Best Solo Travel Destinations For February

February is the perfect time to go travelling alone. If you're looking for sun, surf and sand, head to the Philippines, where you can kayak and snorkel in the turquoise Indian Ocean. Or, if you're looking for something more adventurous, try white-water rafting in Costa Rica or hiking in Glacier National Park, Montana.

If you're looking for a city break, Paris is ideal for solo travellers – with plenty of museums and art galleries to explore, you won't be short of things to do. For something more exotic, Tokyo is a buzzing, futuristic city with ancient architecture and a legendary nightlife.

If you're looking for something a little more low-key, the Welsh coastline is a beautiful, safe place to explore, with plenty of beaches and medieval castles. Or, if you're looking to stay closer to home, Portland, Oregon is known for its open-minded, free-thinking residents and its craft beer scene.

Costa Rica: Adventure sports and wildlife spotting

February is the perfect time to visit Costa Rica. The country is a haven for adventurous travellers, wildlife spotters, and nature lovers. With an abundance of national parks, reserves, and wildlife, Costa Rica offers a range of activities and experiences that can be enjoyed solo or with others.

Adventure Sports

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, there is white-water rafting on the Pacuare River, surfing on the Pacific beaches, zip-lining in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and hiking in Corcovado National Park, among other thrilling activities. The cloud forests are incredibly unique and worth exploring, with magical views and a diverse array of wildlife.

Wildlife Spotting

Costa Rica is renowned for its diverse wildlife, and February offers a great opportunity to spot a variety of species. The Osa Peninsula is bursting with wildlife. Corcovado National Park, located on the peninsula, is celebrated as one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. It is home to nearly 463 bird species and 140 mammal species, including monkeys, tapirs, toucans, sloths, and scarlet macaws. The nearby Piedras Blancas National Park also offers the chance to see marine life.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is another excellent destination for wildlife spotting, especially for bird lovers. This reserve attracts bird-watchers from around the world, who come to see the resplendent quetzal and many other unique bird species. The Manuel Antonio National Park, the smallest reserve in Costa Rica, also offers a wide range of biodiversity, with over 100 mammal species and almost 200 bird species.

Food and Culture

In addition to its natural attractions, Costa Rica offers a rich cultural experience. Stop at Marisqueria Restauranticos on Route 34 for delicious shrimp ceviche. Explore the charming towns of the Osa Peninsula, such as those on the Golfo Dulce, to get a different perspective on wildlife and experience the local culture.

Philippines: Island-hopping and snorkelling

The Philippines is a great place to travel to in February, with low humidity and plenty of sunshine. With 7,000 islands to explore, you'll be spoilt for choice. Ginto Island, sandwiched between El Nido and Coron, offers a real Robinson Crusoe-style, private-island experience with its silica white sand and turquoise Indian Ocean waters. You can venture out on a sea kayak and snorkel with a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.

Embrace the bayanihan spirit, which means communal acts of kindness in the Philippines. As a traveller, you can tip generously and support local, independent businesses.

Egypt: Nile cruises and ancient monuments

Egypt is a great destination to visit in February, with cool temperatures making it a pleasant month to explore the ancient monuments and spice-laden markets. Here are some suggestions for things to see and do during your trip:

Witness a Natural Phenomenon at Abu Simbel

On 22 February, the sun's rays light up the normally dark central chamber of the Temple of Ramses II in Abu Simbel, illuminating the statue of the pharaoh, as well as the gods Ra-Horakhty and Amun Ra. This natural phenomenon only occurs twice a year, so it is definitely worth witnessing if you have the opportunity.

Cruise Along the Nile

A Nile River cruise is a great way to explore Egypt and take in the nature and architecture along the riverbanks. More than 300 cruise ships sail along the Nile, but one of the best and oldest is the S.S. Sudan, which moves at a leisurely pace and offers excursions to various temples and sites along the river.

Explore Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is home to a plethora of ancient monuments and historic sites. One notable attraction is the St Simon the Tanner Monastery, a series of seven churches carved into the rocky Mokattam Hills. Cairo is also known for its bustling markets and street food, so be sure to immerse yourself in the local culture and sample some traditional Egyptian cuisine.

