malia
Cajamarca
Hi guys.. my friend and I (both females in our twenties, traveling from Switzerland) have 3 weeks off in February. We want to go somewhere hot and beautiful where we hope to do our PADI, maybe surf or standup paddle, hike, see some history and relax on the beach... basically just take in nature and get away from it all (and mainly from winter!) We were thinking Palau (via Japan/Korea) but I started checking for accommodation and it seems like everything is already pretty booked?! As you can see this trip is quite spontaneous so we need somewhere where we can go without necessarily having everything planned and booked in advance.. we were in the Caribbean last Jan/Feb and have already seen Hawaii as well.. really want to do the Pacific (Palau, Tonga...? ) but are afraid we will get there and have nowhere to sleep! What are your experiences, where could we go? what about the Seychelles or other places around Africa or in the Indian Ocean? Or South East Asia or South America? We love just islands... (but have already been to the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore.. Thanks for your help island experts :)
Well that part of the world is pretty incredible, so hard to go wrong. I'm not sure about your budget, but be aware that since the Seychelles and French Polynesia are both major vacation / honeymoon destinations, and as such, the cost can be very high. Having said that, it could be fairly affordable if you stayed in smaller places (like Blue Heaven Island in Bora Bora or Le Maitai Rangiroa in Rangiroa) and avoided the larger resorts. You can also purchase an air pass ticket from Air Tahiti that will allow you to island hop, which is pretty great so you can see some of the more remote islands that are off the beaten path (link).
I'm not sure about the Seychelles as we were only there for a long weekend and found it incredibly pricey (US$ 50 for ONE shrimp? US$ 80 for a ten minute taxi ride!?). If cost is a factor, then I would recommend sticking to Southeast Asia as it's pretty affordable in comparison to some of these other places. The islands in Thailand are amazing (if a bit overrun), Burma/Myanmar is incredible and I hear great things about Indonesia, Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia though I haven't personally been myself. Wherever you end up, enjoy!
We lived in Tonga for several years and 
French Polynesia is supposedly very nice, especially the outer islands (Bora Bora, Moorea, etc.) Also, with three weeks, you can easily take a few days & fly to Easter Island... very cool!!
Mentioned in this answer:
Sri Lanka? It's amazing with all the stuff you mentioned or otherwise Fiji I would be pretty comfortable going to both those places with nothing booked.... Fiji season is the 'wet' season but still awesome. A lot less options for accomodation in Tonga, Palau but if you liked that idea then 'home stays' would be the best option...
I spent two weeks in French Polynesia a couple of years ago. On short notice, I think you would still be able to find places on Moorea. Its a beautiful island with lots to do. There are also many large hotels and small boutique places to stay. If you're going to Moorea, then you have to check places in Bora Bora. With less than 60 days until you leave, there may not be many vacancies, but its worth a try. Bora Bora is beautiful and you shouldn't pass it up if you're in the region. A couple of days is all you would need to check it out.
I also visited Maupiti and highly recommend it if you like beautiful, secluded places. But there are limited places to stay, but I'd check to see if anything is available. I put together a slide presentation of Maupiti on YouTube. The link is below, if you want to check it out (if Trippy will allow the link).
Good luck
Maupiti slide show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6xfRXpxbAI
We've been looking at French Polynesia and it can get quite pricey but we have found some reasonable pricing if you are slightly flexible with dates. The Cook Islands however, seemed to have even better prices.
You can check Andaman & Nicobar Islands in India. It has beautiful beaches, world class scuba and snorkeling spots and accommodation for all type of budget. Weather remains quite good during feb with temperature ranging from 25-30 degrees.
if you are looking for a customize India tour, you can write to us at
info@indusexplorers.com
Hawaii is in the South Pacific, and February is the best time to visit the islands. It's at the tail end of the rainy season, temperatures are mild and the trade winds keep the oppressive humidity away. If you stay away from the resort areas of Waikiki, West Maui, South Maui and the Kona side of the Big Island, you can have an inexpensive holiday. Kaua'i is the best island for exploring nature and adventurous activities, the Hilo side of the The Big Island is the most beautiful, and Molokai is the best island for "getting away from it all."
Mauritius is also a good choice and may be a bit more accessible from Switzerland than Hawaii. Although February isn't the best time to visit (it's summer there, so temperatures and humidity are high and the trade winds die down), it's off-season so prices will be lower and crowds fewer. Most of the resorts are north of Port Louis, but I think the southern part of the island (near SSR International Airport) is prettier. If you really want to "get away," then Rodrigues island (90 minute flight from Mauritius) is about as remote as it gets.
Mentioned in this answer:
Hi Malia,
You mentioned something about surf. As crazy as it sounds I, too like the idea of travelling to sunny places when in my country the cold weather is keeping me mostly inside the house. How about Bali? I know a surf instructor there. You can check the experience that he is offering here: https://spoty.com/vacations/indonesia/surfing-experience-with-professionals-in-bali?. Hope I could help or at least you got inspired.
malia
Lise
