March can be a great time to travel to popular tourist and vacation destinations, as many are not in their peak season. Conditions like unpredictable weather and being in between seasons can lead to popular destinations being less busy. However, spring break can ramp things up, so it’s important to plan around it or ahead of time. Still, March is a great time to take advantage of more affordable deals for trips. Here are some of the cheapest places to travel to in March.
In tourism industry terms, March qualifies as shoulder season: the period between peak and low season. Discounts exist to attract visitors before the summer low season begins. The weather is usually still pretty nice, depending on where you choose to go. For each of these cheapest places to travel to in March, the season the destination is in during this time will be listed, as well as some of the best cities to visit.
Mexico
Off-Peak Season in March: March is considered part of the shoulder season for Mexico. While it’s a popular time for spring break tourism, it falls just before the peak season, which typically starts in late spring and early summer. During the shoulder season, you may find more reasonable prices for accommodation and activities.
Its capital city Mexico City is often affordable, and March falls within the shoulder season, providing reasonable prices for accommodation, food, and activities. Or visit Guanajuato, with its colorful streets and cultural festivals, which may offer more reasonable prices in March compared to peak times.
Dominican Republic
Shoulder Season: March is part of the shoulder season in the Dominican Republic. The peak travel season typically occurs from late December to mid-February when many tourists seek warmer weather. In March, the weather is still pleasant, but the peak crowds have started to decline, leading to lower prices on accommodations and activities.
The capital city, Santo Domingo, can offer reasonable prices for accommodation and activities in March. It’s advisable to explore the Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Puerto Plata, a popular beach destination, may also have more affordable options in March before the peak tourist season. Additionally, while Punta Cana is a popular tourist destination, early March might offer better prices before the spring break crowds arrive.
Thailand
Dry Season: March is within the dry season in Thailand, making it an attractive time to visit. The peak travel season in Thailand generally coincides with the dry and cool season, which runs from November to February. By March, the peak season crowds have started to thin, leading to more reasonable prices for travelers. Good city choices are Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands.
Chiang Mai, known for its temples and cultural heritage, can be budget-friendly in March. The weather is generally pleasant during this time. The capital city, Bangkok, often has a range of accommodation and dining options to suit various budgets. March is a good time to explore the city without the peak tourist crowds. Or travel to Krabi, with its stunning limestone cliffs and islands, as it may offer more affordable options before the peak season kicks in.
Guatemala
Dry Season: March falls within the dry season in Guatemala, making it a favorable time to visit. The peak travel season typically occurs in late December through February when many tourists seek warmer climates. By March, the crowds have started to diminish, leading to lower prices on accommodations and fewer tourists.
As the capital, Guatemala City has various budget-friendly accommodations and dining options. March is generally a good time to explore the city. Or consider Antigua. Antigua, known for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture, may offer reasonable prices in March.
Nicaragua
Dry Season: March is part of the dry season in Nicaragua, which runs from November to April. This period is considered the peak travel season. However, by March, you may find prices to be more reasonable compared to the peak months of December and January. The weather is still pleasant, and the tourist crowds are starting to taper off.
Granada, with its well-preserved colonial architecture, is known for its charm and affordability. March can be a good time to explore this city. Leon, another historical city, may offer reasonable prices for accommodation and activities in March. If not those two, Ometepe, an island formed by two volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua, can provide a more relaxed and budget-friendly atmosphere.
Panama
Dry Season: March is within the dry season in Panama, which usually runs from mid-December to April. The dry season is considered the peak travel season when the weather is more predictable and conducive to outdoor activities. However, by March, you may find prices to be more reasonable compared to the peak months of December and January. The weather is still favorable, and the crowds are beginning to subside.
While Panama City can be a bustling city, there are often various budget-friendly accommodations and dining options, especially in certain neighborhoods. On the other hand, Bocas del Toro, known for its beautiful islands and beaches, may have more affordable options in March before the peak tourist season. Then there is Boquete, located in the highlands, known for its coffee plantations and outdoor activities. March can offer pleasant weather and potentially lower prices.
Portugal
Off-Peak Season: March is considered part of the off-peak season in Portugal. The peak travel season typically occurs during the summer months, especially July and August when many tourists flock to the coastal areas. In March, the weather is milder, and tourist numbers are lower, leading to more affordable accommodation and activity prices.
Aveiro, often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal,” is known for its canals and colorful boats. March can be a quieter and more affordable time to visit. The capital of the Algarve region, Faro may have more affordable options in March as well before the summer beach season begins.
Balkans (e.g., Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Off-Peak Season: March is generally considered part of the off-peak season for many Balkan countries. The peak travel season in the Balkans often coincides with the summer months, especially July and August. During the off-peak season, which includes March, you may find more reasonable prices on accommodations, and popular tourist sites are less crowded.
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is known for its rich history and cultural diversity. March is often a less crowded time, and prices for accommodations and activities may be more reasonable. Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, has a mix of historical and modern attractions. March can be an affordable time to visit, with milder weather and fewer tourists. Also consider Prishtina, the capital of Kosovo, which has a youthful energy and unique atmosphere. March can be a quieter time, potentially offering more affordable prices for travelers. There is also Ohrid, a UNESCO-listed city on the shores of Lake Ohrid, known for its historical sites and natural beauty. March can be an off-peak time with lower prices.
Belize
Dry Season Transition: March is transitioning from the dry season to the wet season in Belize. While it’s still a popular time to visit due to pleasant weather, the peak season tends to be from late November to mid-February when the weather is drier. As March approaches the wetter months, you may find lower prices on accommodations and activities as tourism slows down.
Belize City, the largest city in Belize, can offer various budget-friendly accommodations and dining options. March falls within the dry season, making it an attractive time for travel. Also, San Ignacio, located in the Cayo District, is known for its proximity to archaeological sites and outdoor activities. March is generally a good time to explore this area with reasonable prices.
Jamaica
Shoulder Season: March falls in the shoulder season in Jamaica, positioned between the peak tourist season from mid-December to mid-January and the rainy season that starts in April. During the shoulder season, you can expect milder prices on accommodations and attractions, and the crowds are less compared to the peak months.
Ocho Rios, known for its waterfalls and attractions, may offer more affordable options in March before the peak tourist season. Additionally, Negril, famous for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere, may have more reasonable prices in March compared to peak months.
These are just a handful of the Cheapest places to travel to in March. While March can be a more budget-friendly time to visit these destinations, it’s important to consider that prices can still vary based on specific events, holidays, and local festivals. Additionally, weather conditions may play a role in certain places, especially as you approach the rainy season. Always check for any travel advisories and restrictions before planning your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
