When it comes to travel and holidays, it is a good idea to always keep in mind that while in the northern hemisphere it is winter, elsewhere, in the southern hemisphere, we are in the middle of summer.
But even without going far to look for exotic destinations, we can discover a month of vacation-friendly in February, especially thanks to the carnival and the possibility of a nice winter holiday which is not exactly crowded as it can happen in other months.
For foreign countries we will consider two options: the Brazilian carnival, famous and very popular, capable of attracting fans and onlookers from all over the world, and the Omani desert that in February ceases to be an infernal oven and gives its best for those who are ready to travel there and enjoy it.
Among the local destinations there is Tuscany, where villages, culture, nature and beauty will be the ideal outline for Valentine's Day, one more reason to treat yourself to classic destinations like Florence.
Brazil
Brazil is literally being reborn under the pressure of a considerable economic boom and a strong increase in tourism not only linked to beaches and nature. You go to Brazil also to practice sports, to learn Portuguese, to do seasonal jobs and on special occasions, first of all the Carioca Carnival, in Rio de Janeiro.
Generally it attracts more than a million visitors from all over the world, in the height of summer, all at the rhythm of samba . It is a secular rite imported by the first settlers and then transformed into a masked samba contest, thanks to African and Indian inputs .
It is a question of booking in advance, especially if we want to attend competitions in the sambodrome, but it must be said that all free street celebrations deserve to be seen.
Oman
Oman, this stranger . It is an Arab sultanate bordering on Saudi Arabia, the Arab Emirates and Yemen. Generally open to rich tourists, Oman is a sensational and little promoted destination: the wonderful coast, caressed by whales, the dreamy deserts dotted with oases, the rocky mountains, and the ancient strongholds, are the cornerstones of local tourism, first industry in the country.
February is one of the best months to appreciate the wonders of Oman, which in the rest of the year are enveloped in scorching heat that will make you regret having chosen the low season to stand on the ticket.
Water sports, thousand and one night markets, dolphins and sea turtles and cultural tourism attract a large tourism segment in February.
Viareggio, Florence, Abetone ...
Tuscany is, rightly, renowned as one of the regions not to be missed for foreigners traveling to Italy: culture, good food, good wine, friendly people, nature, breathtaking ancient villages, beaches, hills, and much more .
Let's analyze three stages for 3 ideal occasions in February : the carnival, Valentine's Day, a white week .
When we talk about carnival in Italy we talk mostly about Venice and Viareggio .
If the Venice carnival is certainly more classic and elegant, the one in Viareggio is more creative and fun, thanks to the magnificent and gigantic papier-mâché floats that distinguish it ... balls, art, parades, masquerade parties, in the context of the beautiful Viareggio, create an unmissable experience.
Let's move to Florence as the ideal romantic city for February 14, Valentine's Day. Easy to reach and cross, Florence knows how to be a condensed romantic atmosphere, in the midst of the crowd that passes without disturbing the couples who exchange promises on the Lungarno or in the Uffizi Gallery .
Beautiful both day and night, safe, full of good food and as welcoming as it is reassuring, Florence, surrounded by rolling hills, can be ideal for couples looking for a nest . But February can also mean a white week.
In this case it is enough to move slightly to reach the Abetone, which means excellent mountain campsites, mountain huts, ski resorts, and unbeatable local cuisine, where the classic Tuscan cuisine mixes the flavors of the forest, the local pastry, and fresh cheeses. Unmissable.
