March is the sweet spot — spring arrives, cherry blossoms peak in Japan, Easter approaches, and Spring Break unleashes thousands of US travelers. Shoulder season prices end mid-month.
The 10 Best Places to Travel in March
Each destination is ranked by weather quality, value, crowd levels, and unique experiences. Click any for the full guide.
1. Japan (Cherry Blossom Peak)
Late March-early April is sakura season. Kyoto + Tokyo + Hakone + Hiroshima. Book accommodation 6 months ahead. Iconic experience.
2. Holland (Tulip Season Begins)
Keukenhof gardens open mid-March, peak late March-April. 7 million bulbs. Day trip from Amsterdam.
3. Costa Rica (Last Dry Month)
Last month of dry season. Best beach weather. Avoid Easter Week (locals travel).
4. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Warm + wet season ending. Most marine life active. Sea lion pups, sea turtle nesting. Perfect snorkeling.
5. South Africa (Autumn)
Cape Town autumn. Garden Route ideal weather. Wine harvest + safari at Kruger excellent.
6. Bali, Indonesia (Pre-Dry Season)
Wet season ending. Crowds light. Lush jungle, surfing, cooking classes. Nyepi Day of Silence — book ahead.
7. Spain (Pre-Summer Shoulder)
Madrid + Barcelona + Andalusia. 60-75°F. Holy Week celebrations late March-April in Seville (iconic but crowded).
8. USA Spring Training (Arizona + Florida)
MLB Spring Training. Phoenix + Tampa hosting teams. Cactus League + Grapefruit League. $50-200 tickets.
9. Patagonia (End of Hiking Season)
Last month before winter closes trails. Cooler temps + smaller crowds. W-Trek possible.
10. Iceland (Northern Lights + Ice Caves)
Last month for guaranteed Northern Lights + ice caves. Daylight hours expanding. Drive Ring Road accessible.
How to Choose Where to Travel in March
Consider these 3 factors:
- Weather priority: Use our Best Time to Visit Wizard to find ideal weather destinations.
- Budget: Use our Trip Cost Calculator to estimate total trip cost for each destination.
- Visa requirements: Check our Visa Requirement Checker for entry requirements.
March Travel Tips
- Book flights 8-12 weeks ahead for international, 4-6 weeks for domestic.
- Tuesday-Wednesday flights are 20-30% cheaper than weekend departures.
- March weather varies wildly by region — always check destination-specific weather averages.
- Buy travel insurance within 14-21 days of first deposit to qualify for pre-existing condition waivers.
- Pack with our Packing List Generator — get a custom list based on destination + activities.
📊 Plan Your Trip With Our Free Tools
FAQ
Where is the best place to travel in March?
It depends on your priorities. For weather: Japan (Cherry Blossom Peak) or Holland (Tulip Season Begins). For value: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. See the full list above for matched recommendations.
Is March a good time to travel?
March has many great destinations — see our list of 10. Generally March is good for some regions and bad for others. Check the weather for your specific destination.
What’s the cheapest place to travel in March?
Use our Trip Cost Calculator to compare costs. Generally Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia) and Latin America (Mexico, Colombia) offer best value year-round.
When should I book a March trip?
Book international flights 8-12 weeks ahead. Domestic flights 4-6 weeks ahead. Hotels 6-8 weeks ahead. Major events (Carnival, Christmas markets) 4-6 months ahead minimum.
How can I save money on a March trip?
Travel Tuesday-Wednesday (flights 20-30% cheaper). Use no-foreign-fee credit cards. Book accommodations through Booking.com with their Genius discount. Eat where locals eat. See our Budget Travel Tips guide.
Related Travel Guides
- 20 Best Spring Break Destinations
- 20 Best Summer Vacation Destinations
- 20 Best Winter Vacation Destinations
- 20 Best Fall Foliage Destinations
- Cheapest Places to Travel in Asia
- Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe