Where to go when - February 2010

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a Valentine’s break or a bigger trip to far-off climes, cheer up February with thoughts of Rio’s carnival, the buzz of Rome, the deserts and relics of Tunisia, or the soaring peaks of Nepal.

Check out our Valentine's gifts for him and her to take along...

There’s more to Tunisia than sun, sea and sand – behind the coastal developments lays a land of mosques, desert oases, Roman relics and intriguing walled cities just waiting to be explored. It’s no wonder scenes from many blockbuster movies have been shot around the country – from the ‘Star Wars Canyon’, also used in Raiders of the Lost Ark, to various locations used in 1996’s The English Patient. Spring is the best time to visit, when the south is a pleasant temperature and the orchards and vineyards of the north are surprisingly verdant.

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Head to Rome for the ultimate Valentine’s break; no longer defined by its ancient relics and remains, the city has revitalised itself as a contemporary destination with a thriving arts and nightlife scene to round off those heady days of sightseeing. The city has also seen an emergence in a new breed of hotels run by younger, well-travelled staff, and catering to a fashionable clientele. So from high-octane luxury to minimalist chic, you’ll find accommodation to suit an amorous sojourn.

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For that once-in-a-lifetime experience, Rio’s Carnival is hard to beat. The February parade, or defile, is one of the world’s great spectacles – an electrifying display of performances by samba schools at the Sambodromo. To top it off, February is gloriously warm and sunny in Rio, perfect for taking in the sights of the city – from Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer to the pulsating beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana.

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February is the beginning of good trekking weather in Nepal, so although it’s still a little chilly, it won’t be overcrowded, and the mustard fields fill with bright yellow flowers. Follow the legendary Everest Base Camp trail for 16 days, or take the alternative Gokyo route. From Pokhara, you can set off on the stunning Annapurna Circuit, which takes up to three weeks, or head into the Annapurna Sanctuary to reach Annapurna Base Camp, at 4130m, after six days. Use our unrivalled range of maps and guides to plan your trek.

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