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March is the month when winter turns to spring , at least according to the calendar. In reality, it usually feels like more of the same, and many of us are ready for a change. Is it a little excitement we could use at this point? A trip to Rio de Janeiro for its pre-Lenten Carnival celebration would more than satisfy, with its exuberant parades, colorful costumes, music, and crowds. In Dublin, the parties will center on St. A few additional days to explore Ireland will show another side of the country, with its green rolling hills and rugged coast. Continuing the festival theme, Agrigento in Sicily welcomes their blossoming almond trees, a sure sign of spring and annual renewal.
Among well-preserved archaeological sites, a sunset walk opens the events that continue with singing, dancing, and traditional costumes. In the southern hemisphere, Melbourne has Moomba and some unique traditions of their own. A vacation or at least a long weekend in one of these destinations might be just what we need as we wait patiently for spring to arrive. A city with tropical rainforests, stunning mountain ranges, and world famous beaches, Rio de Janeiro may have one of the most unique landscapes in the world.
The bustling city is bursting with culture and the weather is warm year round, making it an ideal destination any time of year. Dating back to , Carnival is held each year before the beginning of Lent, a week-long extravaganza of music, dancing, feasting, and more. The city thrives with the energy of street parties, parades, and traditional samba dancers, dressed in their extravagant, exquisitely detailed costumes. Today, his vision has been accomplished, and the Ringling Museum of Art showcases old masters, modern art, and special exhibits.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens features flamingos, parrots, crocodiles, alligators, and other wildlife along with educational animal shows. Orchid lovers will enjoy Selby Gardens, known for its collection of more than 6, examples of the exotic flower as well as bromeliads and air plants. The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota , with its private beach club, championship golf course, spa, and waterfront dining, would make an ideal home base for exploring Sarasota. Its exclusive 8th-floor Club Lounge features beverages and culinary offerings throughout the day as well as movies, games, and spectacular views.
On a hilltop overlooking the ruins of the ancient city of Akragas lies Agrigento, in the countryside near the southern coast of Sicily. It is one of the biggest tourist attractions of Sicily as well as a national monument of Italy. The main site is the Temple of Concordia, the largest and best preserved Greek temple discovered to date, remaining almost entirely intact since it was built in B.
The plentiful ruins stand in contrast to the modern high-rise buildings which cover much of the city, especially the old town. Cheerful crowds, musical bands, and folk groups fill the streets for a week, with traditional Sicilian cart parades and live performances until the last day.
Mardi Gras Houston on March parallels, on a smaller scale, the celebrations in its sister city, New Orleans. Restaurants, bars, and theaters are also abundant downtown. Not far away, visitors can enjoy a luxurious atmosphere at the Inn at Dos Brisas , with exquisitely furnished haciendas and casitas, as well as the only five-star restaurant in Texas. Just think outside the box. Insure your holiday!
Research and compare travel insurance quotes and make sure you have cover for everything you need. If you want to save cash , look for flights and deals outside of the Easter holidays, when prices will be lower. Hear about new posts on Facebook: Best Places to Skydive Around the World.
Gold Coast Skydive: Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home. Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! Photo credits: New Orleans by Mapping Megan. I hope you can make it happen in John: Never too early to start bookmarking destinations for potential trips next year! Having lived in Japan, I always looked forward to cherry blossoms being in full bloom.
I would love to get back and explore the mid-sized cities and small towns. Those are some great recommendations for places to travel during the spring. The New Orleans Jazz Festival definitely have a great lineup. Also, helpful for tips for traveling in March and April.
The New Orleans Jazz Festival is one of those bucket lists events that everyone should have on their list: D Definitely looks like a pretty solid line up this year! Interesting options. The stop made the flight the cheapest option to get from NZ to LA. Well maybe next time!
Funny how sometimes throwing an odd layover in the mix makes for a cheaper flight. I had that a few years ago flying home to Australia from Africa — it was cheaper flight wise for me to spend 7 days in Dubai!! I would think any of these destinations would be a winner for sure. Our eldest daughter Willow is constantly going on about japan and the cherry blossoms.
One day I tell her we will go or you can get old enough and take your dad. For myself, the jazz festival in New Orleans would be the go and a visit to bourbon street.
There are great deals on beach hotels in this city from 2-star all the way .. It's good to consider that April is the hottest month of the year in most. Here are 24 cheap places to go in April that all have very good weather around The earlier you book, the better deal you are likely to get. .. Those looking for a cultural trip in warm and dry weather should consider Beirut.
