Escape the miserable weather with a getaway to one of these superb destinations, where sun and fun reign supreme! This our guide to where’s hot in March;
Havana, Cuba
Get to Cuba’s dazzling capital quick! The largest and possibly most energetic city in the Caribbean is changing rapidly – take a ride in one of the ubiquitous vintage American cars, peek inside ration shops and admire the gorgeous yet crumbling colonial architecture. Stately palaces stand beside walls bearing revolutionary slogans. Wander Havana’s Old Square, Plaza Vieja where more than 500 years of colourful history comes to life. Don’t miss the engaging National Museum of Beautiful Arts of Cuba, soak up the faded elegance of the Plaza de la Catedral and walk part of the landmark El Malecon; watch young lovers meeting up as the sun sets over the glistening Caribbean Sea.
Weather in March: Average 29 degrees C
More info: Cuba Adventure Holidays – Top 10 things to do in Cuba
Ubud, Bali
The beautiful island of Bali is heralded as a tropical paradise boasting rich culture, warm and welcoming locals and a real laidback vive – and boy, does it live up to its reputation and then some! From the very moment you touch down Bali feels special; lush vistas are studded with ancient Hindu temples. Of course there are beaches and watersports galore but to really get under the skin of this charming island I recommend immersing yourself in the cultural capital of Ubud. Made famous by the book (and then subsequent film) Eat, Pray, Love, Ubud can feel hectic at times. My top three must visit include the serene temple and lotus ponds of Pura Saraswati, wander the family-friendly Art Museum Puri Lukisan and meet and greet the naughty creatures within Monkey Forest. Oh and Bali has just been named as the number one cheapest destination in the world!
Weather in March: Average 32 degrees C
More info: Indonesia Adventure Holidays
Funchal, Madeira
Just a few hours flight away is the evergreen Portuguese island of Madeira, which thanks to the Gulf Stream offers fabulous weather in March! Temperatures are perfect for a spot of hiking the interior of this volcanic isle, where fragrant pine and laurel forests reveal their rich animal and birdlife. Spring is the perfect time to walk the elaborate network of levadas – irrigation channels which traverse the landscape for aroid 2,000km – as the vibrantly coloured magnolias, camellias and freesias are coming to life. Funchal is the main city and cultural hub; take a ride up the Monte Cable Car to admire the view, discover the Presidential Palace Gardens and admire the 18th century Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte.
Weather in March: Average 19 degrees C
More info: Top 7 Things to do in Madeira
Mui Ne, Vietnam
Vietnam has carved a niche as one of the top cultural gems in Southeast Asia, but this fascinating country also boasts divine tropical beaches. Take Mui Ne as an example; powder-white beaches are backed by a great selection of hotels, which in March attract serious surfers from all over the world. Lying about 220km to the east of hectic Ho Chi Minh City, the Mui Ne beachside offers a welcome fishing village-style respite from the bustling city.
Weather in March: Average 27 degrees C
More info: Vietnam Adventure Holidays – What to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Muscat, Oman
Low-rise Muscat grew from an important trading port – in fact the name means ‘safe anchorage’ – and presents a pristine, modern travel experience. The coastline boasts international hotels, modern shopping malls and top-notch restaurants. There are also pockets of rich Arabian heritage; the Old Muscat quarter is brimming with vibrantly-decorated mosques, traditional Arabian architecture and historical Portuguese forts, which hark back to the Vasco de Gama colonial era (the Portuguese remained here for 143 years). Wander the exquisite Royal Opera House, take in the exhibits on display at the Bait Al-Baranda Museum and soak up the greenery within the family-friendly Qurum Natural Park.
Weather in March: Average 26 degrees C
More info: Oman Adventure Holidays
Image credits; 2; D.Meutia CC-A-2.0, 4; Kluayzy8th via Flickr CC BY 2.0
