Unless you’re a spring breaker, March is not usually a common month that people think of when it comes to traveling or taking a vacation. Normally the average person dreams of sunny beaches or dreamy summer sunsets in a new city, but spring is an overlooked time to travel. Most destinations are more crowded in the summer, especially common tourist spots. Take advantage of the spring season and explore some of the best places to visit in March when planning your next getaway.
With inflation rising, the cost to travel is not getting any cheaper. According to Bloomberg, domestic flight prices rose 36% in March 2022 from the beginning of the year to reach an average price of $300. But that hasn’t stopped most people from traveling to make up for lost time during the pandemic!
People who take the time to travel frequently are also proven to be happier individuals. In a survey of 500 people, study author Chun-Chu “Bamboo” Chen from Washington State University examined the impact of traveling on long-term emotional wellness. The results reveal people who regularly take trips of at least 75 miles from their home are about seven percent happier than respondents who rarely travel.
StudyFinds is here to help you take the leap, with a list of a few of the best places to travel in March. Our list is made up of the most commonly recommended destinations across 10 expert websites. Keep in mind this is just a starter list! Have any great spring vacation places you love? Let us know in the comments below.
The List: Best Places to Visit in March, According To Experts
1. Jaipur, India
If you visit India in March, you’ll have a chance to experience the Hindu festival of Holi. During Holi, people throw brightly colored powder over themselves and each other to represent the triumph of good over evil. “If you want to experience this firsthand, head to Jaipur, the ultimate brightly colored backdrop: The Pink City was painted so in the 1850s, using the color of hospitality to welcome a visit from the son of then-Empress of India, Queen Victoria,” writes Afar.
Jaipur is home to many different sightseeing spots. Grab an electric rickshaw and visit the Hawa Mahal Palace or the Amrapali Museum. “Jaipur, aka the ‘Pink City’ on account of the blushed hue of its buildings, is one of India’s top highlights, and March temperatures (around 30C/86F at the hottest part of the day) make it all the more agreeable,” writes TimeOut.
Hawa Mahal Road in Jaipur, India (Photo by Aditya Siva on Unsplash)
2. Dana Point, California
If you’ve ever wanted to check whale-watching off your bucket list, Dana Point is the place to do it. This city is one of five places in the world that has won awards for offering sustainable and responsible whale-watching experiences. “Dana Point, a small harbor city along California’s southern coast, is known for its incredible dolphin and whale populations. That reputation was cemented in early 2021, when the town was dubbed the first “Whale Heritage Site” in the United States, courtesy of the World Cetacean Alliance,” writes Conde Nast Traveler.
Yahoo Finance says it’s the perfect month for whale watching: “March is the peak time to spot the majestic creatures. For optimal viewing, travelers can check out the 52nd annual Dana Point Festival of Whales (March 4-5) to celebrate the annual return of the California gray whales as they grace the coast during their amazing, annual migration.”
Southern California is famous for its pleasant climate, and March is no exception. Expect temperatures in the low 80’s and 70’s even in early spring. “It’s no secret that southern California has comfortable weather year-round. That’s why it’s consistently a top destination choice for many travelers. While Los Angeles and San Diego are popular vacation picks, Dana Point is just as worthy,” writes Good Housekeeping.
View of Dana Point Marina Inn. (Photo by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden on Unsplash)
3. Cairo, Egypt
You might picture Egypt as a blistering hot destination year-round, but weather in March is actually fairly mild. “If seeing some of ancient Egypt’s world-renowned archaeological sites is on your bucket list, visit Cairo in March. Temperatures rarely surpass the mid-70s during the day, so you’ll avoid the city’s overbearing heat as you explore must-see locales like the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx,” writes US News.
Explore famous historical landmarks and immerse yourself in the color and sounds of the traditional bazaar marketplace, where you can shop for souvenirs like glass lanterns or jewelry. “Step out of the everyday and into the captivating Land of the Pharaohs this March. Egyptian springtime is getting underway, and dry days and daily temperatures of around 25°C can be expected. What better climate to set out and explore this country’s marvelous monuments, or set sail down the Nile in?” writes Intrepid Travel.
The Pyramid of Giza (Photo by Fynn schmidt on Unsplash)
4. Austin, Texas
Interested in music festivals? You won’t want to miss the famed SXSW. Austin is home to one of the best festivals in the states in March. “March is an ideal time to visit Austin, thanks to South by Southwest (SXSW), the highly anticipated festival of music, technology and film, which this year is running from March 10 to March 29,” writes The Points Guy.
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “If you’re solely interested in music, you can also stop by the concurrent South by San Jose festival (March 16–20), held in the Hotel San Jose and Jo’s Coffee parking lot. Now in its 22nd year, the four-day event features live music and local vendors, and it’s free to attend.”
Austin is also home to a plethora of new restaurants, many famous enough to have been featured in publications like the New York Times. “They say everything’s bigger in Texas. When it comes to Austin’s unmatched live music scene, that popular saying rings true,” writes Yahoo Finance. “After grooving to music, visitors can check out the city’s other main attraction: barbecue. Stiles Switch BBQ and Interstellar BBQ are trusted go-tos for grubbing on succulent ribs and mouth-watering smoked meats.”
Photo by MJ Tangonan on Unsplash
5. Quintana Roo, México
Looking for more of a resort-style getaway? Mexico is home to some of the best beaches, but Quintana Roo combines history with luxury. “Set on the Yucatán Peninsula on Mexico’s east coast along the Caribbean Sea, this state includes tourist destinations like Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancún, and Cozumel,” writes Travel + Leisure. “White-sand beaches, a range of resorts, seafood, fascinating Mayan ruins, and wildlife attract visitors year round.”
If you visit Riviera Maya, make sure to check out the newest resort, which is home to 75 guest rooms, all with an ocean view. “This is not your college kid’s spring break. The latest property to join the stretch of luxury hotels lining Mexico’s Riviera Maya is the Auberge Resort Collection’s Etéreo, which opened in December. It’s a mere 30 miles from Cancun airport yet seemingly worlds away from the raucous scene up there,” writes Town and Country.
Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico (Photo by Carlos Gilbert on Unsplash)
Ready to plan your trip? Check out this list of the best all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, most recommended by experts.
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
