10 places to go in March

Spring comes early to Portugal’s Algarve region, with balmy daytime temperatures in the late teens to early twenties, and cool nights providing a comfortable night’s sleep. March is warm without being humid, so it’s perfect for walking vacations: choose from either of our eight-day trips or combine both to make a two-week escape. You could find yourself exploring the remote coastal trails from the unspoilt base of Sagres, followed by the orchards, rolling hills and fishing villages close by the Eastern Algarve town of Tavira.

There’s nothing quite like hiking among vibrant forests. While Walking in Cuba you’ll explore the lush vegetation of western Cuba, as well as the historic ‘Old Havana’, home to Capitol, Parque Central, and the main squares. Throughout the trip you’ll be treated to the warm hospitality of locals, and learn about their traditional techniques for growing tobacco on a walk through the Valle de Vinales.

Head for South East Asia in March and you’ll catch the tail end of the dry season – it’s starting to heat up but you won't get the steamy temperatures of peak summer, so it's ideal for cycling vacations in Vietnam and Cambodia. Our best-selling trip takes in paddy fields, jungles, the Angkor temples and the Mekong River in 13 days; exploring by bike on quiet backroads gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself and get closer to the local people.

Japan’s spring cherry blossom season is a huge draw for the spring months, which is best seen from late March until mid-April. This short window is a busy time to travel, but you may also catch it slightly earlier, though not in its full glory on our Simply Japan tour, which takes in Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa. Traveling mid-March means you can participate in White Day: on 14^th March men give gifts to their partners, as opposed to Valentine’s Day the previous month, when women give gifts to the men.

To see Mexico at its most lush and green, visit in March. Spring heralds the start of noticeably warmer temperatures as it comes to the end of the dry season – you can expect temperatures in the mid- to late-twenties and an abundance of plant life. Head to the cactus state on our Mexico and Guatemala vacation to see Mexico City’s blooming jacarandas, the verdant colours of the jungle and the colourful markets of Oaxaca.

Wildlife lovers seeking a safari should head to the great game reserves of South Africa and Swaziland in March – it’s a great time for migratory birds and signals the start of autumn, when there’s around 12 hours of daylight and fewer crowds. Choose our South Africa and Swaziland trip and not only will you get a chance to learn about the Big Five in the Kruger National Park, you’ll also get to discover Africa’s last monarchy in the kingdom of Swaziland, where the Swazi tribe take great pride in keeping their culture and traditions.