Visit Luxor and Aswan

Luxor and Aswan are popular pit stops for Nile River cruises and offer a wealth of ancient tombs and temples to explore. February's mild weather makes it a more comfortable time to visit these sites compared to the scorching summer months.

Sri Lanka: Surfing and spice markets

Sri Lanka is an island nestled off the southeast corner of India, in the Indian Ocean. It is a great destination for solo travellers in February, with bright sunny days and minimal rainfall. The country has a variety of landscapes, from wildlife-rich jungles to beaches, lagoons, mountains, and waterfalls.

Surfing in Sri Lanka

With nearly 1600 kilometres of coastline, Sri Lanka is an incredible surf destination. The island is a year-round surf trip destination, with two opposite coastlines providing waves all year. The west and east coasts catch different swells, and the best time to surf depends on which coast you visit.

Best surf spots on the Southwest Coast

• Hikkaduwa: A vibrant beach town famous for its long, sandy beaches and coral reefs. It has a few different surf breaks that cater to different ability levels.
• Midigama: A small village with a good range of restaurants, shops, and accommodation. There are five main waves in Midigama, with various others located a short scooter or tuk-tuk ride away.
• Ahangama: A town with superb waves but fewer tourist facilities. There are several surf breaks, including Marshmallows, Rajith Surf Point, and Kangaroos.
• Kabalana: A long, wide, white sand beach located north of Ahangama. Kabalana Beach is a great beginner-friendly spot, while The Rock is widely considered one of the best A-frame reef breaks in the country for intermediate and advanced surfers.
• Weligama: A famous and popular beginner surf spot with consistent waves and plenty of surf schools.
• Jungle Beach: A beautiful and unspoiled beach with a long left-hand break similar to Midigama's Lazy Left.

Best surf spots on the East Coast

• Arugam Bay: A surfing mecca with one of the best waves in the world. Main Point is a fast and hollow right-hand point break that can hold up to 6-8 ft swells.
• Baby Point: A beach break with small, gentle waves, perfect for beginners to practice.
• Pottuvil Point: Located north of Arugam Bay, offering one of the longest rides of any wave in Sri Lanka – up to 800 metres.
• Whiskey Point: A mellow, right-hand point break ideal for beginners who want to progress onto catching green waves.
• Peanut Farm: A great spot for beginners and intermediates, with consistent surf and a beautiful, untouched beach.
• Elephant Rock: A large boulder outcrop between Arugam Bay and Peanut Farm, offering mellow waves and a sandy bottom.
• Okanda Beach: A wild and remote beach on the edge of Kumana National Park, with powerful waves and long rides.

Exploring Sri Lanka's Spice Markets

Sri Lanka is well-known for its spices, with exports at an all-time high. The country provides a variety of spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, ginger, and saffron.

The capital city, Colombo, offers double-decker buses for sightseeing tours. You can also visit the Ceylon tea plantations in the central highlands or explore the nation's oldest cities, such as Colombo, Kataragama, Kandy, and Galle.

February is a great time to visit Sri Lanka, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Whether you're a surfer, a nature enthusiast, or a spice connoisseur, Sri Lanka has something for everyone.

Mexico: Street food, mezcal and Pacific beaches

February is the perfect time to visit Mexico. The country's temperatures are pleasant, with a mix of warm days and cool nights that are perfect for exploring all that this vibrant nation has to offer. From the capital, Mexico City, to the colonial city of Puebla and the beaches of the Pacific Coast, there is something for everyone.

Mexico City

Lucha Libre wrestling matches and street food galore await you in Mexico City. This bustling metropolis will charm you with its energetic vibe and rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the chance to try mezcal, a distilled spirit made from agave plants, and explore the city's vibrant culinary scene.

Puebla

Puebla, a colonial-era city, is known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant cultural heritage. Explore the historic downtown area, wander through the cobblestone streets, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Pacific Coast Beaches

For a more relaxed experience, head to the Pacific Coast. The beach town of Zihua offers white sandy beaches and scenic swimming spots. Sample fresh seafood, pozole, and local mezcal. If you're feeling adventurous, try surfing at Puerto Escondido or join the resident surfers and yogis in the bohemian beach town of Sayulita for a unique film festival experience.

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