Half Term Happiness

There’s just a few weeks to go until the schools break up for one whole glorious week in February. So where are you going to go? 

Let’s face it, 2025 has got off to a wet and particularly cold start. It’s the prospect of half term that keeps most families going through the dark winter nights. And it’s just a few weeks away. Most schools across the UK ring in the half term break some time around Friday 14th February, giving you a whole week off to escape. But where to? 

Do you go long haul or stay closer to home; do you hit the ski slopes or make a beeline for the beach; do you want an adventure or to keep it simple? 

Here are a few ideas to inspire you. And there are plenty more where that came from if you give us a call. There’s still time to snag a great deal too with some fabulous ‘child-free’ places and family discounts up for grabs. 

It’s an obvious one at this time of year. Europe is experiencing some great (welcomed) snow right now, meaning the slopes are covered with the white stuff, paving the way for uninterrupted days of skiing. 

Even though most people book their ski trips months in advance, this year we’ve still got some late availability since a lot of families have adopted a “wait and see” approach. Well, wait no more – time is of the essence if you want to hit the slopes during this half term break. 

If you’re looking for the best value for money, then Italy tops the charts this year, just pipping Bulgaria to the post.

We particularly love Passo Tonale for families thanks to its wide choice of ski-in/ski-out accommodation and discounted lift passes for children. 

We have got great deals with our partner Crystal Ski, which operates its Beanie Bear Club and ski schools in Passo Tonale – as well as in other resorts, including La Thuile – so you parents can hit the slopes knowing the kids are all taken care of.

For more well-known resorts hop over to France. Tignes, La Plagne and Alp d’Huez are all world-class and perennial family favourites. Here you’ll find a great choice of hotels, but also self-catered chalets with all the bells and whistles.

And don’t forget the picture postcard options in Austria, such as Zell am See and St Johann. The Austrians sure know how to cater to a family – the food is fantastic!

If all you want at this time of year is to feel the warmth in your bones, then you need to chase the sun. 

One of the quickest options to hit the beach is to head to Tenerife, just over four hours flying time away. 

While this is often a top summer spot, in our opinion this beloved Canary island is best explored in the winter. You’ll likely have around seven hours of sunshine each day with temperatures around 21 degrees. 

Taking centre stage on the island is Spain’s tallest mountain, Mt Teide. Try to persuade (or challenge) your teenagers to join you on a hike in the Teide National Park because the conditions are just perfect at this time of year and the views are spectacular.

As a reward you could follow this up with a splash in the island’s renowned waterparks of Siam Park, Aqualand and Loro Parque – in the winter the queues are a fraction of the length than during the peak summer months. 

Alternatively, if you’re prepared to travel, then in February the weather across the Caribbean is pretty much perfect. 

The closest Caribbean island to the UK is Antigua with flights taking about eight hours. So you’ll need to hit the road pretty soon after schools break up to enjoy a week on this paradise island, but thanks to direct and regular flights this is easily achievable.

Famous for its 365 coves, there’s a pristine white-sand beach for every day of the year on Antigua – quite something considering the island measures just 14 miles long by 11 miles wide.

If the kids are up for some sailing, then this is a perfect training ground. Sailing is supposedly on the school curriculum in Antigua.

Plus, alongside sugar plantations to explore, there are zip lines to whizz down, cricket to be watched (the Antiguans are obsessed with the sport) and sting rays to be swam with at Stingray City. For  one week, Antigua makes a perfect family beach holiday. 

While Dubai is a hugely popular half-term option, we think you should also consider its neighbour. Abu Dhabi may not have as many weird and wonderfully-shaped skyscrapers (purposely) but what it does have is equally impressive. 

Resort hotels, flash restaurants and swaths of beach (and mangroves) are one thing, but there’s so much more on offer in Abu Dhabi. 

Its Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque takes centre stage and is a truly beautiful site to behold – even the kids will marvel at it. And if they want to impress their art teachers then a trip to the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a big tick. 

But what they’ll particularly love are the theme parks. They’ll need to hold on tight at Ferrari World where you’ll find no less than 40 record-breaking attractions, including Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster. 

