Where To Go In March
Those considering a getaway in March are spoilt for choice. The warmer weather and longer days mean a wealth of options close to home, while across the globe, it appears to be the peak time for annual festivities.
From colour-filled celebrations in India to wine harvest festivals in Argentina, there’s every excuse to take a trip that will stay with you forever. Here’s our pick of the bunch.
Mendoza, Argentina
Already Mendoza is synonymous with wine-drinking, as the home of fab Argentinian wines like Malbec. But imagine what it’s like when the whole area is in celebration mode. That’s the vibe when the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia – its grape harvest festival – culminates in March.
The city puts on a traditional programme including a parade, a beauty contest and a huge show (this year, it’s called Guardian of Eternal Wine). Aside the from the scheduled events that act as focal points, the whole city turns over to the festival, with fringe events, public celebrations and general merriment in the air. We’re especially excited about Festa in Piazza, a street food event at Plaza Italia, where each of the regions in Italy showcase their gastronomic offering – a perfect accompaniment to locally-produced wines.
Val Thorens, France
As we move into spring, skiers and snowboarders might face less options for a holiday, but there are still plenty of powdery slopes if you know where to go. A smart choice is Val Thorens in France. With slopes above 3,000m, it’s the highest resort in Europe and part of the Three Valleys ski area that boasts 600km of piste – which all means you’re likely to find a perfect slope for you even in March.
Away from the main activity, it’s a lively resort with plenty to do, from buzzy après-ski to nightclubs to bowling. Be sure to stop off at the highest bar in Europe, the curiously named The Frog and Roast Beef.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
If it wasn’t enough that the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza is one of the new seven wonders of the world, nor that Mexico in March has ideal holiday conditions (think daily temps of around 33C and minimal rain), there’s another reason you’ll want to visit in March. At the spring equinox, the position of the sun and the resulting shadows at the Temple of Kukulan make it appear as if a snake is descending down its steps. In 2025, you’ll be able to see it at 3pm on March 21st. This curious phenomenon, named The Descent of the Feathered Serpent, attracts thousands of people to the site every year. If you’re tempted to be one of them, be sure to get there early to secure a good vantage point.
Valencia, Spain
March is carnival season across the Christian world, to mark the beginning of Lent and prepare for the oncoming fasting period. Over the years, it’s morphed into vibrant celebrations of colour and revelry, and one city that goes all-in is Valencia.
Here, it’s called Fallas and it’s a giant celebration of light, colour and sound taking place on the streets, where everyone’s invited. From the start of the month, expect daily pyrotechnic displays of colour and fireworks at night.
The grand finale runs from 15th to 19th March, and sees this historic Spanish city taken over by ‘ninots’ – expertly crafted large puppets or statues that show off Valencian’s varied humour. Don’t expect to be able to drive through the city easily, nor enjoy a quiet night in at the hotel. With firecrackers going off, music, busy streets and ninots paraded around, it’s a party like no other.
Pushkar, India
There’s a good reason India is a backpacker’s delight. The vast country offers an array of experiences, from boho beaches in the south to vibrant culture in the Punjab. But there’s hardly a better time to pay a visit than during Holi, arguably the most fun and definitely the most colourful reason of them all.
In fact Holi is the festival of colour, when clouds of brightly coloured powder fill the air as everyone takes to the streets for singing, dancing and playfully throwing colour over each other. Most Hindu-dominant cities and towns will partake in this much-anticipated tradition. If you’re looking for a modern take, try the lakeside town of Pushkar, between the tourist hotspots of Udaipur and Jaipur. Here, the party vibe is notched up with a youthful crowd, giant sound system in the town square and techno music replacing traditional hymns. This year, it takes place March 13th and 14th. Wear light-coloured clothes as that shows off the colour carnage – but nothing you don’t mind ruining!
Wherever you plan to go this year make sure to protect your trip with Switched On Travel Insurance. We provide 24/7 medical support, whether that’s via our medical emergency helpline, or via Air Doctor, which offers those with minor illnesses and injuries the option to see a medical professional either in person at their accommodation or via a clinic visit, or through a video consultation. Find out all about our worldwide assistance network on the Medical Support page of our website.