15 Warm Places to Visit This March, According to Frequent Flyers

• Why I Love It: rich history, natural beauty, delicious food
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 86°F
• Places to Stay: Khmer Mansion Residence (from $72/night); The Peninsula Phnom Penh (from $60/night); Angkor Heart Bungalow (from $55/night)

Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you sunrise at Angkor Wat is a must when visiting Cambodia. I don’t disagree—but there’s so much more to do in this fascinating country that you also shouldn’t miss. The island of Koh Rong has the sugar-sand beaches and crystal blue waters that dreams are made of. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are excellent places to find incredible authentic cuisine, take a cooking class, or peruse local shops and markets. And let us not forget the opportunity to visit with majestic Asian Elephants. The Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary in Siem Reap is an ethical organization that allows visitors to observe elephants and other Cambodian wildlife in their natural habitat.

• Why I Love It: off grid, laid back, pristine beaches
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 77°F
• Places to Stay: The Captain’s Cove (from $108/night); Polynesian Beach Loft (from $110/night); Paihia Beach Resort and Spa (from $250/night)

While many regard Waiheke Island as New Zealand’s version of the Hamptons, you could call the Bay of Islands a more remote, less touristy option. Take a three-to-four-hour drive from Auckland and you’ll find this stunning coastal paradise where you can unplug, eat to your heart’s content, and spend plenty of time by the sea. The city of Paihia is a great place to call home base with gorgeous rentals and beachfront properties aplenty. The nearby town of Russell is easily accessible by boat or car. Check out a vineyard and sip crisp Sauvy Bs with a view of the bay. Or, for adventurers of all kinds, try skydiving complete with an epic beach landing, hike to glorious waterfalls, visit historic landmarks, or post up at a beach front bar—you literally cannot go wrong.

• Why I Love It: rich history, delicious food, lots of sunshine
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 77°F (pending your location)
• Places to Stay: Vila Vita Parc (from $270/night); Lisbon Apartment (from $127/night); 3HB Faro (from $212/night)

I’d wager at least someone in your circle went to Portugal in 2024. If you didn’t get to make the trip, or you need a reason to go back, consider the sun-soaked Algarve region at Portugal’s southern tip. Most towns in the area offer everything a traveler could want: history, culture, a lively food and bar scene, beaches, gorgeous accommodations, and temperatures in the high 70s. Lagos is centrally located with access to public transit and a well-known golf scene for those seeking resort vibes. If you’re open to renting a car, check out Burgau, a quiet fishing town with tons of charm. Shops and cafes tend to close here during the winter season, opening back up in March, but there’s still tons of hiking, surfing, and exploring you can do. (Not to mention unrestricted access to fresh fish and seafood that’ll blow your mind.)

• Why I Love It: cherry blossom trees, cultural celebrations, food festivals
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 60°F
• Places to Stay: Hotel Okura Fukuoka (from $131/night); Grand Hyatt Fukuoka (from $162/night); Hotel Nikko Fukuoka (from $193/night)

Say it with me: Cherry. Blossom. Season! The secret is out that late March through April (sometimes May) is the short time of year when Japan’s beautiful cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. While the trees themselves are stunning, this time of year brings a special energy and liveliness to Japan that all travelers should experience. Expect tons of festivals, outdoor parties, food events (with plenty of sake and tea), cultural ceremonies, and more. You can find flowering forecasts here (these beauties only bloom for about two-ish weeks, so timing is of the essence). Things kick off in the southernmost region of Japan, making Fukuoka an excellent place to set up camp (The Atago Shrine has gorgeous sakura trees and spectacular views of Hakata Bay). For more tree sightings, take a day trip to the serine town of Kyushu, which is a short 2-hour drive or train ride away.

