As covid restrictions are lifting all across the globe this year, I hope we can live this year as we use to do before 2020. I know things won’t be easy, but we have to accept that this will be the new normal. To plan your trips I have started a series on where to visit each month, here is my pick of the best places to visit in March.
Sri Lanka
Recommended by Peta and Jonas of Exit45 Travels
March is the perfect time of year to be planning a Sri Lankan holiday! Sri Lanka is genuinely a year-round holiday destination, and March is considered the peak season for overall weather and overall visitor numbers. At this time of year, you can expect temperatures in the coastal regions to average 77-86°F and the highlands 59-65°F on average.
Regarding the best areas to visit in March, everywhere is excellent, except the east coast towns of Passekudah, Trincomalee, Arugum Bay, Batticaloa, and Kuchchaveli, as well as it is the monsoon season. The most popular tourist areas include heading down the west coast from Colombo to Hikkaduwa, Galle, and Mirissa, or Colombo to Kandy, or enjoying the scenic train trip from Ella to Kandy.
Transportation in Sri Lanka
International visitors will fly into the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and choose several transportation options to reach their final destination. The most common form of public transportation are trains and buses; however, although cheap, they are extremely slow and can be very overcrowded. If you prefer the comfort of an air-conditioned car and driver, download the PickMe app (similar to Uber) as quoted prices are under half the price of what other car services will offer.
Miami
Recommended by Rebecca of Whatever packs your bag
Miami Beach is the perfect warm-weather destination to visit in March. The white sandy beaches and the party atmosphere are the most fantastic way to spend your Spring Break.
Things to do in Miami
March can be very busy because of Spring Break, but there are so many events and fun clubs to go to while you are in the area. You can spend the day soaking up the vitamin D on the beach and spend the evenings dancing the night away at your favorite club.
The first thing to do when going to Miami Beach is head down to the world-famous Miami Beach and explore. The Atlantic might be a bit chilly still in March, but the waves and the white sand will make you feel welcome. Make sure to bring your sunscreen as the sun can be very intense this far south.
There are many yummy spots to explore in Miami Beach, but a hidden gem is La Sandwicherie- Miami Beach. You can grab a made-to-order sandwich, and it is so delicious; the price is just right, and it is the perfect snack to hold you over until late at night. If you are looking to high roll, some world-famous chefs have opened sister locations in Miami, and they might be worth the jaunt.
Suppose you are looking for a little more laid back, head over to the Wynwood area and admire all the art. The graffiti artists have created a little haven of incredible and unique art that you can walk around and enjoy. There are some great places to eat and even a brewery in the area. You can easily take a rideshare or taxi to the site.
Weather in Miami
In March, the weather in Miami Beach fluctuates between 77 and 67 Fahrenheit, with lots of sunshiny days. The Miami airport (MIA) is the best airport to fly in, and then you can take a rideshare or taxi to Miami Beach; it will take about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
If you are headed to Miami Beach, you must stay as close to the beach as you can, knowing that March can be expensive and can book up, so you will want to book your hotel early if you can to get the best location.
Costa Rica
Recommended by Annelies of travelers and dreamers
If you are longing for tropical weather during March, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for you!
Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It’s the perfect destination for travelers who like to travel in an eco-friendly way. The country is top-notch in conservation efforts, which results in a diverse range of fauna and flora that you can check out in the 28 national parks. Biodiversity is thriving in Costa Rica, and it’s the perfect country if you are a lover of ethical wildlife encounters.
There are two places I highly recommend visiting in Costa Rica: the laid-back town of Cahuita by the Caribbean coast and the highland town of El Castillo which is close to La Fortuna around the Arenal volcano. They make a perfect combination because both are very different from each other.
While Cahuita is the ideal place to laze away your days on the beach and has ethical encounters with cute and sleepy sloths, El Castillo invites you to hike on the Arenal volcano’s mighty slopes and enjoy several hot springs in the neighborhood. A must-do hike is the one up to Cerro Chatto, a challenging 3-hour hike that leads you to a beautiful crater lake. Afterward, you can soak away in one of the many expensive wellness resorts around the Arenal volcano. Still, if you’re a budget traveler, there’s also a free hot spring called “Rio Chollin,” where you can have a fun night chatting with friendly locals.
Lodging in Costa Rica
A great place to stay in El Castillo is “Essence Arenal.” This hilltop jungle retreat has a yoga deck, a permaculture garden, and a perfectly placed jacuzzi with views over Arenal Lake. It’s a bit cooler here than in the rest of the country, but in general, the average temperature in Costa Rica in February is 86 F°.
Transportation in Costa Rica
To visit Costa Rica, you should fly to San Jose International airport. From there, both Arenal and Cahuita are easily reachable by bus. However, I would suggest renting a car because it gives you the freedom to visit many more places in Costa Rica that are harder to reach by public transport.
Tromsø, Norway
Recommended by Intan from Syfnz Says
Tromso is Norway’s Arctic Capital and one of the best places to experience the Northern Lights in the world. Located just 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle, it offers rich arctic history, culture, delicious Nordic cuisines, and breathtaking views all around.
Tromso is one of the best places to visit in February if you love the snow. It snows for an average of 16 days during this month, with a minimum temperature of 22.1 °F. February is the height of winter, hence the average daylight hours range from 5 to 8 hours (less when there’s a snowstorm out).
Expect fun winter activities such as dog sledding, going whale watching on Fjord Cruise, and of course, Northern Lights chasing and sighting. Experienced thrill-seekers flock to Tromso’s ski resort for ski touring. If you’re more inclined toward arts and culture, The Polar Museum is a must-see attraction that offers an interesting look at polar expeditions. For beer-lovers, do visit Ølhallen, the oldest pub in Tromso in the cellar of Macks Ølbryggeri, the world’s northernmost brewery.
Lodging in Tromso
Most travelers would opt to stay in the hotels in the Tromso harbor area. They all offer fantastic views of the sea and Tromsdalstinden Mountain, Tromso Bridge. It is located near attractions such as The Arctic Cathedral and the cable car. In February, you might be lucky to see the Northern Lights from your hotel window too!
Transportation in Tromso
Tromso Airport, Langnes is located about 5 km from the city center. Most international flights to Tromso will require a connection in Oslo, with more than 10 flights daily. However, there are direct flights from London-Gatwick, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, and Stockholm. There are also domestic flights from several destinations in Norway.