard to beat. February is also a great time to drive the Road to Hana, when the waterfalls are full and the weather is mild.
Splurge: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea — Effortless luxury on Wailea Beach with an adults-only infinity pool and service that's famously good. If you want to be totally taken care of, this is it.
Save: Kaanapali Beach Hotel — A friendly, classic hotel right on Kaanapali Beach with real Hawaiian hospitality. You get the same beach as the big resorts at a much better price.
2. New Orleans
Carnival season takes over the city in the weeks before Mardi Gras, with parades, king cake and costumes everywhere you look. Even outside the big parade days, the energy is contagious and the food is incredible. Mardi Gras moves every year, so check the date before you book, and book early because hotels fill up fast.
Splurge: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans — Old-world elegance on Canal Street, steps from the French Quarter. It's a calm, polished retreat from the party when you need it.
Save: Catahoula Hotel — A boutique hotel with a fun rooftop bar in the Central Business District, walkable to the French Quarter and a lot easier on the budget.
Read more: My 4-day New Orleans itinerary
3. Turks & Caicos
Dry, warm and consistently gorgeous, Grace Bay is at its best in the winter months. The water is so clear it almost doesn't look real, and the reef is close enough to snorkel right from shore. This is the trip for doing absolutely nothing on a perfect beach, with great restaurants for dinner.
Splurge: COMO Parrot Cay — A private-island hideaway with a world-class spa and total privacy. It's where you go when you really want to disconnect.
Save: The Alexandra Resort — A relaxed, family-friendly resort right on Grace Bay Beach. You get the famous beach without the famous price tag.
4. Colorado Rockies
By February the snowpack is usually deep and the skiing is some of the best of the season. Pair a few days on the mountain with great food in the nearby mountain towns, from Frisco to Breckenridge to Aspen. If you're coming from sea level, give yourself a day to adjust to the altitude before you hit the slopes.
Splurge: The Little Nell — Aspen's only ski-in, ski-out five-star hotel, with ski concierge service and one of the best après scenes in the Rockies.
Save: Beaver Run Resort — Ski-in, ski-out in Breckenridge with roomy suites, which makes it great value for families and groups.
Read more: Skiing at Copper Mountain
5. Kennebunkport, Maine
For a Valentine's weekend that doesn't need a passport, a snowy New England coastal town with fireplaces, good dinners and quiet streets is pure romance. In winter the crowds are gone and you can actually get a table at the best restaurants. Walk Dock Square, bundle up for the rocky coastline and spend the evenings by the fire.
Splurge: White Barn Inn — A romantic, food-focused inn known for its candlelit dining. It's the special-occasion stay in Kennebunkport.
Save: Captain Lord Inn — Where we stayed for our Valentine's getaway: a cozy historic inn with fireplaces and four-poster beds, walkable to Dock Square.
Read more: Our Valentine's getaway to Kennebunkport
6. Scottsdale & Sedona
Sunny days in the 60s and 70s, red rocks, great spas and spring training baseball starting toward the end of the month. Spend a few days in Scottsdale for pools, golf and restaurants, then drive two hours north to Sedona for hiking and those incredible sunsets. It's an easy warm-weather escape without leaving the country.
Splurge: Enchantment Resort — Canyon views in every direction and the Mii amo spa, one of the best destination spas in the country.
Save: Hotel Valley Ho — Mid-century modern fun in Old Town Scottsdale with a lively pool scene, walkable to restaurants and shops.
Not sure where to go?
Take my Trip Finder quiz. Answer a few quick questions about when you're traveling, your travel style and your budget, and I'll match you with a destination plus three places to stay.
Or skip the research entirely. I plan trips for readers, from long weekends to honeymoons, and I'll build an itinerary around your dates, budget and style. Here's how planning a trip with me works.
Every trip is different, and weather, events and hotel availability can change from year to year, so double-check dates before you book.
More months: Where to go in January · Where to go in March
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