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Sure, you basically just returned to work after your holiday break, but you made a resolution to travel more this year, right? Travel to most destinations is low during February, so you’ll find great deals on flights and hotels. Whether you’re seeking a Southern Hemisphere summer or want to join some of the biggest parties in the world, here are six destinations that deliver this month.
Venice, Italy
Venice is a super hot destination for 2017 in general, but February is when Venetians host one of the biggest parties in the world: Carnevale! Costumes aren’t required, but we say you must channel the Italian Renaissance in a bold, metallic and/or feather-full fashion (or at least a traditional Venetian mask) if you’re there for the celebration, running from February 11-28. Head to St. Mark’s Square for a twice-daily parade of the most elaborate costumes and the Grand Canal for a water parade of masked boatmen, performances and fireworks. (Photo via Marco Secchi/Getty)
Melbourne, Australia
It’s summer down under! Set on Port Phillip Bay on Australia’s South Coast, this artsy, multi-cultural escape sees warm, dry temps during February, so you can enjoy a bevvie with all the cool kids at one of the many bustling rooftop bars (try Roof Loop or nineteenforty). The hip summer scene is pretty unbeatable: a lively Summer Night Market every Wednesday, music festivals, gorgeous parks and, the lifeblood of Melbourians, adorable cafes (Degraves Street is super charming). If you need a low-key side-trip, the Yarra Valley wine region and the beaches of Phillip Island are less than an hour away.
Norway
If you’re totally embracing the Danish idea of hygge, or enjoying coziness and togetherness during winter, then Norway in February is your perfect trip. Norwegians actually have their own word for hygge: koselig. To foster a sense of community during the long, dark days of winter, Norwegian cities host tons of festivals and celebrations. You’ll also see breathtaking winter beauty, spy the swirling Northern Lights, eat some amazing Scandinavian food (Bastant Stolegaten in Bergen specializes in soups to warm you up!), take a Husky sledding tour through national parks (umm… the dream) AND beat all the crowds that flock to Norway during the summer.
4. Oruro, Bolivia: There are carnivals across the world in February, but the spectacular Oruro Carnival is an authentic experience you’ll never forget. The town draws 400,000 people for its massive festival. You’ll need lots of Andean coffee to participate in the celebration: With over 20,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians, the parade lasts for 20 hours. Don’t escape to the nearby glorious Sajama National Park right away — the day after the parade there’s a huge city-wide water-balloon fight.
Palm Springs, CA
Oh, how Palm Springs has evolved. Once considered a sleepy retiree town, with a large LGBT scene, it’s now a retro-chic destination for bachelorette parties, hikers and design-lovers alike. Wild pool parties are put on hold until the temps rise, so low-key poolside-vacation seekers won’t have to fight the crowds for a lounge chair. Book a trendy boutique hotel, like The Parker Palm Springs or the Ace Hotel, then check out the cacti collection at Moorten Botanical Garden and the incredible desert beauty of the Coachella Valley on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. (Photo via The Parker Palm Springs)
Singapore
You’ll find drier weather during February in this sleek urban island city-state. That doesn’t mean the surrounding rainforests aren’t still lush. Singapore is a dream for both art-lovers and food-lovers. Check out a few of their major, modern museums, like the Singapore Art Museum and ArtScience Museum. Then wander through Little India and Chinatown, bursting with the smell of delicious street food, to fill up on tasty dishes before you head back to one of the super stylish and unique hotels popping up in Singapore. We’re coveting a stay at The Forest and the Wanderlust Hotel.
