Best Places to Travel in March 2026
Spring break destinations, cherry blossoms, and shoulder-season deals before summer prices kick in
Where
March marks the transition from winter deals to spring prices. The first two weeks still have off-season rates across Europe and Asia. Then spring break hits mid-March and beach destinations spike 30-50%. Cherry blossoms start in Japan. The Mediterranean warms up. Ski season enters its final stretch with spring snow. Here are 12 destinations that make March worth traveling.
Japan (Cherry Blossom Season)
Cherry blossoms start in southern Japan (Kyushu) in mid-March and move north to Tokyo and Kyoto by late March to early April. The exact timing shifts each year by 1-2 weeks. Flights from the US start at $550 round-trip. Hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto spike 30% during peak bloom week so book 3-4 months ahead.
Tokyo's Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen are the most popular spots. Kyoto's Philosopher's Path has 500 cherry trees along a canal. Osaka Castle's 4,000 trees create a pink canopy. Pack for layered weather: 50-65F in March with occasional rain. A 7-day Japan Rail Pass ($280) covers all bullet trains.
Cancun, Mexico
March is peak spring break season in Cancun. The Hotel Zone fills with college students mid-month but the weather is perfect: 84F with almost no rain. Flights from the US start at $200 round-trip (book early, prices double by February). All-inclusive resorts run $150-300 per night.
For a quieter alternative, try Tulum (2 hours south by bus, $15). The ruins overlooking the Caribbean are less crowded on weekday mornings. Playa del Carmen sits between Cancun and Tulum with better restaurants and a local feel. Isla Mujeres is a 20-minute ferry ($15 round-trip) from Cancun with snorkeling and golf cart rentals ($40 per day).
Marrakech, Morocco
March in Marrakech hits 72F with occasional showers that keep the gardens green. The Majorelle Garden ($8 entry) and Bahia Palace ($2) are less crowded than April-May. Flights from the US start at $400 round-trip. Riads in the medina run $40-80 per night with breakfast and rooftop terraces.
Dublin, Ireland
St. Patrick's Day (March 17) in Dublin is a 4-day festival with parades, live music, and green everything. Temple Bar has live traditional music in every pub. The Guinness Storehouse ($25) includes a pint with a city view. Flights from the US start at $380 round-trip. Hotels in the city center average $120 per night (book early for St. Patrick's week).
Peru
March is the end of rainy season in Peru. Machu Picchu has fewer crowds and misty mountain views. The Inca Trail permit ($300 for 4-day trek) is easier to get in March than peak season June-August. Flights from the US start at $350 round-trip to Lima. Cusco hotels run $30-60 per night. The altitude (11,000 feet) hits hard so spend 2 days acclimatizing before trekking.
Austin, Texas
South by Southwest (SXSW) runs mid-March with music, film, and tech conferences. A full badge costs $1,000+ but hundreds of free shows and events happen across 6th Street and Rainey Street. March in Austin averages 72F. Domestic flights start at $100 round-trip. Hotels spike during SXSW so book 2-3 months ahead or stay in nearby San Marcos ($70 per night).
How to Book March Travel for Less
Book by mid-January for the best March prices. Spring break weeks (typically March 14-28) cost 30-50% more than the first week. Fly on Saturday or Sunday to avoid weekday spring break rush. On Travorio, pay with crypto or split into 4 payments with Sezzle, Klarna, or PayPal Pay Later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Cherry blossoms start in southern Japan (Kyushu) in mid-March and reach Tokyo and Kyoto by late March to early April. Peak bloom lasts about one week and varies each year. Check the Japan Meteorological Agency forecast starting in January.
Early March (before spring break) has off-season prices for most destinations. Spring break weeks (mid to late March) spike 30-50% for beach destinations. Japan cherry blossom season and St. Patrick's Day in Dublin also drive up prices during their specific weeks.
Cancun (84F), Marrakech (72F), Thailand (88F), the Caribbean (80F+), and Mexico (75-85F depending on region) are all warm in March. Southern Europe starts warming but is still cool (55-65F).
Cancun and the Riviera Maya are the classic spring break destinations. Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Miami are also popular. For a quieter spring break, try Costa Rica, Colombia, or the US Virgin Islands.
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