All-inclusive Spring break

The spring half-term is a special holiday period. The name suggests that spring has already begun, but in reality you’re often still in the middle of winter. In the Netherlands, the spring half-term usually falls in February or early March, depending on the region. Schools are sometimes allowed to deviate from the recommended dates, so it’s always a good idea to check your own school calendar.

Nevertheless, this period is particularly well-suited to an all-inclusive holiday. There are two completely different types of holiday that both work well: winter sun and winter sports. One type of traveller wants to escape the cold and is looking for sunshine, a swimming pool and a hotel where everything is taken care of. The other wants snow, mountains, skiing, spa facilities and a hotel where breakfast, dinner and sometimes drinks are included. That makes the spring half-term much more versatile than many people realise.

At allinclusive.eu, we view this period as a practical family holiday. You’re often tied to school holidays, prices can rise quickly and the weather within Europe is changeable. You don’t want to take any chances. You want to know where you can still find sunshine, where snow is to be expected, which countries are suitable for children, and how all-inclusive holidays really work during this period.

Why the spring half-term is called something different in every country

In the Netherlands, we usually call this period ‘voorjaarsvakantie’ (spring half-term). In Belgium, particularly in Flanders, the term ‘krokusvakantie’ is often used. Flanders officially lists the ‘krokusvakantie’ in its overview of school holidays. In France, this period is usually called ‘vacances d’hiver’, literally ‘winter holidays’, and the dates are staggered by region. In the United Kingdom, it is often referred to as ‘February half-term’, although the exact dates may vary depending on the local council.

In German-speaking countries, you’ll find yet other names. Germany operates on a federal state basis and uses terms such as ‘Winterferien’ and ‘Ostern/Frühjahr’ in official holiday schedules. In Austria, this period is usually called ‘Semesterferien’, a week’s holiday between the first and second semesters. The Austrian Education Act defines the ‘Semesterferien’ as a one-week holiday, with start dates varying by federal state. In Switzerland, you’ll often come across ‘Sportferien’, particularly in February. The exact schedule varies by canton, as can be seen in the holiday information for the canton of Zurich.

This is important for travellers. The Dutch spring half-term does not always coincide with holidays in other countries. Sometimes you’ll be travelling during a peak week in Europe, and sometimes just outside it. This can make a big difference in terms of price, crowds, availability and the atmosphere in hotels.

How an all-inclusive holiday works during the spring half-term

The spring half-term is not a period when you’re guaranteed beach weather everywhere in Europe. That’s why all-inclusive holidays work differently than in July or August. You’re not just choosing a hotel with food and drink included, but above all for peace of mind. A heated swimming pool, spa facilities, indoor areas, good restaurants, children’s facilities and comfortable rooms are more important during this period than in the summer.

For winter sun, this means: choose a destination where the climate is mild enough, but also book a hotel that works well even if it’s a bit cooler on some days. The Canary Islands, Madeira, Cyprus, Malta, southern Spain, the Algarve and the Turkish Riviera are logical choices. Yet there are differences. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the most reliable for sunshine. Madeira is milder and greener, but less beach-oriented. Cyprus and Malta are lovely for culture and mild days, but not always suitable for a week spent purely by the pool. Turkey offers plenty of resort comfort, but February and March aren’t really summer months.

For winter sports, ‘all-inclusive’ means something different. You’ll often book a hotel with breakfast, dinner, drinks, spa facilities and sometimes extras such as a packed lunch, a ski pass or a kids’ club. Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Andorra and Slovenia are excellent choices for winter sports at this time of year. In the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia, you’ll often find more affordable prices, but the ski resorts are smaller and snow conditions vary more from one area to another.

Winter sun during the spring half-term

If you’re looking for sunshine during the spring half-term, you need to be realistic. Within Europe and Turkey, there are significant differences between destinations. You can’t go for a swim everywhere in February or March as if it were August. Still, in the right places you can enjoy being outdoors, especially if you’re coming from the Netherlands or Belgium, where it’s often cold, wet and dark.

