March is when the cold starts to let up and much of the country
finally gets signs of warm weather. But if you start planning a trip for
the summer months, you’ll hit high season for most destinations.
Instead, seek out places you can go now — an ideal combination of warm weather and no crowds.
If you’re looking for a quick jaunt, there are a
plenty of exciting happenings in New Orleans, New York City, and
Washington, D.C. All three cities have exceptional food scenes, but they
each have March-specific attractions as well, from new hotel openings
to the famous cherry blossoms.
[post_ads]Wine lovers should head to Portugal, where the Douro River area
is in full bloom and you’ll have the vineyards practically to yourself.
In Reykjavík, it feels like spring but looks like winter still, due to
the snow on the ground — perfect for exploring the beautiful city. For a slightly more far-flung trip, head to Buenos Aires, the cheapest place to travel this month, where you can find some incredible deals. No matter where your travels take you — and whether you want to avoid spring break destinations or embrace them — there are plenty of places to go that are both warm as well as cheap. What are you waiting for?
Hangzhou, China
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This is the spring retreat of choice for many Chinese, and visitors from other parts of the world are just starting to catch on. Visit the former artists’ escape
(the city’s West Lake, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is the inspiration
behind countless poems and paintings) in early March, when the weather
is warm but spring tourists have yet to descend. Slightly later in the
month is when you’ll catch the peach flower blossoms as they bloom. Make
your home base the Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed Azure Qiantang, a Luxury Collection property.
New Orleans, Louisiana
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Mardi Gras is over, but that’s perhaps even more of a reason to head to New Orleans now. Stay at the relatively new Roman and Williams-designed Ace Hotel, or the fashionable Pontchartrain.
Given that modern cocktail culture was invented in this city (there are
tons of cocktail tours you can go on), it’s no surprise that the bar
scene is fantastic. The ideal place to recover is Willa Jean bakery, a
bread-centric restaurant that serves breakfast all day and incredible
sweets.
Douro Valley, Portugal
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This region — which holds the world’s first official wine designation —
has its own micro-climate, which explains why the grapes here are so
spectacular. Spring comes early to Douro Valley, and in March, there’s
the chance to see beautiful white and pink clouds, particularly in the
hills. The wellness-focused Six Senses
makes for a wonderful spa-cation, where wine permeates every aspect of
your stay. Or if you prefer to fully explore the location, hop on one of
the Viking Douro River ships, built specifically to navigate these
waters.
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Tanzania
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Most people don’t realize that Tanzania
is practically a year-round destination. There is great wildlife
viewing in both the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater in March, and
the weather is quite optimal: the humidity drops in March, and the rainy
season doesn’t start until April. At the end of last year, Tanzania
welcomed the new Sanctuary Retreats Kichakani Serengeti Camp,
which features luxury tents designed to follow the migrations of
wildebeest and zebra. No matter where you go, maximize your wildlife
sightings by working with one of our A-list agents.
Washington, D.C.
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The nation’s capital
has become a hot destination for much more than politics and history.
There’s now a significant dining scene that’s well worth a visit,
including Rose’s Luxury
(go early to snag a seat) and Filipino-American fare at Purple Patch.
But the best reason to go in March? It’s when the city’s famed cherry
blossoms, a gift from Japan in 1910, starts to bloom. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival starts on March 20.
Sydney, Australia
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One of the best times to visit this booming city (and dodge the peak season crowds) is the month of March. The neighborhood du jour is Chippendale — home to the Old Clare Hotel,
in a former brewery and pub, as well restaurants from Jason Atherton
and Clayton Wells. Bonus: For Americans, the Australian dollar is still a
nice treat.
New York City
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March is one of those blissful months in New York City when the weather is pleasant but the crowds have yet to descend. Fittingly, there’s a collection of new hotels
worth staying at as well. Consider booking a room at the Freehand New
York, in Gramercy Park (the rooftop restaurant is slated to open by the
spring), or the budget-friendly Pod Times Square, in Hell's Kitchen.
Reykjavík, Iceland
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It might officially be spring, but it still looks like winter in Iceland.
In March, the days and nights start to balance out again — so there are
more hours of sunlight for exploring the natural attractions, but also
plenty of time to spot the Northern Lights
(which are in their prime viewing through mid-April). Don’t leave
without taking a dip in the Blue Lagoon, or visiting the stunning black
sand beaches near Vík, on the southern coast.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
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You’ll get mild fall weather in Buenos Aires this time of year, which is
ideal for walking around and exploring the bustling city. It’s also a
fantastic place to pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs and, of course, eat steak. The best part? The city is the cheapest place to travel this month — you can find amazing hotel rooms for just $55 a night.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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Go early in the month, before the spring break crowds descend, and
you’ll have this beautiful stretch of the Riviera Maya all to yourself.
Playa del Carmen is one of the best destinations for big group trips,
due to its many all-inclusive options.
And of course, the weather is near perfect all year round here. Plus,
you’re only short drive away from the Tulum ruins and the surprisingly
exciting restaurant scene in Cancun.
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Andalusia, Spain
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This southern region of Spain
goes all out for Semana Santa (or Holy Week), which is celebrated right
before Easter. The celebration happens in March, with the biggest
street parties and glamorous processions in Seville and Malaga. It’s
also one of Europe’s most affordable cities, with great deals to be
found. Try the boutique Casa del Poeta hotel in Seville, or for a splurge, the Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection property in the historic Santa Cruz area.
Scottsdale, Arizona
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The city’s biggest attraction this time of year is Spring Training, where 15 Major League Baseball teams gather in Scottsdale
and the surrounding areas to play one another before the season
officially starts. The city also has wonderful hikes and a booming art
scene, so there’s no lack of entertainment even if you’re not a baseball
buff. Case in point: the Celebration of Fine Art, which runs until
March 25.
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