It might be the shortest month of the year, but February packs a real punch in the holiday department.
Here are ten reasons why farewelling summer with a spontaneous trip this February really should be on your agenda:
1. You didn’t go away over Christmas (or you did)
If you worked through the Christmas break, there’s a good chance you resented all those holiday snaps popping up in your Facebook feed.
Return the favour with your own brag-worthy escape now. And even if you did go on a Christmas break, it probably feels like a lifetime ago already. Are we right?
2. The kids are back at school
The peak-hour traffic might be a sure sign school’s back but look on the bright side – your favourite holiday destinations that were packed in December and January are now a whole lot quieter and ready to welcome you with open arms.
3. Hotel deals galore
Not only are holiday destinations quieter in February, but hotels offer great deals to entice travellers – think hot prices and freebies (who doesn’t love a bonus brekky or late check-out?). It would be rude to say no.
4. The days are longer
Strictly speaking all days are 24 hours (details, details) but the extra daylight hours in summer mean you’re getting more sunshine action for your holiday buck.
5. Packing is easier
Sure you can go on a spontaneous break in winter but winter means wearing layers and layers mean putting more thought into your suitcase. Give us the easy option of bikinis, boardies and thongs any day.
6. Valentine’s Day
Summer and romance go hand-in-hand so a Valentine’s getaway is the perfect excuse. If you haven’t planned V-Day yet, we hate to break it to you but with February 14 falling on a Friday this year expectations will be high to celebrate it properly. Skip expensive set price menus at restaurants and skip out of town instead.
7. Easter isn’t until mid-April this year
With the next long weekend not hitting for 11 weeks (but who’s counting?), a little summer recharge might be enough to get you through. Just.
8. Nine months is a long time to wait for the next Aussie summer
Even if you are planning to jet off to Hawaii or Bali to beat the winter blues, there’s nothing quite like Australian beaches. Soak up the sun, salt and sand while you can.
9. Chances are you’ve got leave to burn
Aussies have over 128 million days of annual leave stockpiled according to Roy Morgan – chances are you’re a part of that mix! Let your hair down and use some of that leave now, holidays and rainy days aren’t perfect companions after all.
10. Events to justify your trip
From Chinese New Year celebrations in Sydney to the Cellar Door Wine Festival in Adelaide, or the Mardi Gras festival to your last chance to see King Kong the musical in Melbourne before it heads to NYC, there’s plenty to see and do in Feb.
What are your February Holiday plans?
Make some now.