The Canary Islands are the best choice for winter sun. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have plenty of hotels that operate all year round. That’s important. In February, a hotel in Tenerife or Gran Canaria usually doesn’t feel like a resort at the end of the season. Restaurants, swimming pools, excursions and promenades are all up and running as usual.

Southern Tenerife and Southern Gran Canaria are particularly suitable for families. You’ll find resorts there with heated swimming pools, children’s pools, entertainment, family rooms and beaches nearby. Don’t expect tropical heat, but you will find much more light and milder weather than at home. This is often ideal for young children. It isn’t too hot, the flight is straightforward and the hotels are used to winter guests.

Madeira is another excellent choice, but with a different character. You don’t choose this island for wide sandy beaches or water parks, but for nature, walking, views, wellness and peaceful hotels. Madeira is a lovely destination for couples during the spring half-term. You can set off during the day, walk along the levadas, visit Funchal and then return to a hotel for dinner and a sea view.

Cyprus can also be an interesting option during the spring half-term. Paphos, in particular, is ideal if you want to combine sunshine with culture, coastal walks and quiet hotels. The temperature is milder than at home, but don’t expect full-blown summer weather. A heated swimming pool or spa facilities make a big difference here.

Malta is a good choice for travellers who want to see the sights. Valletta, Mdina, Gozo and the harbours are much more pleasant to visit in February or March than in the hot summer. For families, Malta is less of an obvious choice if you’re mainly looking for a swimming pool and the beach, but for couples or families with older children, it offers a lovely mix of culture, the coast and hotel comfort.

The Turkish Riviera is an attractive destination thanks to its resorts. Antalya, Lara, Belek, Side and Alanya have large hotels with wellness facilities, indoor swimming pools, hammams and often competitive prices outside the summer season. You don’t book a trip to Turkey during the spring half-term for guaranteed days on the beach, but for comfort, service, tranquillity and perhaps some sunny afternoons by the sea. Do make sure to choose a hotel that operates well even in winter. A large resort with a spa and indoor facilities is a better option than a small seasonal hotel.

Winter sports during the spring half-term

For many families, the spring half-term is also the prime time for winter sports. This is particularly evident in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In the Alps, this is a popular time of year, as the chances of snow are often still good and the days are already getting longer. The sun is higher in the sky, outdoor cafés are coming to life and the children are on holiday.

For winter sports, an all-inclusive holiday is particularly practical. After a day’s skiing, you don’t want to be searching for a restaurant every evening. You want to have a shower, eat, perhaps go for a swim or visit the sauna, and then get to bed early. That’s especially nice when you’re travelling with children. Having breakfast, dinner, drinks and sometimes lunch or snacks included makes for a more relaxed week.

Austria is one of the most popular choices. The country has many family-friendly ski resorts, charming villages and hotels offering half-board or ‘all-inclusive light’ packages. As Austria itself also has its ‘Semesterferien’ (school holidays) in February, some weeks can be particularly busy. That’s why it’s wise to book early.

France’s strengths lie in its large ski resorts and high altitude. This is an advantage when it comes to guaranteed snow. Many French resorts are situated at a higher altitude than Austrian villages. All-inclusive holidays in France are often found in club hotels, apartment resorts or packages including meals and a ski pass. The atmosphere is less cosy than in Austria, but France is ideal for clocking up the kilometres.

Italy offers winter sports with more sunshine, good food and a relaxed atmosphere. South Tyrol, Trentino and the Dolomites are popular with families and couples. All-inclusive here often means half-board plus wellness rather than a traditional package with drinks all day round. That suits many travellers well, as they enjoy a good meal at the hotel after a day on the slopes.

Switzerland is beautiful, but often more expensive. For a well-organised winter sports holiday, it’s important to look carefully at price, location and what’s included. Some hotels offer packages including dinner and spa facilities, but drinks and ski passes can add up considerably. Furthermore, Swiss ‘Sportferien’ can vary from canton to canton, meaning that how busy it gets from week to week can differ.

Andorra is an interesting alternative. The country has good ski resorts, often competitively priced packages and a mix of skiing, shopping and wellness. Andorra can be a great choice for families and beginners, although the journey is longer than to Austria or France.

Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia are more affordable. The ski resorts are smaller, but that’s precisely what makes them easier to navigate. These countries are a good choice for a first winter sports holiday, young children or an affordable break. Do make sure you choose a destination with reliable snow and pay attention to the altitude.

Spring half-term with children

For families, the spring half-term is often a bit of a puzzle. You want to get away, but you only have one week. So the trip has to make practical sense. An all-inclusive hotel helps, as many of the day-to-day decisions are already taken care of. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, snacks and children’s facilities make a short holiday easier.

For a winter sun holiday, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and the major resorts in Turkey are the most practical choices. Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer the best chance of pleasant weather. Turkey often offers better value for money, but less certainty of warm weather for swimming. Cyprus and Malta are great if your children also enjoy excursions and culture.

For winter sports, Austria, France, Italy and Andorra are the obvious choices. When travelling with children, make sure to choose a hotel within walking distance of the ski lift, with a nearby ski school, family rooms, a swimming pool or spa facilities, and where dinner isn’t served too late. A hotel that looks good on paper but is far from the slopes can be a real hassle with children.

Also bear in mind how busy it might be. The spring half-term often coincides with school holidays in other European countries. The Belgian ‘krokusvakantie’, French ‘vacances d’hiver’, German ‘Winterferien’, Austrian ‘Semesterferien’ and Swiss ‘Sportferien’ can all affect prices and availability. That’s why booking early is important if you’re tied to this week.

Spring half-term for couples

For couples, the spring half-term is particularly appealing if you can travel outside the peak school holiday period or deliberately opt for adults-only accommodation. Many families travel during this period, so you won’t end up in a quiet hotel by accident. Look for adults-only resorts, wellness hotels or destinations that attract fewer families.

Madeira, Malta, Cyprus, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and quiet hotels in Turkey are good choices for couples seeking winter sun and comfort. You won’t get the height of summer, but you will get light, tranquillity and time together. An ‘adults only’ hotel with a spa, heated swimming pool and a good restaurant can be wonderful at this time of year.

For couples who want snow, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France are excellent options. Not necessarily just for skiing. Wellness hotels in mountainous areas can also be lovely if you want to go for walks, relax and enjoy the winter atmosphere.

Wellness during the spring half-term

Wellness is perhaps the most underrated reason to book an all-inclusive holiday during the spring half-term. The weather can be changeable at this time of year. So a spa, sauna, hammam, indoor swimming pool or heated outdoor pool isn’t a luxury, but a smart choice.

In Turkey, you’ll find plenty of resorts with hammams, saunas, massages and indoor pools. In Austria, Switzerland and Italy, wellness hotels in the mountains are particularly popular. In Hungary, thermal baths and spa hotels are a great option. In Slovenia, thermal resorts and wellness hotels are well worth a visit. In the Baltic states – such as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – a pampering holiday often centres precisely on spas, saunas and tranquillity.

For families, wellness facilities are ideal if there are also child-friendly pools. For couples, an ‘adults only’ spa or a quiet wellness hotel is often a better choice. Always check whether wellness facilities are included or incur an extra charge. At some hotels, access to the sauna or swimming pool is free, but treatments are charged separately.

What to look out for when booking

The first question is: do you want sun or snow? That sounds simple, but it determines everything. For sun, choose a destination as far south and as stable as possible. For snow, choose altitude, location and ski resort. Only then should you look at the hotel.

For winter sun, heated swimming pools are important. A hotel may be lovely, but if the pool is freezing cold, it can quickly be a let-down with children. Read recent reviews from February or March. Reviews from August say little about the spring half-term.

For winter sports, proximity to the lift, ski school, equipment hire, ski pass and dinner are important. All-inclusive sounds convenient, but if you have to take the bus to the slopes every day, some of that convenience is lost. A hotel close to the lift or with a good shuttle service is well worth it.

Also pay attention to terminology. In some countries, this period isn’t called ‘spring half-term’. So don’t just search for ‘spring half-term’, but also for ‘krokusvakantie’, ‘wintervakantie’, ‘February half term’, ‘vacances d’hiver’, ‘Semesterferien’, ‘Sportferien’, ‘Winterferien’ or ‘half term’. This will help you better understand what’s on offer and how busy places are.

