February: The month of love...and cold and Black History. Below are a few tips for planning fun vacation destinations for this event-filled month.
Europeans acknowledge the benefits of taking a small vacation (one to two weeks!) during the month of February. In fact, most schools let students out of classes so that they can embark on family or group ski trips to far off destinations such as the Alps or Northern Europe.
In America, however, convincing your boss to build in time for the extra mid-year week might seem a little more unlikely. The fun, however, can go on. Chances are, coming off of the holidays, you will already be dreaming about your retirement and that extended summer vacation with the kids out of school. But let the party begin sooner rather than later.
Take a long weekend to head to the nearest mountain range. Rent a condo and hit the slopes (and hottubs) with your loved ones. Whether you’re a skier or not, there’s no escaping the fact that there’s something mystical and oddly calming about a mountain top caked in a layer of fresh white snow. Writers: take that journal and perch in your condo window or the comfiest chair of the town’s coffee shop to record your thoughts about the busy winter season. (If you’re a procrastinator, you can take your holiday thank-you notes with you as well!)
If you’re one of the lucky ones to be spending the month of February with the one you love, plan to use the whole month this year to celebrate your love with a series of weekend getaways. With four weekends in the month, divide trip-choosing duty and surprise your partner with a getaway he/she would never expect. How about a weekend train trip? Find some last-minute travel deals for Las Vegas (maybe a good time to finally tie the knot if you've been waiting!) Or look into flying down to Florida for a nice warm-weather weekend surprise for your partner.
For those history buffs in your clan, plan to spend some time in February reviewing the events that led to the dedication of the entire month as Black History month. Head into Richmond, Virginia, the former capital of the Confederacy, and see what events the Black History Museum is putting on.
Take a drive along Virginia's historic Route 5 to see the old Civil War Trail. You can head further south down I-95 to Alabama and Georgia for a tour of the Civil Rights Movement hot spot. If you have young children in your family, there is no better way to share the nation’s divided history then to teach it to them in the places it happened. Have them read some articles or books about the destinations before they visit.
In the cold weather months, it’s important to stay either in the cold (skiing) or out of the cold. Arguably, one of the best places in the world for some indoor fun is the nation’s capital. Wander across the mall from museum to museum (admission to all Smithsonian Museums is free!) Jump over to Georgetown for some eclectic shopping opportunities and spend some time touring the law-making federal grounds.
Whatever your travel plans and destinations for the month of February, one thing’s for certain: you’ll need to take your coat! So bundle up and get out there – there’s plenty to do before your race to that longer summer vacation.
