The 10 Best Places to Travel in February 2023 Outside of Canada

February is one of the most affordable months to travel, and for Canadians that means a welcome escape from the dreary grey winter days. While there are plenty of snowy wonderlands to enjoy in our backyard, sometimes you just have to get away.

So, if you’re lusting after a last-minute getaway, here are the top destinations outside of Canada to escape to in February 2023. Our list includes beach destinations where you’ll find balmy weather and outdoor adventures galore, plus the best international festivals taking place all around the world. Bon voyage!

A shot of a bridge at dusk in Paris, France

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Paris, France

February might see chiller weather but with affordable flight deals offered from major Canadian cities (for as little as the high $400s from Toronto), where better to spend a romantic Valentine's Day than the city of love?

Break out your most fashionable winter wear and prove that Emily isn't the only North American that can take Paris by storm.

Paris is a lovely spot to visit during the colder months because there are plenty of indoor activities to take in, from some of the world's finest dining like Kim Kardashian's favourite, Ferdi, to perusing the incredible arts and culture scene at the Louvre or D'Orsay.

Boca tourist area , buildings in hyper colour, colourful displays in Buneos Aires, Argentina

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Buenos Aires, Argentina

The lively capital of Argentina might just be your next vacation destination if you're seeking beautiful temperatures and a wealth of museums and architectural sites to visit. Stroll through one of the city's most beautiful areas, the colourful La Boca, and soak in the bohemian culture while nibbling on beef empanadas.

February is also the perfect time to visit Argentinian vineyards and sample a glass of Syrah or Malbec just in time for the season's harvest.

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Castries, St. Lucia

A true gem of the Caribbean, St. Lucia is ideal to visit during the dry month of February when temperatures are idyllic.

Adventure seekers can enjoy any number of outdoor activities from ziplining above waterfalls to horseback riding along the beach.

Take a day trip to visit the active volcanoes in the Soufrière region or relax in the sulphuric springs.

A woman celebrates Carnival in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio made our list for places to visit in January 2023 due to its balmy beach weather, but we couldn't miss including it as a top destination to visit in February when the world's largest carnival festival takes place.

Enjoy parades, countless parties where you can samba the night away and plenty of open-air performances from February 17-25 as the city is flooded with over two million festival goers.

A shot of Great Ocean Road in Melbourne, Australia

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Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is a city that has it all; a great arts and culture scene, incredible beaches and a coffee and wine scene that's not to be missed.

February is the high season in Australia, where the beaches shine bright during the peak of summer. Visit St. Kilda's for a surf or take a bucket-list drive down Great Ocean Road for some jaw-dropping views.

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Seville, Spain

Enjoy a leisurely vacation in the south of Spain with a trip to the beautiful city of Seville. It boasts highs of 18 degrees Celsius during the February, making it one of Europe's ideal getaways during the shortest month of the year.

Don't miss taking in dinner and a show in the birthplace of Flamenco dancing and marvel at the architecture of the Cathedral of Seville and the Archbishop's Palace.

A shot of a cable car in Aspen, Colorado

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Aspen, USA

If a sunny vacation isn't your ideal getaway (no judgement! OK, maybe a little), why not jet off to one of America's premier ski destinations?

Aspen offers ideal conditions for winter sporting during February. The slopes will be packed during the President's Day long weekend (February 20), so try a mid-week trip if you're looking for a quieter time.

The ancient rock fortress in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

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Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Regarded for its natural beauty, the ancient city of Sigiriya is UNESCO's Eighth World Wonder, a natural rock fortress and palace.

Explore the grounds while enjoying the sunny and dry February weather. Take a tuk tuk tour around the area and make the descent up to Sigiriya Rock (AKA Lion Rock) to enjoy some must-see views.

A shot of a gondola in the cliffs of Cape Town, South Africa

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Cape Town, South Africa

If South Africa has been on your bucket list of countries to visit, consider a trip in February.

Like so many others on this list, the weather conditions are the best of the year with sunny skies and very little rainfall. From nature reserves to expansive beaches, you'll want to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty South Africa has to offer from Table Mountain to Lion's Head.

When in the city, visit craft markets to purchase local wares (Mojo Market is a particular favourite among the hip crowd).

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Venice, Italy

Italy's sinking city should already be on your list to visit while you can (though the country has plans to help save it), but February is a particularly stimulating time to visit the top tourist spot.

From the 11th to the 21st of the month the Carnival of Venice will take place, which is the city's nod to Rio's massive festival. The fête is known for its elaborate Venetian masks (and no, not the N95 kind).