More high adrenaline attractions and no less than 29 rides await at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. The little ones are sure to enjoy meeting their super heroes here. 

And prepare to make a splash when you take on Yas Waterworld, the emirate’s enormous waterpark. World firsts up the ante here, including the insane three-metre-high waves on Bubble’s Barrel, which has the world’s largest surf-able sheet wave for flow boards and bodyboards. And only the brave need even contemplate getting in the queue for the Liwa Loop.

The high speeds continue around the Formula One racetrack. If your child is a F1 fan then they’ll love a tour behind the scenes of the Yas Marina Circuit or even take a spin yourself in a high-speed car. 

The joy rides take a more natural sway when you head out to the ocean of desert dunes that sit on the doorstep of the city centre. No doubt your jeep driver will have you squealing as you traverse the dunes at speed on a desert safari. Alternatively, grab a snow board and ski down the sandy slopes. A desert safari is a perfect way to experience Bedouin life and if you have the chance to ride a camel, it’s a must!

Over the past few months social media has been awash with photos capturing the dazzling Northern Lights here in the UK. Apparently it’s all thanks to high geomagnetic activity as we near the peak of the 11-year solar cycle.

According to the Royal Astronomical Society we’ve got until the middle of the year to witness this multi-coloured celestial phenomena from our doorsteps – if we’re lucky. With the naked eye it’s pretty hard to see. It’s predominantly only through the lens of our phones that we see the night skies awash with streaks of purples, blues and pinks. 

Imagine if you could see them simply by looking up? 

Well, you can. The aurora borealis, as it’s officially known, are typically seen further north in countries like Iceland and northern parts of Finland, Norway and Canada.

Iceland is a quick half-term hop. Be prepared: the weather can be brutal at this time of year, but you’ll most certainly be rewarded with one of nature’s most spectacular displays. Lively geomagnetic storms mean that February is indeed the best month to see the Northern Lights. 
With only about eight hours of daylight each day be prepared to pack it all in – there’s a lot to see and do. 

You’ll be bathing in hot springs, which is quite something when the outside temperature is below zero. The Blue Lagoon is the most famous of Iceland’s springs, but you’ll find them popping up all over the country. 

It’s also the season for ice caving when you join a guided tour and venture inside the glaciers along its winding crystal blue tunnels. The experience is other-worldly as you marvel at the incredible ice-formations.

And ever wanted to see a mighty orca whale? Well, February is the best time to tick this experience off your bucket list. 

The orcas will be joined by schools of white-beaked dolphins. These adorable creatures are highly social and no doubt will be showing off with a whole load of acrobatic antics. 

If you’re a photography fan, February is a fantastic time to capture all this on camera.

How about hitting the high seas during the half-term break? Rather than just one destination you can tick off a handful. 

While many of the ships belonging to the likes of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are hanging about the warmer waters of the Caribbean during February, there are still a good few options for family cruises around the Mediterranean during Feb. 

For example, MSC is cruising around the balmy Canary Islands and Madeira in February and you can still snap up one of its ‘Kids Sail Free’ offers. Even better, children receive a discount on shore excursions.

Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Maderia and Lanzarote are all ready and raring to welcome MSC Opera. While on board the little ones are well looked after in the kids’ clubs and there’s entertainment on tap for all the family. 

Alternatively, why not take the kids on a week-long history lesson cruising down the Nile river? You’ll take in all the temples, bringing ancient history to life. 

You’ll board in Luxor where you’ll tick off the Necropolis of Thebes, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. 

A gentle glide down the world’s most mightiest of rivers will see you hop off at Edfu Temple, which is dedicated to Horus, the mythical son of Isis and Osiris.

On board, the kids can cool off in the pool on deck as you bask in the perfect Egyptian sun.

February half term is a fantastic time for some truly spectacular Disney magic in Paris. 

The queues for the rides are shorter and faster, the crowds are lighter and you’re more likely to get a front row spot for the spectacular parades. 

Packages can be booked allowing families to stay in themed rooms in hotels minutes away from the Park gates. 

