F
or the first time in two years, spring travel is looking far less complicated — for vaccinated travellers at least.
With the EU expected to drop pre-departure testing for the fully-jabbed from next month, holidays closer to home in particular should soon be less hassle and costly for most.
Keen for a spring break? Whether you want to flee the UK to catch some early rays or hit the slopes and enjoy the last of the season’s powder, here are the best places to travel to in March.
As ever, with restrictions ever-changing, be sure to check entry requirements for each destination before you even think of booking that dream vacay.
Malta
Shutterstock / funkyfrogstock
With average daily highs of 18 degrees, Malta is a fantastic European destination to consider for March. Spend a few days exploring everything its ancient city has to offer, from the Grand Master’s Palace to the Lascaris War Rooms, and then tour the rest of the country. With a blue lagoon and some of the best diving in the Mediterranean, beach lovers won’t be disappointed.
Zermatt, Switzerland
EPA
If you’re after late season snow, Zermatt in Switzerland is a pretty good bet. One of the most famous resorts in Europe, powder tends to be consistently good as late as April. With 38 summits all about 4,000 metres high, world class chalets and hotels as well as some of the most picturesque alpine scenery in the world, this should be the priority destination for any winter sports enthusiasts during March.
Paphos, Cyprus
dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay
Often overlooked for neighbouring Greece, Cyprus offers sun worshipers as well as culture seekers a sun fix virtually year-round without the heftier price tag. Paphos admittedly does have areas that feel a little ‘Brits Abroad!’ but find yourself in the sweet spots and you’ll be surrounded by UNESCO-protected heritage, that boasts pretty mosaics, cave tombs, crumbling theatres and all the quaint restaurants you crave from a Mediterranean Island.
The added bonus? Spring in Cyprus equals 20 degree days.
Jordan
Radhika Aligh
Jordan is actually an all-year-round destination but perhaps most pleasant from March to May. At this time it’s hot but not scorching, wild flowers are blooming and March is just the beginning of ‘high season’ so you won’t be batting off the crowds. A small country and one of the safest in the Middle East, there’s no shortage of things to see and experience. Ticking off Petra, the ancient archaeological city, floating in the dead sea and experiencing the sprawling deserts should be up there on your bucket list.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s temperatures remain fairly constant all year round but it is effected by two separate monsoons meaning it’s always rainy season on one side of the island. But don’t let this put you off exploring the entirety of the country in one trip (it’s a long flight after all) – December to March is when the country as a whole is at its driest.
Unofficially known as the Sri Lankan Riviera, expect to see eye-wateringly spectacular stretches of white sands all around the country’s south and west coasts. For those who want a bit more adventure, travelling the country by train and stopping to walk the famed tea trails and visit ancient temples and world heritage sites is fairly unbeatable.
Los Angeles
Owen Cavlys / Unsplash
March is a great time to tick one of America’s most famous cities off your bucket list. Temperatures peak at around 19 degrees, which means you can pound the pavements exploring the hundreds of things the city has to offer in just a t-shirt without breaking a sweat. Hike up the Hollywood Hills, go to Venice Beach, live out your six-year-old dreams at Disneyland and experience some of the best food in America.
Cuba
Alamy
You’ve probably heard the cries “go to Cuba before it changes” but don’t worry, there’s still time. With highs of 28 degrees in March, no end of blue skies and virtually no rain, this is when to see the country at its best. Give yourself a few days to experience the vibrant, crumbling beauty of Havana and then either head west to Viñales, a national park where you’ll find it hard to experience a more traditional Cuba – you can only live if you were born within its parameters – or down to the tropical South, to experience some of the nation’s totally unexplored beaches.
Dublin
The PC Agency
Dublin is perfect for visiting any time of the year – let’s face it, it’ll rain occasionally whether it’s summer or not – but to really have an all-Irish experience head for March’s St Paddy’s Day celebrations. Parades will line the Georgian streets, the pubs will be pulling Guinness by the second and there will be no end of parties to dance the night away at.
Rajasthan
Shutterstock / LukaKikina
March is arguably the best time to visit India’s Rajasthan. The end of “winter”, it’s dry and beginning to heat up but won’t reach the temperatures of the sweltering summer months that start from April. All across the region, you’ll be stunned by the incredible forts, palaces and ancient monuments. You can visit the “Blue City” of Jodhpur or the “Pink City” of Jaipur. You’ll be able to buy incredible fabrics and rugs as well as spices and trinkets at the bustling markets and explore the state’s national parks and lakes too.
The Maldives
Shutterstock
Really like it hot? Head to the Maldives. Nearing the end of the high season – the islands are likely to be less crowded but you’ll still get days with highs of 29 degrees. Snorkel, relax, unwind and live out the ultimate paradise island fantasy.