• Why I Love It: outdoor adventures, relaxed beaches, farm to table food
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 82°F
• Places to Stay: Arenal Springs Hotel (from $387/night); Entire Villa in Tamarindo (from $700/night); Via Viajero Condo (from $143/night)

March is an excellent time to escape to this tropical oasis, which sees roughly 12 hours of daylight all year round. It’s still the dry season and you can expect the days to be toasty and full of sunshine. For the beach bums and water babies, towns like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Playa Dominical have beautiful beaches with choice waves for surfing. For the outdoor thrill seekers, get up close and personal with a volcano, hike through the jungle, go ziplining, or try white water rafting in La Fortuna.

• Why I Love It: rich culture, warm-but-not-hot, gorgeous cliffs and beaches
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 64°F
• Places to Stay: AX ODYCY Hotel (from $96/night); The Waterfront Hotel (from $113/night); Tiny Home (from $68/night)

This tiny Mediterranean archipelago might be known as a beach-lovers paradise in the summer, but I’d argue it shines most in spring. Temperatures hover around the mid-to-high-60s with plenty of sunshine. It’s not exactly summer temps, but dress in layers and you’ll be ready for all sorts of activities, from hiking and biking to exploring historic landmarks (like the 16th century Grand Master’s Palace) to scuba diving. Most importantly, as March is the off season, you won’t have to wade through waves of tourists and accommodations will be much more reasonably priced.

• Why I Love It: natural wonderland, wildlife sightings, rich culture
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 80-88°F
• Places to Stay: Blu Galapagos (from $257/night); Secluded Santa Cruz Cabin (from $197/night); Royal Palm Galapagos (from $283/night)

Who says vacations can’t be relaxing, fun, *and* educational? As the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Galapagos are teeming with wildlife and natural wonders. While tourism is rapidly on the rise here, which many might argue isn’t a great thing, revenue driven by the Galapagos National Park’s entry fees is funding animal conservation efforts and much-needed infrastructure upgrades around the islands. The takeaway? Be a respectful traveler: be kind, be patient, leave no trace, don’t try to touch the animals, and take some time to marvel at our one-and-only planet. You’ll be glad you did!

• Why I Love It: friendly locals, lots to do, sunny weather
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 84°F
• Places to Stay: Sea to Peak Villas (from $300/night); Faith Guesthouse (from $179/night); Westin St. John (rates vary)

Any of the USVI makes for a lovely warm destination, but real ones know St. John is where it’s at. I’d argue St. John has the best beaches, the friendliest people and the chillest vibes. The journey to St. John is also half the fun. Touch down in St. Thomas, where you’ll walk directly off the plane onto the tarmac. Once you’re in the airport, stop for a free shot of welcome rum before making your way to the taxi station. A driver will stuff you and your bags into a car or van, then it’s a quick (and kinda wild) 20-minute drive to the ferry. At the docks, you’ll find a fabulous dive bar where you can enjoy a beverage and make friends while you wait for the ferry. People are super friendly here, so don’t be shy! Once you’re on the boat, have your Jack Sparrow moment on the second level as you watch St. John come into view through the misty horizon.

• Why I Love It: ancient history, walkable, so much to do
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 76°F
• Places to Stay: The St. Regis Cairo (from $234/night); The Nile Ritz-Carlton (from $200/night); Bohemian Apartment with Nile View ( from $166/night)

Raise your hand if Ancient Egypt fascinated you as a kid. (Both hands better be in the air). Modern and ancient worlds collide in Cairo, which has so much to do it’s easy to burnout in the first couple days. Even if you can’t do and see it all, there’s no world where you leave disappointed. You can visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphynx, the Grand Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, Saqqara (aka the ancient Egyptian metropolis of Memphis), and so. much. more. Pro tip: Make sure you visit with a trusted guide as tourists are targets for price gauging. Once you’ve had your fill of the old world (is there such a thing?), dive headfirst into a bustling marketplace or bazaar. Fuel up with luscious Egyptian coffee and baked goods before taking a load off on a river cruise down the Nile (the Agatha Christie fan in me is literally screaming).

