Where to travel off the beaten track in February

According to global travellers, these are the best places to head off the beaten track in February.*

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Known as Morocco’s ‘Blue City’, Chefchaouen looks like a mirage built between two peaks in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco. Among the blue-washed buildings of the medina, you’ll find antique shops overflowing with everything from hand-woven carpets to brassware and artisanal leather. A car-free city filled with fresh mountain air, Chefchaouen possesses a slower pace and calm that is unusual for Morocco, while also packing in plenty of culture, fine cuisine, hammams, shopping and activities like hiking to nearby waterfalls. Stay at Résidence Hoteliére Chez Aziz in resplendent rooms decked out in mosaics and carved wooden furniture.

Coron, Philippines

Not only is this small town in the Philippines a handy base for island-hopping, it’s also very budget-friendly – even for solo travellers – in terms of accommodation, tours and restaurant rates. It’s located on the island of Busuanga in Palawan province, known for its chalk-white sand, coral reefs and tropical climate. Dive enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven here, with shipwrecks, lagoons and other underwater sites to explore, particularly around the nearby Calamian Islands. You can also hike through the jungle to the top of Mount Tapyas, where you’ll discover panoramic views over the whole island. Aquilah Homestay is a brightly-decorated accommodation in Coron, near Mount Tapyas and the town’s market.

Timișoara, Romania

Though you may not yet have heard of Timișoara, this Romanian city is rapidly climbing up the ranks of sought-after travel destinations and has been named as a European Capital of Culture for 2021. Its pretty streets showcase an array of splendid architecture, from art nouveau, pastel-hued houses to grand Habsburg-era palaces; explore the Fabric neighbourhood for whimsical buildings. The city also has a high concentration of flower-filled parks, including Roses Park, Botanic Park and Poporului Park, great for a break between sightseeing and visiting the city’s many museums Stay in the middle of the city at The Kiss Apartment, a short walk from the major attractions.

Baltimore, USA

This Maryland port city has recently emerged as a popular tourist destination, largely thanks to being the setting of TV drama, The Wire. The waterfront area has been completely revamped, with independent cafes, waterside bars and avant-garde restaurants housed in old shipping containers and cargo warehouses. Take a cruise along the harbour to ogle all the slick developments. Baltimore has a deeply cultural, side, with Station North Arts & Entertainment District a must-visit – this area spans several neighbourhoods offering artist live-work spaces, galleries and more. Enjoy views of the harbour from your room at the grand Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.

Pokhara, Nepal

Sitting in a valley on the shores of Phewa Lake, Pokhara is a soothing city surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. Take a rowing boat for a ride to a cafe on the other side of the lake and experience the resounding quiet of this mountain destination, visiting Barahi Temple on the way, situated on an island in the middle of the water. Aside from the views and serenity, Pokhara Valley is also a great adventure travel destination, with abundant paragliding, trekking, zip lining and bungee jumping opportunities. Stay at Hotel Middle Path & Spa, an accommodation draped in greenery just five minutes’ walk from Phewa Lake.

**These destinations had the highest growth in bookings by Booking.com customers for the month of October.