A number of high-profile destinations from their chilly, off-peak periods are starting to thaw, with the added bonus that the crowds haven't yet arrived. The mercury is starting to slide in the southern hemisphere, attracting thrill seekers and bargain hunters for low season adventures.
It is rewarding to hit the road regardless of what you are looking for. There are some great places to visit in March.
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Why right now? Spring is a good time to take a tai chi and chill out.
In March, the temperature in Gran Canaria is consistently above 20C (68F) and there are over seven hours of sunshine per day. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria's culturally diverse capital, is home to a number of yoga, meditation, tai chi and Qigong retreats. After your tai chi session, you will have plenty of time to relax or be active. You can strike out onto the trails if you want to get horizontal.
Why right now? You can ride waves in a yoga spot.
There are a number of surf camps on the coast between Agadir and Essaouira. Waves are big, long and consistent during October and March when the weather warms up. Most camps offer a simple recipe: limber up with sunrise yoga, then grab a board and find the best breaks, sparing time to visit the galleries and souqs.
Why right now? You can enjoy the coast, cloud forest, volcanoes, and whitewater rivers.
Costa Rica is a small country with a wide range of flora and fauna. You can hit the dry season on the Pacific and Caribbean coast in March. Crowds are thinner after the US holiday period. It will be difficult to decide what to do while there.
Why right now? Daffodils and spring lambs are abundant outdoors.
Lambs walk hillsides with clusters of butter-yellow daffodils. In March, the Welsh countryside is wonderful and a great time to visit some of the UK's less visited countryside. The River Dee is one of the few places in the world that offers great whitewater year-round, with rafting, kayaking, body-boating and even stand-up paddle boarding.
Why right now? Succumb to the cold weather.
In March is maple syrup month and it is a province that is peaceful and little-touristed. The fifth season begins when temperatures start to peek above freezing. Breakfasts of eggs, bacon, sausage, beans and pancakes are all included in the price of admission to sugar camp events. Fundy National Park is a great place to cross-country ski, snowshoe, or winter hike.
Why right now? In peace you can discover bazaars and ancient wonders.
In March, when the weather warms up, you can enjoy discounts, smaller crowds and more-forgiving weather. The greatest legacy of the Ottomans was food. The Spice Bazaar is large and busy. There are few cuisines as decadent as that of Turkey. Over the past couple of decades, a roster of excellent food-themed walking tours and cooking schools has sprung up in stanbul.
Why right now? The Football Grand Final and Art Sale are held each year.
If you think the rest of the country is football-mad, wait until you see the level of passion among the Indigenous people of this two island archipelago. More than one third of the population of under 3000 play the Aussie-rules game. The annual Tiwi Islands Football Grand Final and Art Sale draws lovers of both sport and culture to watch the match and pick up unique pieces from the "Islands of Smiles."
Why right now? Quiet sites and a city in the spring.
Naples is not afraid to speak its mind. This southern Italian sprawl is scruffy around the edges, yet has an indefatigable spirit, a dramatic location, and the best pizzas in the country. The off-season March is not too hot or cold. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale is packed with Pompeiian artifacts and is just a 45 minute train ride south.
Why right now? During the early sakura season, be amazed by cherry blossoms.
There is a cherry tree in bloom. There are 2000 cherry trees in the spring. The Someiyoshino and Yamazakura trees bloom from mid-March in parks around Fukuoka and magnificent Kumamoto castles, as well as in the park in Kagoshima.
Why right now? You can spot birds and watch turtles.
The emerald isle is located off the coast of South America and is perfect for a Caribbean paradise: palm-fringed beaches, relaxed pace of life, sunshine. You might not have expected that many. Nature lovers, snorkelers and divers come to little Tobago instead of big cruise ships. Green, leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles return to the patches of sand from which they hatched to lay their own eggs in March, which is a good time to go on a beach holiday. With care, watch as the lumbering females haul themselves ashore, or join monitoring and conserve programs to help these beautiful ladies.
Are you looking to plan further in the future? The best places to travel in the year are listed here.
The article was first published about a year ago.
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