Hello,

I have a two week vacation block in the middle of february and am struggling to decide where to go and appreciate any suggestions or advice. I think one week will be spent in japan (possibly skiing), but we would like the other half to be someplace warm.

I'm looking for someplace that would be warm, beautiful with reasonably luxurious accomodation availability, and good diving and outdoor activities. I've been looking at palawan, Rangiroa (in tahiti for hammerhead season), Cairns, Palau (though want the jellyfish to come back first), and truk (though the accomodations seem lacking)

I'm wondering about the weather in okinawa or more southerly japanese islands and if any may fit the bill at this time? I appreciate any advice from peopel familiar with that area.

It depends what you define as warm. Okinawa will be warmer than the mainland in February, but it's still a relatively cool 15-20C. The Yaeyama Islands may be warmer by a few degrees. Winds are pretty strong during that time as well, in my experience, so it feels a bit colder than the temperature would suggest. Nevertheless, Okinawa is beautiful and still has a lot to do.

I don't know if your dates intersect, but the Sapporo snow festival is in February and worth visiting if you're in the area...

http://www.welcome.city.sapporo.jp/e...tival/?lang=en

warm meaning shirtless on a beach