Escape the Rainy UK for Under £600 in February

The Canary Islands: Budget Choice

With temperatures consistently hovering above 20 degrees, the Canary Islands are a popular destination for UK holidaymakers searching for sunshine. Situated off the west coast of northern Africa these seven islands offer a permanent spring-like climate. Tenerife is the biggest of the Canaries, with an appealing mix of beach resorts, traditional villages and national parks. However, the smaller island of Lanzarote is ideal for sun worshippers, offering over 30 kilometres of beach to kick back and relax on. Onthebeach.co.uk is currently offering up to 48% off cheap hotels in their Spanish sale.

Note: The Canary Islands offer a truly budget holiday, so if you want sun, sea and beach at a great price you really need look no further. Get flights and 7 nights’ accommodation to Lanzarote from just £248 per person with Expedia.co.uk

Agadir, Morocco

North Africa may not be the first place you think of when planning your budget break abroad, but don’t rule out Agadir in Morocco too quickly. Whilst Agadir mainly caters to package-tour holidaymakers, its clean water and beachfront promenade make an affordable choice this winter. Better yet, the Agadir area is warm for nearly 12 months of the year, with average daily temperatures of 21 degrees in February and good levels of sunshine. Known for its 9km beach, Agadir prides itself on offering the perfect combination of a cheap city break and beach holiday. 

Note: If you are looking to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, Agadir may be too touristy for you- the entire city was rebuilt in 1960 and areas can seem less than traditional. However, the price can’t be argued with – you can get flights and 7 nights’ accommodation from £360 per person with firstchoice.co.uk 

Goa, India

Bounded by the Arabian Sea, Goa is a veritable paradise of white sands, blue seas and swaying palm trees. Despite an abundance of tourism which has ruined some areas, Goa still boasts a number of unspoilt beaches, including Keri and Patnem beach. The best time to visit Goa is during the cooler months of November to March, when the monsoon season is a distant memory but the average temperature still hits highs of 32 degrees. 

Note: North Goa is hive of activity and has a reputation for lively parties, compared with South Goa which offers a more laid back, Caribbean feel. Get flights and 7 nights’ accommodation in North Goa from £511 per person from Thomson.

With average highs of 31 degrees and lows of 21 degrees, February is the ideal time to visit Ho Chi Minh City. Known as Saigon to both locals and tourists alike, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a perfect city break for holidaymakers longing to experience a thriving metropolis. Immortalised by its central role in the Vietnam War, HCMC offers fine restaurants, flashy hotels and luxury shops alongside Pagodas, markets and centuries of rich and diverse history. 

Note: unless you want to fork out big money on accommodation you are likely to be looking at a budget hostel to keep the costs down. Get flights and 3 nights’ accommodation in a hostel from £581 per person from expedia.co.uk. Alternatively, if you fancy spending 7 nights in a hotel, you may need to fork out over £700.

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm el-Sheikh- dubbed the ‘Egyptian Riviera’- is a diverse destination with plenty to offer throughout the year, including enough water sports to satisfy all adrenaline junkies. Miles of white sand border the famous Red Sea, which is particularly popular for recreational scuba diving and snorkelling. If you don’t fancy getting your feet wet, head out of the water to chill in a wide range of coffee shops and local bazaars. And averaging around 23 degrees, the temperature of Sharm el-Sheikh in February puts our UK average of 7 degrees to shame. Get 8% off holiday transfers to and from Egypt with resorthoppa.com.

Note: Due to political unrest in Egypt, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against travel to Egypt with the exception of red sea resorts including Sharm el Sheikh. Get flights and 7 nights’ accommodation from £491 per person from firstchoice.co.uk

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and famous for its colourful markets, buzzing clubs and assault on the senses. The best time to visit Thailand is between November and March, when it rains the least and average temperatures hit 28 degrees. Bangkok is truly a city that never sleeps, and you can easily combine clubbing till dawn with exploring temples, palaces and museums during the day. And with the guarantee of over 5 hours of sunshine no matter when you travel, Bangkok could be the ideal getaway for February 2014. 

Note: Travelling to Thailand is often slightly pricier than the Canary Islands or Morocco due to its popularity and distance from the UK. However, right now you can get flights and 7 nights’ accommodation from just £565 per person from expedia.co.uk