WHERE TO GO IN MARCH | THE BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL THIS MONTH
March is the in-between month: spring break, the first blossoms and some of the best spring skiing of the year. Book early if you're traveling during school breaks, because the beaches fill up fast.
Here are my top picks for March, plus a splurge and a save hotel for each one so you can choose what fits your budget.
1. Japan
Cherry blossom season usually arrives in Tokyo and Kyoto in late March to early April, and seeing the temples and canals framed in pink is something everyone should experience once. Pair the big-city energy of Tokyo with a few slower days in Kyoto, connected by the bullet train. It's magical and it's popular, so plan your hotels well ahead.
Splurge: Aman Tokyo — Serene luxury high above the city, with a soaring lobby, huge rooms and one of the most beautiful spas in Tokyo.
Save: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku — A fun, central Tokyo base (with Godzilla on the roof!) right near the trains, restaurants and nightlife of Shinjuku.
2. Puerto Rico
No passport needed for U.S. citizens, warm dry weather and plenty of direct flights make it an easy spring break. Wander the colorful streets of Old San Juan, hike to waterfalls in El Yunque and paddle a bioluminescent bay at night. The food scene in San Juan is also seriously good.
Splurge: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — Secluded luxury on a former plantation just outside San Juan, with beautiful beaches and spacious, private rooms.
Save: La Concha Renaissance San Juan — A retro-chic beachfront hotel in Condado with a lively pool scene, close to restaurants and a quick ride to Old San Juan.
3. Charleston
Spring is when Charleston shines: mild temperatures, blooming gardens and patio season for some of the best restaurants in the South. Walk Rainbow Row and the Battery, tour a plantation lined with live oaks and spend an afternoon on Sullivan's Island. It's a perfect long weekend for couples or a girls' trip.
Splurge: Hotel Bennett — Grand and glamorous right off King Street, with a rooftop pool and one of the prettiest lobbies in the city.
Save: Francis Marion Hotel — A historic hotel right on Marion Square, walkable to everything, at a much more approachable price.
4. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Warm, sunny and still in dry season, with cenotes, Mayan ruins and beach clubs to keep everyone happy. Tulum's cliffside ruins are a must, and swimming in a cenote is unlike anything else. It's a great spring break that works for couples and families.
Splurge: Rosewood Mayakoba — Private suites with plunge pools along the lagoons and the beach. It's peaceful, beautifully designed and feels miles away from the crowds.
Save: Breathless Riviera Cancun — A social, adults-only all-inclusive with a lively pool. Great value if you want everything covered and a fun atmosphere.
5. Spring skiing in Stowe
Longer, sunnier days and softer snow make March one of the most fun times to ski in Vermont. Think goggle tans, lunch outside on the deck and après in the sunshine. It's a great alternative to a crowded beach break, and lodging is often easier to find than in mid-winter.
Splurge: The Lodge at Spruce Peak — Slopeside at the base of the mountain, with a spa, skating and restaurants in the village right outside your door.
Save: The Stowehof — Retro chalet charm and mountain views just minutes from the slopes, for a lot less than staying slopeside.
Read more: Top 5 things to do at Spruce Peak
6. St. Lucia
Still in dry season, with the Pitons rising out of the sea and some of the most romantic hotels in the Caribbean. Snorkel right off the beach, soak in the volcanic mud baths and hike through the rainforest to waterfalls. It's a dream for a honeymoon or babymoon.
Splurge: Jade Mountain — Open-air sanctuaries with private infinity pools and a missing fourth wall that frames the Pitons. One of the most unique hotels in the world.
Save: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa — A fun, easy all-inclusive near the airport, great for families or anyone who wants a relaxed beach trip without a big price tag.
Not sure where to go?
Take my Trip Finder quiz. Answer a few quick questions about when you're traveling, your travel style and your budget, and I'll match you with a destination plus three places to stay.
Or skip the research entirely. I plan trips for readers, from long weekends to honeymoons, and I'll build an itinerary around your dates, budget and style. Here's how planning a trip with me works.
Every trip is different, and weather, events and hotel availability can change from year to year, so double-check dates before you book.
More months: Where to go in February · Where to go in April
Comments