Visit Australia - Anytime's Great, but February's Best

Pack your summer clothes and head to Australia in February. Why then? In the United States (but not Hawaii) that is generally the cruelest month due to snow, cold rain, ice, bleak days, and long winter nights. Everyone coughs and wipes their red noses as aches, fevers, and overall winter blahs permeate

Not in Australia - February down under promises sunshine, warmth, blue skies, and a cheery welcome. It's summertime oozing towards fall and the natives make the most of it. With a liberal vacation policy, Aussies are on the move - tourists in their own country. Folks from the outback trek to Sydney to experience the big city, and the city folk from Melbourne venture to Ayers Rock to enjoy the sunrise and sunsets at Uluru.

Whether it's on your bucket list or dream vacation to-dos, stop wishing and make it happen. It took more than a year of planning for my husband and me to board that plane to Sydney and we have no regrets. We used all of our frequent flyer miles; we studied brochures and picked a package that seemed to hit a lot of desired sites; we carried over vacation days so we'd have three weeks worth, and we saved our pennies. I make it sound easy, but it took discipline to pull it together, and then the dream unfolded.

"Cheers, mate" or "No worries." Those words are music to your ears as a tourist in Australia. The Aussies want you to have a good time. They are proud of their country and eager to show you their slice of heaven. Book the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb for a fabulous view of the city or board a catamaran for an amazing tour of the harbor. Outdoor dining is a must or at least sit and quaff a local brew. The international flair allows great people watching.

Wear comfy shoes because Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, and the Outback beckon you to hike, bike, or stroll. Australia, like the U.S., is a huge country with a vast variety of terrain. The summer temps are comfortable, and while crowds flock to Bondi Beach or Port Phillips Island (penguin walk), everyone is on holiday and thus genial, happy to not be working.

Don't say, "Someday I'll visit Australia." Plan now and aim for the best February you'll ever have in your life. Added bonus - kangaroos and koala bears in their native habitats!