Malta

You’ll need:

• Proof of full vaccination (12+)
• Children aged 5–11 can travel if accompanied by vaccinated adult, with evidence of negative PCR test

While by no means blisteringly hot, Malta will bring milder temperatures than much of Europe in the February half term. Although spring will prove more pleasant, if you can hold on until then. Although our expert, Juliet Rix, says the true allure of Malta lies beyond its sun and sea.

“Malta may be well-known for its sun and sea, but the island’s real USP is its extraordinary history (and pre-history) and the fabulous sights this has left behind. Dotted with unique stone-age temples, Malta has been owned or coveted by many of Europe’s leading powers from the Phoenicians and Romans, Arabs and Medieval monarchs, to the Knights of Malta and the Ottoman Turks, the Axis powers and the British. Each has left its mark here – some very beautiful too – giving Malta more historic sights per square mile than any other country.”

Book it: Oliver’s Travels has a range of luxury villas in Malta, including Villa Ellul which sleeps six and costs £1,914 for seven nights departing in April (0333 888 0205; oliverstravels.com).

Farther-flung favourites

If you are looking to catch some winter sun and are willing to travel slightly farther afield, you have plenty of test-free options. Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia and Peru are all open to fully vaccinated British arrivals without any testing requirements. 

Of them all, Mexico is perhaps the most appealing option over February, it being one of the driest months of the year with warm days and pleasant water temperatures. Airlines including Tui and British Airways fly direct to Cancun in under 11 hours. You must register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro Platform before you arrive, but then you are free to explore, regardless of vaccination status.

Book it: British Airways Holidays (britishairways.com/mexico) offers seven-night stays at the four star Allegro Playacar from £1,403 for two, all inclusive with flights. Departures on selected dates in January and February.

The rest of the world

We have excluded Afghanistan, Syria and Samoa from the below list, as British arrivals are currently not allowed to enter these countries. The countries that say “possible test” may have random health screening measures in place; always check gov.uk before you travel.

The Americas

• Caribbean Netherlands
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Honduras
• Panama
• Sint Maarten (possible test)
• St Martin (possible test)