Some of these spots are super off-the-beaten path and others can be found all over Instagram. Regardless, they all fall under some of the best places to travel in March because that is when they can benefit from your tourism dollars the most. Sacred festivals and untouched paradises are just a plane ride away.
Anguilla
Unpaved roads and sandy beaches frame the pocket-sized island of Anguilla, a Caribbean escape that exudes authenticity. Quiet and low-key, Anguilla’s embargo on cruise ships shields it from the mass tourism that has blemished paradises of the past.
With the country’s collective focus on alternative energy, solar-powered hotels are popping up all over the island. Check in to The Reef by CuisinArt or Frangipani Beach Resort for a guilt free vacay.
At Zemi Beach House, indulge in spa treatments inspired by the ancient healing traditions of the Taino people. Their spa centers on the belief that all of nature’s elements have the power to heal mind, body and spirit.
Goa, India
Located on the southwestern coast of India, Goa conjures up visions of yoga retreats, beach side lounging and full moon parties. A idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of India’s larger cities, Goa is popular among Indian and global tourists alike.
Check into the Dwarka Eco Beach Resort and enjoy stunning ocean views from your thatched cottage (that uses solar power to heat the showers). Spend your days relaxing on the beach, getting an Ayurvedic massage from the in-house masseuse and enjoying freshly caught fish.
For two weeks in March, the golden beaches of Goa get a dash of color for Shigmotsav (Shigmo), the local’s take on the Hindu festival of Holi. A true celebration of life and love, Shigmo is celebrated with traditional food, folk dances and extravagant parades, all leading up to a massive color fight that spills into the sun-drenched shores.
Sierra Leone
With empty, palm-fringed beaches as its calling card, Sierra Leone is West Africa’s best kept secret. Once devastated by war and ebola, the resilient nation has evolved into a safe, peaceful getaway that needs tourists more than ever.
Glorious beaches, friendly locals and exotic wildlife await those who make the trek, as well as the unique yet sobering opportunity to step onto a former slave island.
If you want to experience a blissful beach getaway, try Tokeh Beach Resort where you can check into a villa or a hut on the beach. Either way, you’ll get to know the locals and discover the unspoiled beauty of the Freetown Peninsula.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali. Ever heard of it? For one day every March, the otherwise bustling streets of Bali come to a silent halt. Nyepi, Bali’s day of silence, is the island’s most sacred Hindu holiday intended to usher evil spirits out and start the new year afresh.
While travelers must stay within the confines of their hotel, Nyepi affords the unique chance to experience a different, more serene side of Indonesia’s most well-trodden island. Heavy hotel discounts don’t hurt either, so if you want to go to Bali, this is one of the best places to travel in March.
-Shannon Valdes Leiderman
