Holidays 2018: This February there are various places Brits could visit for sun
Where to go on holiday in February? Reigo Eljas, Country Director for lastminute.com, recommends Cancun, Estonia and Glasgow for a break away and a last minute deal.
Glasgow
The largest city in Scotland has stepped out of the shadows of its younger sibling, Edinburgh, in recent years. Major redevelopment and a reputation as the world’s friendliest city has seen visitor numbers rise.
There is always loads going on – especially in the evening, as this is one of the best places in the county to see live music (it’s a UNESCO City of Music) . Here’s why you should visit Glasgow in 2018.
What to see and do
It’s the 150th anniversary of the birth of the city’s famous architect – Charles Rennie Mackintosh – whose wonderful Art Nouveau buildings and designs are embedded in Glasgow’s DNA. To find out more, visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which has a special exhibition on this year.
The buildings are a mixture of the majestic old (like the medieval Glasgow Cathedral) and the new, found along the River Clyde. The two buildings here designed by Norman Foster – the Scottish Event Campus and the SSE Hydro – have been described as “The Armadillo” and “The Flying Saucer“ – check them out and see what you think.
Jump on the City Sightseeing Glasgow “hop on, hop off” bus to get better acquainted with the city – it’s massive.
Holidays 2018: Glasgow makes for the perfect city break this February
What to eat
On trend for 2018, Glasgow has been dubbed one of the UK’s most vegan-friendly cities – so you’ll find plenty of places to eat if meat is off the menu.
But you’ll also find all the traditional Scottish food, like haggis and tattie scones (potato cakes) – and Lorne sausage (square breakfast sausage) is definitely worth a try, as you really can’t get the same flavour south of the border.
Plus don’t forget to sampled a scotch pie; a great snack bought hot from the butchers with a delicious water-crust pastry.
For a Scottish tipple, Finnieston is one of the coolest neighbourhoods for trendy watering holes. If you love whisky, visit the newly-opened Clydeside Distillery based at Queen’s Dock from which scotch is shipped around the world, with a tour happening on the hour, Monday to Saturday.
Deals
Stay at the 4* The Z Hotel Glasgow from £39 per night, per room (based on 12th February 2018).
Alternately, stay at the 5* Radisson Blu Glasgow from £79 per night, per room (based on 18th February 2018).
Holidays 2018: Tallinn, in Estonia, is a beautiful country to visit in February
Tallinn – Estonia
Saturday, February 24th marks the 100th birthday of the Republic of Estonia, and the capital, Tallinn, will be leading the way with the celebrations. The city still offers one of the cheapest – and most enjoyable – city breaks in Europe. Here’s why everybody is talking about Tallinn.
What to see and do
2018 is likely to begin where 2017 left off – with a focus on health and well-being. So why not start the new year as you mean to go on, with a warm spa break in the winter? Tallinn has a lot of fantastic spa hotels – of which we recommend either the Swissotel Tallinn spa or Telegraaf hotel spa.
The new creative hub of Tallinn, Kultuurikatel, is the place to hang out. You could easily spend a whole day there as not only do they have lots of events and great food, but there’s also lots of art too. Make sure to visit both KUMU (the city art museum) and Lennusadam (a maritime museum housed in old airplane hangers).
You can even head over to Helsinki (Finland) for a day out – there are a lot of ferries running between the two capitals daily and it only takes two hours.
I also love a weird fact so: Tallinn Airport was voted the best airport in Europe to sleep in.
What to eat
You’re right on the coast, so fish is very much on the menu. Try Baltic Herring – the national fish. You’ll find plenty of comfort food to combat the cold at this time of year such as hearty stews, roast meat and casseroles. Estonia is an agricultural nation, so pickling and preserving is a big thing here, with wild berries and fruit being picked in the summer for eating in the colder months.
As it’s the country’s birthday, you really should raise a toast with the national drink – Vana Tallinn. This strong spirit is reminiscent of spicy rum, so if you’re a fan of that you’re in luck. In fact, they have a wide range of liquors to try if you’re feeling adventurous. There’s also a growing micro-brewery scene for those looking to try some local lagers and ales.
Deals
Spend 3 nights at the 3* Park Inn By Radisson Central Tallinn on a room-only basis from £159pp. Return flights depart from London Stansted on 26th February.
Stay at the 4* Hestia Hotel Europa for 3 nights from £189pp, with return flights departing from London Stansted on 18th February.
Holidays 2018: Cancun, Mexico, is the best place for sunshine this February
Cancun – Mexico
February is a great time to visit Mexico. Why? Well how about an average temperature of 23 degrees, the sea a positively balmy 25 degrees and it being the dry season, with only a small chance of rain. You’re guaranteed brilliant beaches, fabulous food and superb snorkeling. And you can be there in just under ten hours from London. Here’s what else is happening in Cancun.
What to see and do
Cancun is full of bucket-list stuff to do and the beaches will not disappoint. Imagine escaping the winter and sunbathing on the massive stretch of white sand that makes up the Playa Delfines. Watersports are huge in Cancun, with excellent snorkeling and scuba diving experiences available. Many trios go from Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas – which is handy for relaxing as this is where you’ll find plenty of beach bars and restaurants.
Of course the most popular day trip is to see the Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá – one of the modern wonders of the world. Several ancient structures remain, including the impressive Temple of the Warriors.
What to eat
Street food! Hit the taco trucks that you’ll see on every street corner – but ask someone to show you how best to eat them as foreigners are known for eating them wrong! For something a bit different to the usual taco, ask for a “gringa” – it’s essentially a quesadilla and often filled with minced chorizo or marinated pork, and then loaded with cheese.
Tequila is the classic Mexican drink – but branch out and choose mezcal, another spirit distilled from agave. Beer is hugely popular across Mexico too. They’ve got a huge range of different brands, from the classic Corona and Sol, to the lesser known Pacifico and Negra Modelo. Curiously, Mexicans also love adding to their beers – try a Michelada for something between a beer and a Bloody Mary.
Deals
Spend 7 nights on an all-inclusive basis at the 5* Grand Oasis Palm from £1059pp. Return flights depart London Heathrow on 5th February.
Or, try out the 4* Real Inn Cancun. Stay here for 7 nights on a room-only basis, with return flights departing from London Heathrow on 27th February from £709pp.
