The Best Places to Travel to in March
March is usually a great time to travel to many places.
In a lot of regions, it’s the shoulder season, so you can expect fewer crowds but still fairly good weather conditions.
It’s also the time for tons of festivals around the world. Here are our experts’ top picks of the best places to travel to in March.
1) Indonesia: best for island hopping
In the heart of southeast Asia, Indonesia is a wonderful place to get off the beaten track. Home to over 17,000 islands, there’s something for everyone in this idyllic archipelago. With so many islands to choose from though, it can be hard to know which island to go to first. For a laid-back introduction to these vibrant islands, start off in Bali. Spend your time here exploring the postcard-perfect Uluwatu, or escape to the beaches of Nusa Dua. For temple touring, don’t miss Java’s Borobudur and for world-class diving, finish in Raja Ampat.
2) Chile: best for wine lovers
The end of February/early March marks the beginning of the harvesting season in the Chile’s Wine Region, and lots of towns have vendimias (harvest festivals) to celebrate. It’s a great time to go and taste wines from both small and large vineyards alike and experience everything the various festivals have to offer, from grape stomping to lots of food sampling. In fact, March is also a nice time to venture further south into Patagonia too – the autumn weather and changing colours show this vibrant and dramatic landscape at its very best. Plus, you can expect fewer crowds at this time of year, giving you the perfect natural escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
3) Sri Lanka: best for mesmerising landscapes
March in Sri Lanka is particularly great for ballooning, due to the clear and warm weather conditions. Every year at the end of March, the Sri Lanka Hot Air Balloon Festival also takes place. It’s a special chance for ballooning enthusiasts to fly over Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle during a time of perfect weather conditions, affording travellers a birds-eye-view of the country’s dramatic landscapes from above. If you’d rather stay closer to solid ground, witness the colourful and unusual variety of balloons from all over the world floating across the sky above them.
4) South Africa: best for active adventures
The annual Cape Argus Cycle Race (the world’s longest timed race) takes place in mid-March in Cape Town. Now going for 40 years, it originally started with 25 cyclists and now attracts 35,000 (weather permitting!) who cycle 109km in one go. For cycling enthusiasts, it makes a great excuse to travel to Cape Town, and it combines well with a safari in South Africa. The weather is great and there’s still the possibility to stomp grapes in the late harvests happening in the winelands!
5) Australia: best for wildlife lovers
In March, the temperature starts to cool down slightly and Australia’s wine regions and beaches are less crowded. What’s more, the islands will be less crowded, meaning you can get a better look at the kangaroos and enjoy a more relaxed holiday experience.
6) Portugal: best for wine and wellness
Whether you’re after an indulgent wine-focused experience, or some spa-central rest and relaxation, Portugal‘s Douro Valley is the place to head for. Tour vineyards and sample the delights of the world’s first formally demarcated wine growing region, or retreat to the spa at the luxurious Six Senses, surrounded by soul-reviving greenery.
7) Buenos Aires: best for foodies
Argentina‘s buzzing capital city is a fantastic destination all year round, but at this time of year you’ll get a milder fall as well as avoiding the tourists. Immerse yourself in the blossoming restaurant and bar scene, alongside a myriad of galleries and museums. Don’t leave without trying a classic Argentinian steak, and trying your skills at a Tango lesson.
Discover our favourite Spring destinations
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