March is an underrated travel month for deals because it’s a sweet spot between shoulder season and peak travel. There is a small window that allows travelers to enjoy fewer crowds at attractions, witness life come back in more cities thanks to spring blossoms, and, in many beach destinations, have their days filled with what feels like an endless amount of sunshine.
Use this time to take advantage of your bucket-list destination, which will likely be quieter before Spring Break and the summer travel season picks up in May. Don’t sleep on March for affordability. Here’s where to travel this month that won’t hurt your pockets.
Roatán, Honduras
March is the prime time for visiting Roatán. Located about 40 miles off the northern coast of the Honduran mainland in the Caribbean Sea, Roatán is the largest and most populous of the Honduran Bay Islands. During March, the near-perfect, dry, and sunny weather is excellent for snorkeling, diving, and basking in the clear, crystal waters.
While small in size (31 miles long and 2.5 miles wide), there is no shortage of entertainment and excitement on this picturesque island. Visiting the beach is a must. Year after year, Roatán is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean and offers easy access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
This March, New York City has round-trip flights for less than $450, and Kansas City has round-trip options for less than $550 on Skyscanner.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Another Caribbean destination to consider this March is Bridgetown, Barbados. Like Roatán, March is in the heart of the dry season, offering consistent sunshine, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. The season is filled with lively energy in the country’s capital, making even the simple things, such as taking a stroll in the city, an adventure.
What stands out immediately in Bridgetown is its architecture, so much so that Bridgetown and its Garrison were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 for its well-preserved 17th–19th-century British colonial architecture.
Aside from witnessing the architecture up close, other activities to prioritize on your itinerary include the Friday night ritual of a fish fry at Oistins and a tasting class on Barbados’ rich rum history. For the perfect mix of adventure and discovery, check out the Cave and Monkey Zipline Experience at Harrison’s Cave. Visit Travel Noire’s full itinerary on Bridgetown, which details where to eat, stay, and play.
On Skyscanner, round-trip flights from Durham, New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Detroit, and Fort Lauderdale are less than $550. Boston has the cheapest flights. Use March 23-27 as your travel dates for a round-trip ticket for less than $400.
Rome, Italy
For bucket-list destinations like Rome, March is a fantastic time to visit for two reasons. For starters, this time of year is still considered the shoulder season. Visitors will find affordable accommodations and shorter lines at major attractions such as the Vatican and the Colosseum.
It’s also starting to be that time of year when the weather warms up. Temperatures in March are ideal for walking around comfortably, unlike the dreadful summer season when the crowds add another layer of frustration.
Fun fact: March is prime artichoke season, and most restaurants join in on the craze of serving them deep-fried and crispy or braised until tender with garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
According to Skyscanner, round-trip flights from Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and Boston can be found for less than $550 round-trip. The most affordable options leave New York City. Use March 17-25 as your travel dates for a round-trip ticket for less than $350.
São Paulo, Brazil
While the São Paulo Carnival wrapped up a month prior, there is no shortage of adventure in Brazil’s largest city. While March is considered the last month of its peak travel season, hotel and accommodation prices are starting to cool down, so it’s not hard to find a cheaper deal.
São Paulo is Brazil’s Black city. As of 2022, it has the largest self-identified Black population, with over 1.16 million people identifying as Black. Visitors will find that São Paulo is the center for Afro-Brazilian culture, history, and, recently, Afro-tourism.
African heritage is etched into the neighborhoods, music, food, and the arts. First on your itinerary should be a visit to the Afro-Brazilian Museum. Also, book an immersive tour with Walk Tour São Paulo Negra. Guests will embark on a journey to explore the rich history and visit important sites that showcase the resistance and resilience of Afro-Brazilian culture.
Round-trip flights from Washington, D.C., Boston, Tampa, Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas are less than $550 this March, according to Skyscanner. Orlando is the cheapest option. Use March 24-29 as your travel dates for a round-trip ticket for less than $400.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Those looking for a reflective and peaceful vacation immersed in nature this March should consider Da Nang, Vietnam. Da Nang is a laid-back coastal city in Vietnam, praised for its high quality of life, sandy beaches, and dramatic mountain scenery.
This March, head to Ba Na Hills. Visitors head to this mountain resort located just outside of Da Nang for the Golden Bridge. The bridge pedestrian bridge appears to be cradled by two enormous golden hands. There’s also a flower garden (Le Jardin d’Amour) and a cable car ride that offers panoramic views of the beautiful landscape.
Next, venture off to Thuy Son, the only of the five Marble Mountains open to tourists for climbing and discovery. The mountains are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills. Key activities once there include exploring the limestone caves and visiting the ancient pagodas.
West Coast cities will have the best options. Round-trip flights from San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles are all under $750 on Skyscanner.
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