• Why I Love It: rich culture, lovely beaches, laid-back vibes
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 68°F
• Places to Stay: City Center Apartment (from $102/night); Gran Hotel Miramar (from $244/night); Luxury Condo (from $177/night)

If I had to personify Malaga, I’d relate it to the effortlessly cool friend you’re infatuated with. They’re trendy without trying; always eating and drinking at the most hip places. They’re posh, but never turn down a good dive bar or taco shack. Meet Malaga: a vibey, cool kid city full of historic buildings and laid-back beaches layered with of-the-moment nightlife, like Michelin-starred restaurants and bars where you can stay out all night with interesting people. I love this place because it embodies how I like to feel on vacation: no agenda, playing it by ear, seeing where the night takes me.

• Why I Love It: always something to do, kid friendly, ideal for a range of budgets
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 72°F
• Places to Stay: MGM Condo (from $132/night); New York, NY Hotel (from $150/night); Mandalay Bay Resort (from $454/night)

Most people associate Vegas with reckless spending and bad decisions—it’s Sin City, after all. However, just like Sears in the 90s, there’s a softer side to Vegas that rarely gets shown. There’s always something to do, a show to see, or an epic menu to try. Las Vegas is also surprisingly kid-friendly, with museums, roller coasters, hikes, and more at your fingertips. You also don’t have to blow your savings to find a decent hotel or rental property. 

• Why I Love It: fewer tourists, off the beaten path, wildlife experiences
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 75°F
• Places to Stay: Seafront Kangaroo Island (from $220/night); Honeyeaters' Hideaway, Vivonne Bay (from $113/night); Waves and Widlife Cottages (from $150/night)

March in Australia marks the beginning of autumn. You can still expect sunshine and warmth, but without the raging heat and packs of tourists. Kangaroo Island is a lesser known destination where you can enjoy beach days and oceanfront hotels but also have a chance to see kangaroos in the wild. Nearly half the island was burned in bushfires in 2019, yet the area has recovered remarkably well. You’ll find acres and acres of new growth, thriving businesses, and hearty people ready to welcome visitors.

• Why I Love It: unique architecture, rich culture, Caribbean vibes
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 88°F
• Places to Stay: Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo (from $216/night); Sofitel Barú Calablanca (from $378/night); Casa Bijou (from $153/night)

Colorful houses, colonial architecture, and temps in the 80’s combine for a unique take on the beach vacation. Old Town is where you’ll find Instagram-worthy backdrops everywhere you look. It’s also full of restaurants and rooftop bars with unobstructed views of the ocean—the perfect place to watch the sunset. Even if you’re rhythmically challenged, one cannot visit Cartagena without experiencing a salsa nightclub. Trust me—once the music hits your ears, your body will know what to do.

• Why I Love It: unique culture, luxurious accommodations, lots of sunshine
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 84°F
• Places to Stay: Shangri-la Qaryat Al Beri (from $180/night); Jumeirah Saadiyat Island (from $363/night); Business District 1 Bedroom Apartment (from $126/night)

Abu Dhabi is more than man-made beaches and luxurious hotels. The capital city is innovative, friendly and full of museums, restaurants and one-of-a-kind experiences (like underwater hotel rooms). This year, expect the opening of several new art and history museums (like the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi), big musical performances (think Coldplay and Christina Aguilera), and festivals. Everything is shiny and new, yet the people make you feel right at home. It’s a place that warms the heart, body and soul.

• Why I Love It: ancient history, gorgeous architecture, crystal blue water
• Average Daily Temperature in March: 66°F
• Places to Stay: Crete Heraklion Sea View Apartment (from $80/night); 1924 Studio with Balcony (from $115/night); Numero Ierapetra (from $130/night)

It’s not quite sunbathing weather, but you’ll be thankful for the break in heat and fewer tourists if sightseeing and hiking is on your agenda. Greece is beautiful year-round, but March is an ideal time to visit big-ticket spots like the Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archeological Museum, and the Venetian Harbor. Take your time while you stroll the streets, linger at an exhibit at a museum, savor some wine on a restaurant patio. There’s no need to hurry and fewer lines to battle, so you can really settle in and relax.