Holiday Ideas February

Floreana Island was one of the first islands to be inhabited and is rich in human history. The endangered Pink Flamingo can be seen nesting on the Galapagos island of Floreana. Living in small numbers in the backwaters of the lagoons, they begin their breeding time in December through to May. Easily spotted as their pink colouring distinguishes them from the dark volcanoes in the background, these are shy birds that tend to only be viewed from a distance. If their nesting place is disturbed, the flamingos have been known to desert their nests. Feeding on crustaceans and plants, the birds can also be also be spotted on the other Galapagos Islands.

Boasting warm temperatures throughout February, of 27 degrees, Sri Lanka is a perfect destination to visit. The country has seven world heritage sites and is ultimately South Asia’s favourite tourist destination.

Natural wonders of the country comprise Golden beaches, abundant forests and rich wildlife habitats. The “Pearl of the Orient” Sri Lanka reflects a strong wealth of both natural and cultural diversity which spans over 2,500 years. Mountains and hills are rich in flora and fauna with waterfalls cascading down the mountains surround the four major national parks.

Constructed in the 13th century BC by Ramses II, Abu Simbel is one of antiquity’s most spectacular sites, built to convey the might of the Pharaohs to Egypt’s southern neighbours. Even today, lying beside the tranquil waters of Lake Nasser, this magnificent temple complex conveys an immense aura of power and majesty that is a lasting tribute to the reign of one of Egypt’s most powerful Pharaohs. No less remarkable is the incredible effort taken to rescue it from the rising waters of the lake in 1963, when an $80 million project saw the entire complex relocated to a site some 65 metres higher than its original setting, in a truly remarkable feat of archaeological engineering.The combination of human endeavour and natural phenomena provides what must be one of the most spectacular sights in the world. Crowds pack in to the temple before sunrise and watch the shafts of light slowly creeping through the stone. Once this dramatic sighting has been marvelled at, spectators can join celebrations outside, including a fair and music demonstrations. However, nothing can compare to such a sight as the lighting of these magnificent temples.

The city of Mendoza, one of the world’s great wine capitals, with wineries at the foothills of the Andes that include Bodega Catena Zapata, Trapiche and Norton, hosted its first Masters of Food and Wine event in February 2007, based at the Park Hyatt Hotel. This event is now scheduled to take place annually, every February. The event consists of a wide variety of gastronomic experiences in intimate settings – most events allowed up to a maximum of 50 guests. Acclaimed sommeliers from around the globe will present wine tastings featuring Mendoza’s finest wines, providing opportunities to taste, pair and learn about wine from respected worldwide industry names.

You are greeted with delight, dazzle, and decadence when arriving at the annual Brazilian Carnival. People from all around the world flock to the streets of Rio de Janiero to share in the celebration with locals known as Cariocas. Starting the Friday before Ash Wednesday, seven weeks before Easter Sunday, Rio de Janeiro hosts many festivities that occur throughout the city complete with music, parades, dancing, and renowned Carnival balls. Many activities take place during the carnival, including events that take place before the actual four day festival, including parades and rehearsals. The various gatherings combine to create days of enchantment, energy, and enjoyment, capturing the true sense of Rio's Carnival. The Carnival is celebrated every year on a different weekend, the official date always being fourty days before Lent.