• Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta offers rich history, great weather and quieter crowds 

• Stats show that most visitors are over 25 and stays that are up to 44% cheaper than the traditional half-term alternatives  

4th February 2026: February half term is finally in sight – but for many teachers, travelling during this break means sky-high prices, packed resorts and wall-to-wall screaming kids they’re desperately trying to avoid. 

This point in the year combines the weight of the winter blues and 11-weeks of gruelling teaching, with the Department for Education reporting an average 52-hour work week for most.  In fact, around 78% of teachers report work-related mental health symptoms, with stress and burnout peaking long before Easter.  

And those numbers only get worse as the school year carries on.  

But the problem with a half term, Easter or summer getaway is that it’s prime time for family travel, meaning inflated prices and higher volumes of the very children they’re trying to avoid.  

But the travel experts at First Choice have found an underrated destination that could be the ultimate a travel hack for teachers – the small island of Malta.  

Sitting in the middle of the Mediterranean, the island delivers winter sunshine without the long-haul slog. February half-term is the perfect time to visit, with brighter, milder and noticeably longer days than back home, providing some well needed winter sun.  

And those appealing factors only strengthen as we get into Easter and summer holidays.  

But the real draw of this island is the crowd it attracts.  

Data from Malta’s National Statistics Office shows the largest share of inbound visitors are aged 25 and over, giving it a much more mature crowd than the Canary Islands and other winter sun favourites.  

Crucially, Malta has never catered to the family-holiday crowd, prioritising history and culture over large scale resorts and tourist traps.  

Travellers searching for a cultural break can visit prehistoric temples like Ħaġar Qim, or try culinary adventures like local wine-and-chocolate pairing, which are a far cry from beige staffroom lunches.  

Meanwhile Gozo’s Victoria Citadel and sleepy coastal villages provide the perfect calm escape. Those looking to fully immerse in local life can even take a vintage bus tour through clifftop towns. 

But when it comes to Malta’s top perks, price seals the deal.  

First Choice booking data shows that during February half term, adults-only and standard hotels in the Canary Islands are often almost twice the price of comparable stays in Malta.  

According to First Choice’s website, a 7-night stay to the 4* The Riviera Spa Resort Adults Only* - a sea-view hotel just five minutes from a beach, complete with three restaurants, a spa and a gym cost just £450 per person*. 

Meanwhile a similar package in the family favourite Canaries, such as the Hotel Cristina by Tigotan Las Palmas** in Gran Canaria, comes to £813 per person. 

That’s a saving of over £350. 

Family demand pushes Canary prices through the roof while Malta stays quietly reasonable. Here, teachers can escape the classroom chaos without having to remortgage for a week in the sun. 

But travellers aren’t just limited to adults only stays.  

Since the island already attracts an older demographic of holidaymakers, even hotels that are not officially adults-only tend to offer the same peaceful experience.  

Places like the Mayflower Hotel*** in St Paul’s Bay attract couples and older travellers, making them a safer bet than hotels in louder, more family-driven resorts. 

“Malta might not be on many people’s radar, but it’s a really underrated spot” said First Choice Managing Director, Kevin Nelson. “It offers much nicer weather than the UK at this time of year and is an easy flight to get to. There is tonnes of local history and nature and it doesn’t get snapped up by family travellers, so it’s a great option for adult travellers looking for a calm and peaceful escape.” 

Half term will always be dominated by families, but by considering unique or underrated alternatives, travellers don’t have to be bombarded with kids.  

These hidden spots will often be cheaper, quieter and far more enjoyable.  

Check out First Choice’s range of Maltese holidays here.