February is the time of year when most people are relaxing, recovering from the holidays and getting back into the swing of their daily routine. But if you can't wait to get back out there, February is the perfect month for a unique adventure. From hiking in far-off New Zealand, to trekking in South America, to enjoying a winter wonderland closer to home, adventurous travelers can find something to satisfy their wanderlust, even in the off-season. Here are our top destinations for travel in February.
Patagonia
February is the last month of Patagonia's high season, when summer temperatures allow access to remote landscapes like the high-altitude trails of Chile's Torres del Paine National Park and the icy fjords of Tierra del Fuego. Further north, hot summer days in the pine-covered landscape of Argentina's Lake District call for cold local brews, river floats and swimming sessions in the crystal-blue lakes. Luckily, Argentine mountain towns like Bariloche, San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura provide all of these in spades. Dotted with ranches and log cabins beneath granite peaks, yet populated by blinking vicuñas and lush with shaggy coihue and twisting red arrayan trees, South America's temperate ranges are at once exotic and familiar. Check out Backroads' Patagonia trips!
Yellowstone & Grand Tetons
Miles and miles of untouched snow, streams burbling under ice, herds of bison ambling in the distance, and no one to have to share it with but the wildlife—this pristine winter wonderland is found in Wyoming's Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks. Enjoy the feeling of true solitude as you snowshoe or dogsled through the parks, visiting frozen waterfalls, geothermal pools and famous geysers. Go ahead and brush that beach vacation aside, get off the beaten path and experience true serenity in this winter oasis. Check out Backroads' Yellowstone & Tetons Snow Adventure Tour!
Palm Springs & Joshua Tree National Park
This Southern Californian desert landscape is well known for its stunning hiking trails, otherworldly landscapes and great rock climbing. February is one of the least-crowded months at the park, which makes it the perfect time to experience all the wonders of this unforgettable landscape! Joshua Tree and the surrounding areas are a wonderful destination for an unforgettable February hiking adventure, with mild temperatures and deserted trails waiting to welcome the intrepid shoulder-season visitor. You might even catch an early glimpse of the park’s famed springtime wildflower bloom! Check out Backroads' Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Walking & Hiking Tour!
New Zealand
While the Northern Hemisphere is trying to shake off the winter cold in February, down in New Zealand it's the tail end of summer, meaning you can expect blue skies and clear, hot sunshine. The two islands of New Zealand are famous for their stunning cliffs and rolling green hills, a fantasy landscape for a hiking or cycling adventure. You'll see glaciers, geysers, hot springs and more! The scenery is truly out-of-this world, and the islands' sparse population means you can enjoy it in relative solitude. You'll have to see it to believe it. Check out Backroads' New Zealand trips!
Hawaii
February is the perfect time to visit Hawaii for a tropical vacation: you'll dodge the summer and holiday crowds as well as the worst of the winter rains, enjoying 70-degree weather ideal for hiking in the jungle or lounging on the beach. It's an exciting month in Hawaii: from the Cherry Blossom Festival in Honolulu (a celebration of Hawaii's Japanese culture), to the Maui Whale Festival (the highest concentration of humpback whales in the world is found in Maui's waters in the winter), every traveler can find something to enjoy. You can bike through lava fields, hike up volcanoes, snack on exotic fruits and maybe even try surfing—it's truly an experience for travelers of all stripes. Check out Backroads' Hawaii trips!
Want to see more tips for traveling to the right place at the right time? See our expert recommendations for every month of the year: