Thanks to inclement weather and an equally gloomy news cycle, this February half term will be a record breaker.
The BBC has reported that holiday bookings are up 9 per cent compared to last year, according to a group of travel agents. The Advantage Travel Partnerships claimed that a “powerful psychological need for escape” had been generated by weeks of rain and the current political landscape. Meanwhile, Manchester Airport is predicted to have its busiest February half term on record, and airlines and tour operators including Jet2 have reported a rise in bookings.
It’s hardly surprising news. If you’re ready to escape the gloom, there are still some excellent last minute holidays to be booked in the UK, Europe and further afield. Heading to British Airways’ late deals page is never a bad way to start, and the airline currently has February flights and holidays on offer.
You can fly to Geneva from £60 per person each way, or further afield to Punta Cana (in the Dominican Republic) for as little as £355 each. Their one and done holidays are also worth considering, including a flight and hotel deal to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in Marrakech from £245 per person.
Here are three other trips to add to the wishlist, or make a reality…
The country escape within an hour of London
You don’t have to drive for miles or slog it out on a train for a bucolic country escape this half term. Four Seasons Hampshire can be reached in under an hour, and it just so happens to be one of the most family-friendly five-star hotels in the land. You’ll love the 18th century Georgian manor setting and spa menu (111Skin, Ila and Dr Barbara Sturm provide the products), while kids will love Shetland pony riding and adventures in the complimentary children’s club. There are plenty of indoor games too, should the rain persist.
From £520 per night, fourseasons.com
The quick hop from Paris
If your kids happen to be exceptionally chic, Abbaye Des Vaux-De-Cernay is the place to head. The 12th-century abbey turned country retreat is a design lover’s dream, located 45 minutes away from Paris and surrounded by nearly 200 acres filled with outdoor pursuits (there’s also a cinema room for the indoorsy). Best of all is the kids’ club by French brand Tartine et Chocolat, which offers bespoke clothing for young guests, including bathrobes and cashmere with Toile de Jouy-inspired prints.
From £300 per night, abbayedesvauxdecernay.com
The long-haul treat
To truly leave the gloom behind, you have to go the extra mile. If you’re willing to commit, head to Chablé Yucatán in Mexico. It’s a real treat: gorgeous family villas are hidden across acres and acres of Mayan forest on the Yucatán Peninsula and days can be spent in a blissed-out, margarita-fuelled haze by the pool. To protect your peace, there’s a jungle kids’ club, an eco-farm experience cinema screenings and pottery workshops.
From £882 per night, yucatan.chablehotels.com