I think if more children were to grow up with a passion for travel we would live in a much more tolerant world! Las Fallas in Spain sounds like my cup of tea. D Have an amazing trip Amy! Why not go Cherry blossoms this year and the Jazz Festival next … two years of travel plans already sorted out for you: Admire Ho Chi Minh 's French colonial architecture from a buzzing sky bar, explore Hanoi 's ancient pagodas, sail on the tranquil Mekong and take a rickety bike ride over the bridges of Hoi An in the gorgeous central region.
Just up the coast is the Khoai Chau district, where the Chu Dong Tu festival takes place in March with processions of richly embroidered golden dragons and burning incense. It's a feast for the senses that won't be forgotten in a hurry. To plan a holiday to Vietnam with the help of tried and trusted experts, email besttrips condenast. Read our spa review of Amanoi, Vietnam. Barcelona's big sister sheds her winter skin in March. When the clocks go forward, as if by magic a wave of warmth sweeps the city and loosens up its reserved exterior. Madrid 's expansive parks burst into bloom and locals tumble out onto the streets to sip caipirinhas and dance till dawn.
There's great traditional tapas to be had, but leave time to try the city's newer breed of stylish gastrobars. Just don't plan anything more than a siesta afterwards. To arrange a deeply special city break to Madrid, email besttrips condenast. Find the best things to do in Madrid, Spain.
Kick off the month with a beach party on the shores of Puerto Rico. Expect a distinctly Latin flavour with a side of southern home comforts - Puerto Rico has the biggest shopping mall in the Caribbean and the largest virgin tropical rainforest. March is the best month to sample both sides of island life.
The beaches lose their crowds and a light breeze rustles the palm trees, lifting the humidity and letting you sleep on the sand in Vieques. Read more about the highlights of Puerto Rico. Spain 's tiny golden islands off the coast of North Africa are heavenly in early spring. The days are getting longer and sunnier and there's no sign of the peak-season crowds. We're excited by Lanzarote 's beautiful beaches, cool surf scene and amazing places to stay.
We're captivated by Tenerife 's unexpected lunar landscapes and intrigued by the unsung Canaries: To speak to an operator with the inside-track on the Canary islands, email besttrips condenast. Read more about Lanzarote, Canary Islands. It's dreamy for the kids too, as many spectacular hotels are designed with family holidays in mind. For help planning a trip to the Maldives, email besttrips condenast.
Read more about the best hotels and resorts in the Maldives.
The best festivals in the world For the sharpest tips on booking a ski holiday, email besttrips condenast. We're excited by Lanzarote 's beautiful beaches, cool surf scene and amazing places to stay. I just read your post on Kyotos best sakura viewing, so I figured your vote would be for the cherry blossoms: Cheerful crowds, musical bands, and folk groups fill the streets for a week, with traditional Sicilian cart parades and live performances until the last day.
For a high-octane safari adventure look to the tip of this mighty continent. South Africa has 19 national parks and the tail-end of wet season means fewer tour groups and lower costs if you can tolerate the odd afternoon shower. If you're hungry to see the big five, head to Kruger National Park in the north-east, while elephant-lovers go east and those yearning for an Out of Africa -style romance travel south to the lush Garden Route to track game on horseback. Or if you don't want to stray too far from the city, Little Karoo is the closest safari to Cape Town.
When you're done, dust off at one of Cape Town's smartest hotels: To book a South African adventure, email besttrips condenast. Read our guide to Cape Town. Mexico 's Pacific coast transplants Californian cool to a warmer climate with bigger waves - no wonder Hollywood heavyweights jet down to graze by the pool in Cabo. March is a fantastic time to visit, with prime conditions for whale-watching in Baja California , virtually no rain and rising temperatures.
Chilled-out Sayulita draws travellers with its neon-bright shopfronts and wild beaches. Further south in Oaxaca , you'll find Puerto Escondido, a beach town where you can surf all day, party all night and browse contemporary art installations the morning after. If you fancy branching out during your stay, click here to see the hottest day-trips from Sayulita. Explore the best hotels in Los Cabos, Mexico.
This emerald archipelago is the perfect spot for unwinding after a long winter. A thatch-roofed villa in a private island resort is the ideal base from which to discover the winding rice terraces, quaint villages and coral reefs of the Philippines. In March the heat is more bearable on the beaches and in the bustling capital Manila. But those itching to get their feet wet should head to the Palawan islands - the real inspiration for Alex Garland's The Beach.
Take a dip in a natural lagoon, or doze under the tilting coconut trees. Read our review of Amanpulo, Philippines. Set on a mountainside below Mont Blanc, Chamonix has bags of storybook appeal: By March the serious skiers have left to find cooler climes and the weather is warm enough for lunching al fresco. You can still catch the last of the winter snow and accommodation is easier to find, whether you're after a romantic cabin for two or a lodge big enough for a post-piste party.