February Half Term: Smart Choices for a One-Week Family Escape

Charlotte Fleming
Nov 29, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jan 8

February half term offers families a welcome break from winter, but with just one week available, it’s important to be realistic about what will genuinely feel enjoyable rather than exhausting.

As a specialist in long-haul family travel, with a focus on safaris and immersive cultural experiences, I’m often asked what truly works during this short school holiday — and just as importantly, what doesn’t.

Below is honest guidance to help families make the most of February half term, whether that means travelling now or planning ahead for a bigger adventure later in the year.

Long-haul destinations that work well in February half term

These options are best suited to February because they offer:

Direct flights from the UK
Warm, winter-sun climates
Single-base stays that avoid internal travel

Dubai or Abu Dhabi (5–7 nights)

The UAE is one of the most reliable long-haul options for February half term.

Excellent winter weather
Minimal jet lag
Family-focused resorts and attractions
Optional cultural experiences alongside relaxation

This works particularly well for families looking for a first long-haul experience with younger children.

Caribbean (select islands, resort-based stays)

February is peak season in the Caribbean and can work well for families staying in one place.

Best suited to:

Barbados
Antigua
St Lucia

Direct flights and relaxed resort environments make these destinations manageable within a one-week timeframe.

Florida (7 nights)

Florida is one of the few true long-haul destinations that fits comfortably into a February half-term break.

Direct flights from the UK
Cooler, more comfortable temperatures
One-base stays in Orlando or coastal areas
A mix of theme parks, nature and downtime

This suits families wanting a big experience without complex logistics.

Culturally immersive “gateway” experiences

While deeper cultural journeys are best enjoyed over longer trips, some destinations still offer meaningful immersion within a shorter timeframe.

Morocco – Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains (4–6 nights)

Morocco offers a rich cultural experience without long travel days.

Guided exploration of Marrakech’s souks, palaces and gardens
Day trips to the Atlas Mountains for gentle walks or village visits
Family-friendly riads or resorts outside the city

This is ideal for families wanting culture, warmth and a sense of travelling beyond Europe in a limited time.

What doesn’t work in February half term — and why

Despite what you may read elsewhere, some trips are not well suited to a one-week February break.

These include:

Family safaris in Africa
Southeast Asia
Japan
India
Central & South America

These journeys involve long travel days, internal flights and multiple locations. Rushing them into a week often results in tired children and missed experiences.

February half term is, however, an excellent time to start planning these trips for summer holidays or future school breaks.

Using February half term wisely

For some families, February half term is the perfect time to travel. For others, it’s the moment to begin planning something extraordinary.

Safaris and immersive cultural journeys reward careful preparation — choosing the right lodges, pacing the itinerary properly and ensuring travel days work for children.