March is a transitional time. Spring begins to stir in the Northern hemisphere while the needle starts to head in the opposite direction in the Southern hemisphere. Either way you look at it, it’s an excellent time to explore.
The densely populated summer tourist destinations of the Mediterranean begin to open their doors, dusting off their table cloths, and hosing down the sun loungers before those high-season crowds and revelers descend. It’s a fantastic time to take in the sights and sounds of Athens or Rome before the sweltering summer sun arrives. Take in some culture and explore much-loved attractions like the Acropolis and the Coliseum before the hordes of tourists arrive.
For thrill-seekers, there are plenty of off-peak adventure opportunities. So let’s grab our passports and travel wallets for a whistle-stop tour of our recommendations of the best places to visit in March.
If relaxation is your priority
Now would be an excellent time to visit Antigua. They say that there is a beach for every day of the year on this luxurious Caribbean island retreat. The temperature is balmy and you can take your pick of serene, white, palm-fringed deserted beaches to claim as your own. Get ready to channel your inner Robinson Crusoe, albeit with a rum punch in hand.
Sri Lanka is also another excellent topical getaway for this time of year. It is sunny but with just the right smattering of rain to stave off the humidity. It’s home to stunning beaches, blissful temples, hilltop heritage tea plantations, and several incredible national parks.
For pure unadulterated fly-and-flop style holidays, they don’t come much more fabulous than Jamaica. It’s a sun worshipper and cocktail drinkers paradise, filled with hotels to suit all budgets, colorful nightlife, beautiful beaches, and just enough adventure to tempt you off the beach and into the forests.
For more off-the-beaten-track lounging, the Andaman Islands also make a wonderful destination. A series of islands strung between India and Thailand. All epic, endless skies and sunsets, beautiful coral reefs, and a chance to spot rare and exotic birds.
If exploration floats your boat…
Your idea of a great holiday is to experience new sights and sounds off the beaten tourist track you’re going to love the southeast coast of Myanmar. It’s home to the Archipelago of Myeik, dotted with 800 independent islets. From undisturbed sandbanks to forests protecting some of Southeast Asia’s last tigers, it is an incredible place to explore.
If you prefer to do your exploration in the saddle, then how about heading to Australia. Bright is the premier biking destination in Australia. With 240km of safe road tracks to explore and optimum weather conditions for cycling in March. You can head to historic gold-mining towns or hit the alpine hiking trails of Victoria’s High Country.
March is also a wonderful time to discover Japan. In March, the cherry blossoms are bursting into life, and pink and white blooms abound. It feels like the whole country is headed outdoors to enjoy this riot of color, celebrating on picnics blankets, at parties, and at a host of festivals. From the high-tech overload of Tokyo to the tranquil Five Lakes and on to the blossom-framed views of Mount Fuji, Japan is sensational in March.
For wildlife lovers and fans of outdoor adventure, the Galapagos Islands are worth a visit all year round, but March is a particularly pleasant time as wildflowers bloom and sea lions and tortoises breed. Green sea turtles head ashore at night to lay their eggs, and blue-footed boobies can be spotted doing their annual courtship rituals.
