March would possibly simply be the Goldilocks of journey months. It isn’t too chilly. It isn’t too sizzling. It is that “good” candy spot the place winter’s ultimate frost offers strategy to spring blooms — or seashore days if that is extra your vibe. Positive, you would possibly stumble upon some spring break crowds (cue the faculty children cannonballing into swimming pools). However don’t fret: It is simple to search out spots the place you will solely hear the sound of waves or mountain breezes.
Whether or not you are chasing bluebonnets in Texas, sipping cocktails on a quiet Caribbean seashore or lastly squeezing in a ski journey earlier than the snow melts, March delivers. Listed below are the ten greatest locations to journey in March.
Atacama Desert, Chile
By day, discover Valle de la Luna’s martianlike terrain, float effortlessly within the salt-rich waters of Laguna Cejar or go to the Tatio Geysers, the place steam jets shoot sky-high at dawn. Do not miss stargazing excursions (Get Your Information has a number of choices) or sandboarding down the dunes for adrenaline-fueled enjoyable with tour firms like Sandboard San Pedro.
TPG tip: Make San Pedro de Atacama your property base. Right here, you possibly can keep at spots like Our Habitas Atacama, which opened in 2023 and options desert-inspired decor, a pool, a wellness space and a restaurant and bar. Charges begin at $329 per night time this March.
Madhya Pradesh, India
Because the dry season peaks, Madhya Pradesh turns into a haven for wildlife and historical past lovers. With extra nationwide parks than another state in India, the central area is dwelling to Bengal tigers, leopards and greater than 500 fowl species. March is a wonderful time to go to, as animals collect close to water sources, rising wildlife sightings.
Bandhavgarh Nationwide Park’s hilly terrain and rivers create a surprising backdrop for recognizing wildlife like hyenas and jackals this time of 12 months. For a safari tour, try Panna Nationwide Park and Tiger Reserve, recognized for its dense jungles (with, you guessed it, a lot of tigers) and Instagram-worthy waterfalls. Luxurious clothes shop Micato Safaris might help you propose an itinerary to see these wild wonders.
Past the wild, Madhya Pradesh is dwelling to many historic websites. The eighth-century Gwalior Fort towers over the panorama, whereas the rock artwork of the Chambal Valley dates again to the Paleolithic period. At Khajuraho, UNESCO-listed temples captivate guests with intricate carvings depicting life, mythology and spirituality.
TPG tip: Test into the brand-new Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh, which opens this February on the sting of Bandhavgarh Nationwide Park and may have 21 safari-style tents with personal gardens. Charges and reservations shall be introduced at a later date.
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Eire
Nothing says March trip fairly like heading to Eire for St. Patrick’s Day. On March 17, all the nation transforms into a celebration, with Dublin main the cost. There are parades with epic floats, avenue performers, reside music and loads of pubs overflowing with good craic (that is Irish for enjoyable).
Historical past is in every single place on the emerald isle, from the grand halls of Kilkenny Citadel to the traditional Rock of Cashel, as soon as the seat of Irish kings. Temperatures within the higher 40s imply you will want coat, however the cooler climate retains well-liked spots quieter.
TPG tip: Ebook a room on the Conrad Dublin, the place charges begin at $260 or 69,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time in March.
Chicago
Talking of St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago is one other vacation spot to get within the Irish spirit with out leaving the nation. The dyeing of the Chicago River the Saturday earlier than St. Patrick’s Day (March 15 this 12 months) is pure St. Patrick’s Day magic. The river transforms into an excellent inexperienced, setting the stage for one of many world’s extra uncommon vacation traditions.
And the festivities do not cease there. The Windy Metropolis goes all-out for St. Patrick’s Day with full of life parades, bagpipe performances and Irish dancing. The downtown parade, winding via Grant Park, is a spectacle of floats, music and loads of inexperienced. Afterward, head to native Irish spots like The Kerryman Chicago or Butch McGuire’s for a festive meal and a pint of Guinness.
Past the vacation, households can lace up for a spin on the Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park, whereas theater lovers can catch Peru’s Teatro La Plaza carry out a Spanish model of “Hamlet” on the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Later within the month, artwork lovers can go to The Artwork Institute of Chicago for the “Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds” exhibit (opening March 29) that showcases the well-known painter’s time in Europe.
TPG tip: Keep on the Park Hyatt Chicago for round $396 or 21,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time in March.
Associated: The 17 greatest Chicago accommodations
Dominican Republic
Take a day journey to Saona Island for turquoise waters and laid-back vibes, or discover Los Haitises Nationwide Park with its mangrove forests and caves etched with historic Taino carvings. For journey seekers, the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua are a should. Slide, swim and bounce your manner via this sequence of cascades.
TPG tip: The just lately opened Zel Punta Cana is an all-inclusive resort with easy accessibility to the colourful seashores of Punta Cana. In March, it prices $269 per night time with a MeliaRewards charge.
In case you plan to go to later, the luxurious St. Regis Cap Cana (beginning at $881 or 104,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time) will open in April, including much more unique choices.
