If you need some holiday inspiration, look no further than our top destinations for sun-soaked half-term holidays. Need to know where's hot in february? Check out the Canary Islands and revel in the watersports, potter along the vast golden sands in Portugal, or explore quaint cobbled streets and vibrant cities in Spain. If you're craving a little culture, why not spend a week in Rome with your teens? Its world-famous sites, luxurious lakes and buzzing plazas will make your February half-term one to remember. 

SPAIN

Holidays to Spain serve up bright blue skies, sandy beaches and bustling town squares. Spain’s beaches are some of the best in Europe and are perfect for cooling off in the great spring temperatures. If you've got the kids in tow you'll want to stay in the costas, where you'll find everything from splashtastic waterparks to buzzing beachfronts. The lively resort of Benidorm boasts the tallest waterslide in Europe in Aqualandia - a magnet for adrenaline-junkies. Or, if you want to relax island-style, blissful Balearic islands are a perfect destination for families and couples holidays.

ROME

Holidays to Rome are full of pizza scoffing, gelato licking and of course, sightseeing, so it may be more of a suitable destination for older kids who will appreciate the historic sites, art and cosmopolitan vibe. Why not join the locals for an evening Passeggiata and take a walk down the Via del Corso? Treat the kids (and yourself) and stop for a scrummy scoop of ice cream in one of Rome’s pretty street-side parlours. Whether you're tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain or fantasising about being a gladiators in the Colosseum, you'll have plenty of memories to look back on during your time in Italy's boot!

We've rounded up all the must-see places in our amazing guide of things to see and do in Italy.

THE CANARY ISLANDS

Thanks to its balmy year-round temperature, the weather is sunny in February and many groups and families jet away every year to the Canaries for blue skies and sunny shores. Pick from gorgeous Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife and you'll find good bars, restaurants and loads of watersports. Sunbathe on the luxurious sands of Dunas de Corralejo National Park in Fuerteventura, explore Lanzarote’s lush Timanfaya National Park, or revel in the white-water rides at Siam Park waterpark in Tenerife. Families with older kids and party-loving teens will love buzzing Puerto Del Carmen, boasting tons of evening entertainment once the sun dips below the horizon. 

Want to find out which Canary Island is for you? Take a look at our guide to these idyllic islands for more information. 

PORTUGAL

With year-round sunshine, endless Blue Flag beaches and fantastic family friendly resorts, it’s easy to see why Portugal is such a big hit. Whichever resort you choose, you're never too far from a beach or waterpark. The Algarve is at the top of our list when it comes to the best beach holiday destinations in Portugal, famous worldwide for its stunning sands, whitewashed towns and whacky waterparks to splash around in. Aquashow, Aqualand, and Slide and Splash are perfect for older kids, with speedy chutes including kamikaze slides and Black Holes. For the little ones, Atlantic Park is perfect, offering a variety of gentler rides. Spend a day at one of the best family theme parks on the island of Madeira, or at artificially created villages, complete with water mills, auditoriums and activity areas where kids can try their hands on rope swings, climb walls and go zip-lining. If you fancy a quiet and secluded spot, then head to the little island of Porto Santo, which has a line-up of secret sandy beaches and friendly, family-run hotels.

We've rounded up the top 8 things to do in the Algarve to ensure your holidays are filled with fun!

TURKEY

Get great deals on half-term holidays to Turkey and enjoy non-stop fun (and not just for kids). From kite-surfing and paragliding to peaceful boat trips, kayaking, and diving, Turkey is full of adventure and breathtaking sights. Head to Dalaman for the beautiful beaches of Olu Deniz or experience the stylishly charming bay of Kalkan with rooftop restaurants and a buzzing waterfront. Meanwhile, Marmaris gives the perfect feel of city life with international restaurants and kids clubs lined up along the promenade. Olu Deniz is the place for a fun family day out on the Blue Lagoon beach, where you can build sand castles with your kids or indulge in some exciting watersports. In Antalya, you get a range of exotic beach resorts and some supersized hotels.

TIPS FOR A CHEAP HALF-TERM HOLIDAY
 

• Pack light. If you can fit whatever you need for your holiday in one carry-on bag, then do it.
• Know your destination. Figure out where to shop, eat, and party. Find out where you'll be staying and when you can get the cheapest flights.
• Avoid roaming charges. Buy add-on packages on your mobile plan in advance and look out for free Wi-Fi where you can.
• Eat where the locals eat. Go with the daily specials and eat what the locals choose. 
• Fly on a weekday. Flight tickets on weekdays are cheaper than weekends, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This can work for families with tiny tots. 
• Don’t worry, be ‘appy’. Download the Teletext app for amazing cheap breaks and value for money deals, from travel guides to maps, cheap hotel deals and amazing holiday packages.