Best Places to Travel in February 2026
Valentine's getaways, Carnival season, and the last weeks of winter deals before spring break prices hit
Where
February is the last cheap month before spring break pushes prices up in March. Flights to Europe, Asia, and South America sit at near-January lows. Carnival hits Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. Valentine's Day drives demand for romantic destinations but mid-week travel still saves 20-30%. Here are 12 places to go.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Carnival in Rio is the biggest party on earth. The 2026 dates are February 13-18. Samba schools compete in the Sambadrome with elaborate floats and 3,000 dancers per school. Parade tickets start at $50 for bleacher seats, $200-500 for box seats. Flights from the US start at $500 round-trip. Hotels triple during Carnival week so book 3-4 months ahead.
Outside Carnival, Rio in February averages 86F with beaches at Copacabana and Ipanema. Christ the Redeemer ($15 entry, take the cog train up) and Sugarloaf Mountain ($25 cable car) are the two must-see landmarks. Street food runs $3-5 for acai bowls and pao de queijo.
New Orleans, USA
Mardi Gras 2026 falls on February 17. The parades run for two weeks before, with the biggest on the final weekend. Bourbon Street is free to walk. Catching beads from floats costs nothing. Domestic flights to MSY start at $150 round-trip. Hotels in the French Quarter spike to $250+ per night during Mardi Gras but the Garden District has options from $120.
Paris, France
Paris in February is cold (40-45F) but the Valentine's Day atmosphere is unmatched. Hotel prices are 40% below summer. The Louvre ($17, closed Tuesdays) has shorter lines in winter. Flights from the US start at $350 round-trip. A Seine River dinner cruise runs $80-150 per person.
Costa Rica
February is dry season in Costa Rica with sunny skies and 85F on both coasts. This is peak tourist season but prices remain lower than Caribbean alternatives. Flights from Miami start at $280 round-trip. Manuel Antonio combines rainforest, monkeys, and beach. Arenal has hot springs and zip lines. A rental car opens up the whole country at $35 per day.
Japan
February is Japan's cheapest month for flights. Tokyo averages 45F but Sapporo's Snow Festival (February 4-11) draws 2 million visitors to see 200 massive ice sculptures. Flights from the US start at $500 round-trip. Plum blossom season begins in late February at shrines across Kyoto, a preview of cherry blossom season in March-April.
Aruba
Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt with guaranteed sunshine year-round. February averages 82F with trade winds keeping it comfortable. Eagle Beach consistently ranks among the world's best. Flights from the US start at $300 round-trip. All-inclusive resorts run $200-400 per night. The island is small enough to drive end-to-end in 45 minutes.
How to Book February Travel for Less
Book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best February prices. Avoid Valentine's Day weekend for romantic destinations. Fly mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) to save $30-50 on domestic routes. On Travorio, pay with crypto or split into 4 payments with Sezzle, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
February is one of the cheapest months for flights to Europe, Asia, and most US destinations. Prices remain near January lows until spring break demand starts in March. Valentine's Day weekend is the exception for romantic destinations.
Costa Rica (85F), Aruba (82F), Rio de Janeiro (86F), Thailand (88F), and the Maldives (84F) are all warm in February. Caribbean islands and Mexico beaches also stay above 80F.
Rio Carnival 2026 runs February 13-18. The main Sambadrome parades are February 15-16 (Sunday and Monday). Street parties (blocos) run throughout the city for the full week.
Paris is the classic choice (40% cheaper hotels in February than summer). Other romantic February destinations: Santorini (quiet season, cave hotel deals), Florence (Uffizi with no lines), and New York (Broadway shows, Central Park in snow).
Yes. On Travorio you can split flights and hotels into 4 interest-free payments with Sezzle, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later. Pay 25% today and the rest over 6 weeks.
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