Associated: 25 greatest all-inclusive resorts on this planet
Houston
Bluebonnets bloom throughout Houston in March, portray fields and parks in vibrant blue hues, like Texas’ reply to cherry blossom season. Stroll via Buffalo Bayou Park to see the largest blooms. Crawfish season can also be in full swing, and spots like Crawfish & Noodles and BB’s Tex-Orleans serve up steaming, spicy piles of freshwater crustaceans.
Then there’s the Houston Livestock Present and Rodeo — a Texas-size celebration with concert events, carnival rides, livestock reveals and heart-pounding rodeo motion. Assume bull using, funnel truffles and cowboy hats in every single place you look. With gentle temperatures within the 60s and 70s, you possibly can take in the town’s out of doors attraction, savor its meals scene and embrace all issues Texas with out the summer season warmth.
TPG tip: The brand new Thompson Houston is a good dwelling base. You possibly can ebook a room beginning at $343 or 17,000 World of Hyatt factors per night time in March.
San Pedro, Belize
In March, San Pedro, Belize is a tropical retreat with heat temperatures within the 80s, blue skies and the dry season in full swing. Plus, it is prime whale shark season. So, ebook a snorkeling or diving tour with Ambergris Divers to Hol Chan Marine Reserve or Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve to look at these mild giants of their pure habitat. For extra underwater adventures, discover Shark Ray Alley, the place you possibly can swim alongside nurse sharks and stingrays.
On land, take a leisurely bike experience across the sandy streets dotted with seafood eating places and seashore bars like Hurricanes Ceviche Bar. Go to the Belize Chocolate Firm for native treats, or get pleasure from recent seafood at beachfront spots like Blue Water Grill. Cap off the day with a sundown sail or rum cocktail overlooking the barrier reef.
TPG tip: Keep at Alaia Belize, Autograph Assortment for $379 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time in March.
Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
March is when Victoria Falls (one of many Seven Pure Wonders of the World) actually roars to life. The month is peak stream season, with the Zambezi River at its fullest, sending large quantities of water cascading over the falls’ mile-wide edge. Recognized domestically as “The Smoke That Thunders,” the falls create a thick mist which may really feel like strolling via a rain cloud — so do not forget a rain jacket!
Head to Zimbabwe for the perfect views, the place well-maintained paths and viewpoints present jaw-dropping views. The Zambia facet provides a extra adventurous expertise, together with the possibility to inch near the falls’ precipice through Knife Edge Bridge.
Past the falls, you possibly can take a sundown cruise on the Zambezi River, spot wildlife like elephants and hippos or strive white water rafting in the event you’re feeling daring.
TPG tip: Keep as shut as potential to the falls at The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Resort by Anantara, the place charges begin at $577 per night time in March.
Val d’Isere, France
Val d’Isere provides top-notch late-season snowboarding in Europe. Positioned within the French Alps, this world-class resort has high-altitude slopes, guaranteeing dependable snow protection all through March. Plus, there are fewer crowds in comparison with the busier months of January and February, so you possibly can stay up for shorter elevate strains and more room on the slopes.
With over 185 miles of interconnected pistes (aka ski runs or trails), there’s one thing for everybody, from beginner-friendly runs to expert-level descents. Off the slopes, the apres-ski scene is full of life however much less packed, with bars like La Folie Douce taking part in reside music and serving mulled wine with mountain views.
March additionally brings barely hotter climate, so you possibly can discover the charming Alpine village with out freezing. After a day on the slopes, get pleasure from tacky raclette dinners at Ski Gallery & Fondue Manufacturing unit, boutique buying or unwinding in a spa (like The Spa Sisley).
TPG tip: Splurge and keep at Airelles Val d’Isere for round $1,600 per night time in March. It is a part of the American Categorical Fantastic Motels + Resorts program, so you will get a $100 food-and-beverage credit score, free breakfast and different perks.
Associated: Why it is likely to be cheaper to fly overseas to ski
Oman
In case you’ve been ready to discover Oman’s deserts, mountains and cities with out melting within the warmth, March is the time to go when daytime temperatures hover within the 70s and 80s.
In Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a must-see. Its intricately carved marble partitions are mesmerizing, and the sheer scale of the place will take your breath away — from the second-largest handwoven carpet on this planet (a whopping 21 tons!) to the large Swarovski crystal chandelier that lights up the grand prayer corridor.
Close by, Mutrah Souq is a feast for the senses. Wander via slender alleys scented with frankincense, and browse stalls overflowing with handcrafted jewellery, colourful textiles and conventional Omani silver. Strive halwa, a candy native deal with you will not neglect.
For a dose of journey, head to the Wahiba Sands with GidOman Excursions for camel rides, dune bashing and magical nights underneath the celebs at a Bedouin-style camp. Favor the mountains? Trek via historic villages within the Al Hajar Mountains and climb Jebel Shams, Oman’s tallest peak, for canyon views.
TPG tip: Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Resort is a good jumping-off level in Muscat. Charges begin at $278 or 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time in March.