Take the train, ferry or fly to the French capital, where you could spend a couple of days soaking up Parisian life before or after immersing yourself in all things Disney. 

Leave the real world behind as you step through the giant gates of Disneyland Park. At the top of Main Street, the fairytale Sleeping Beauty castle sits proud. Across this entire park your little one will get the chance to meet his or her favourite Disney princess, super hero or character. There are shows galore; rides for all ages and coasters for every level of thrill seeker.

And don’t forget, you’ll also have access to Walt Disney Studios Park too. Here you can enter the world of Toy Story, The Avengers, Spiderman, Remy’s Ratatouille and so much more.

OK, you may have missed the boat for this one during the 2025 February half term, but if you like the sound of having a truly unforgettable adventure, then be sure to pencil this in for 2026.

G Adventures has partnered with National Geographic to create immersive tours designed to take you deep into the culture and history of a destination. You’ll meet locals and experience local traditional life. 

For example, sign up to the Mexico Family Journey and you’ll venture deep into the heart of the Yucatan with your expert guides. 

This eight-day journey will have you exploring Mexico’s renowned Mayan ruins, including the famous awe-inspiring Chichen Itza.

You’ll wander around beautiful towns, including Merida with its unique blend of colonial charm and cosmopolitan style.

You’ll dive into the region’s deepest and most thrilling natural cenotes. If you don’t know what a cenote is then you’re not alone as they’re a distinctly South American phenomenon. 

A cenote was once an underground lake, which was exposed after the limestone roofs that hid them collapsed. The waters that fill these subterranean pools have been filtered through the limestone, making them exceptionally pure and clear. Swimming in cenotes is a magical experience and it'll definitely be a highlight of any holiday to Mexico that your teenagers will never forget.

You’ll have an adventure-filled day to the island of Cozumel where the snorkelling is fantastic and you’ll get your wildlife fix on a day in the Celestún Biosphere Reserve. Here a local guide will join you in the bird hides pointing out some of the 200 species of birds that migrate or live here year-round, including herons and pelicans. February is also a great time to see thousands of flamingos. The area also serves as a hatching ground for endangered sea turtles. 

And of course, there’ll be time set aside for soaking up the sun on the beaches of Mexico’s infamous Playa del Carmen. 

It’s not just the kids who are on school holiday - it’s the teachers too. 

But, dare we say it, perhaps Miss Jones actually wants to get away from children for a week!

We’ve got the perfect suggestions. 

If a river cruise takes your fancy, then you can step on board a Viking River cruise and you won’t see a young student in sight! 

The atmosphere on a Viking River cruise couldn’t be further away from the mayhem of the classroom. The atmosphere on board is distinctly sedate, refined and luxurious. 

The emphasis with Viking is on enrichment. Its onboard and on shore excursions will take you deep into the culture of each destination. 

Each journey includes a shore excursion in every port. For example, guests might accompany the ship's chef to a local market; go behind the scenes at a famous theatre company; tour a private chocolate or car factory; or view a museum's private collection.

On board activities might include lectures on history and art, cooking demonstrations of regional favourites and a changing menu according to the destination at the time. 

However, if all you want to do is fly and flop, then make a beeline for the adult-only Sandals Resorts in the balmy Caribbean. You won’t need to do any maths here because everything at its 17 resorts is included – and we mean pretty much everything. 

All your food and drink is part of the package. All water sports, including sailing and scuba diving, and fitness programmes are part of the package. Golf is part of the package. Airport transfers and airport lounge access (in Jamaica, Bahamas and St Lucia) are all included. And tipping – forget it. Tipping is not allowed. 

You’ve got eight paradise islands to choose from, and believe us, a week with Sandals scores top marks. 

With access to over 450 trusted travel suppliers with first-hand knowledge of family-friendly destinations, we can save you time, effort and stress planning your perfect half term getaway. 

And here’s the best part: this service is completely free. We get paid by the travel companies, so you get expert advice and tailored recommendations without any extra cost.

Give us a call today or click 'Enquire Now.' There’s no obligation to book — just plenty of possibilities to explore!