All-inclusive deals during the spring half-term

The spring half-term is popular, so genuine top deals are less common than in November or early December. Nevertheless, you can still book smartly. You’ll often find the best prices if you’re flexible with your departure date, airport and destination. Flying from Düsseldorf, Brussels, Eindhoven or Cologne can sometimes be cheaper than from Amsterdam. Setting off a day earlier or later can also make a big difference.

For sun holidays, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Turkey, Cyprus and Madeira are often good options. For winter sports, Austria, France, Italy, Andorra and Slovenia are obvious choices. If you’re on a budget, consider Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland or Slovakia for winter holidays, or Turkey for resort comfort.

Book early if you’re travelling with children and have specific requirements. Family rooms, hotels with heated swimming pools, resorts with water slides and ski hotels close to the lifts fill up quickly. Last-minute bookings can work if you’re flexible, but this is less certain during school holidays.

Spring half-term in practice

A good all-inclusive holiday during the spring half-term is all about realistic expectations. You won’t get guaranteed summer weather in Europe, but you can make smart choices. If you want sunshine, head to the Canary Islands, Madeira, Cyprus, Malta or Turkey. If you want snow, choose Alpine countries or affordable alternatives in Central and Eastern Europe. If you want peace and quiet, choose adults-only or wellness resorts. If you want to keep the children entertained, choose a hotel that’s genuinely active during this period.

The hotel makes a particularly big difference during the spring half-term. In the summer, a basic hotel often gets by on sunshine and the beach. In February or March, you need more. Heated water, good meals, comfortable rooms, indoor spaces and well-organised facilities make the holiday much more enjoyable.

The spring half-term is short, so you don’t want to waste a week on research, arrangements and disappointments. An all-inclusive holiday helps with that. You know exactly where you stand, many costs are clear in advance and you can relax more quickly. Whether you opt for winter sun in Tenerife, wellness in Turkey, skiing in Austria or culture in Malta: the most important thing is that the destination suits the time of year.

FAQs about all-inclusive holidays during the spring half-term

Is the spring half-term a good time for an all-inclusive holiday?

Yes, it certainly is. All-inclusive offers convenience at a time when the weather can be changeable and school holidays mean it’s busy. A good hotel with a heated swimming pool, a spa or child-friendly facilities makes a big difference.

Where is it warm during the spring half-term?

The Canary Islands are the best choice for winter sun within Europe. Madeira, Cyprus, Malta, southern Spain and the Turkish Riviera can also be mild, but are less reliable for proper beach weather.

Can you go on an all-inclusive winter sports holiday during the spring half-term?

Yes. Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Andorra and Slovenia offer plenty of all-inclusive winter sports packages. These often include half-board, ‘all-inclusive light’, wellness or packages with a ski pass.

Which countries are suitable for children?

For winter sun, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Turkey and Cyprus are good options. For winter sports, Austria, France, Italy and Andorra are top choices. For affordable snow holidays, you could also look at the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia.

Is the spring half-term called the same everywhere?

No. In Belgium, you’ll often hear it referred to as ‘krokusvakantie’. In France, it’s called ‘vacances d’hiver’. In the United Kingdom, the term ‘February half-term’ is often used. In Austria, it’s called ‘Semesterferien’; in Switzerland, often ‘Sportferien’; and in Germany, you’ll come across names such as ‘Winterferien’ or ‘Faschingsferien’.

Is the spring half-term expensive?

It often is, as many families are off work at the same time. The price depends on the region, destination and whether it coincides with holidays in other countries. Booking early is usually a good idea if you’re travelling with children.

What should you look out for when seeking winter sun?

Look out for heated swimming pools, indoor facilities, location, recent winter reviews and whether entertainment programmes or water slides are open. Don’t expect peak summer weather in February or March, although the Canary Islands offer the most stable conditions.

What should you look out for when planning a winter sports holiday?

Check the altitude, snow reliability, distance to the ski lifts, ski school, ski pass, equipment hire, hotel services and wellness facilities. A hotel close to the slopes is often better value with children than a cheaper one further away.