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Sakura blooming in Japan. Sakura blooming in Japan.

Where to travel in March

Spring has sprung and it's time to head off on a new adventure.

Vlorë

County Wicklow

Greenland

Valencia

Kyoto

Sri Lanka

Pitcairn Islands

Vlorë | Albania

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Vlorë | Albania

If you've already been to the Costa del Sol or fancy heading somewhere cheaper and arguably more exotic, we think you'll love Vlorë in Albania.

You might not have considered a holiday to Albania, especially if you were thinking of heading to Spain, but hear us out. You won't find many places in Europe that are cheaper for tourists, with beers less than £2 and three-course meals costing a tenner. And it boasts beautiful beaches along the Bay of Vlorë that rival any you'll find in Spain.

The weather's starting to warm up in March, and it won't be too crowded this time of year. Plus there's more to Vlorë than just beaches. It's where Albania's independence was won, which you can learn more about at the National Independence Museum, and being so close to Italy its seafood pasta is exceptional. That's not to mention the pizza, which wouldn't look out of place being served in Naples.


County Wicklow | Ireland

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County Wicklow | Ireland

Sure, heading to Ireland for St Patrick's Day isn't exactly an original suggestion. But rather than spend your whole time in Dublin revelling in Temple Bar and sipping Guinness straight from the factory, head south to County Wicklow.

There's Guinness there too, don't worry, but you'll also find a lush national park, ancient houses and dramatic ruins in the Garden of Ireland. Wicklow's a favourite of the big screen too. Powerscourt, Kilruddery House and the mountainous backdrop were used in Braveheart, The Count of Monte Cristo and P.S. I Love You, to name a few. Wednesday season 2 is being shot in County Wicklow too, which is expected to be the largest production ever filmed in Ireland.


Greenland

Colourful houses in Ittoqqortoormiit | Greenland

Officially part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland's found itself at the centre of the news cycle recently as Donald Trump has expressed that he wants to buy the territory for the US. Whatever you think of Trump's latest controversial proposal, it's no wonder he wants to spend more time in Greenland – its otherworldly wilderness and welcoming locals make for a memorable trip.

The world's largest island will be covered with the most pristine layer of snow in March, making it a great time for a winter adventure. Skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and dog sledding are popular, so pack plenty of layers and explore the great outdoors.


Valencia | Spain

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Valencia

Valencia has thankfully almost fully recovered from the floods that devastated the region in October last year. It's safe to visit, major tourist attractions and services are open, and your visit would really help the region's economic recovery.

There's no better time to visit Valencia than March. It hosts the Fallas festival from 1st to 19th March every year, a spectacular pyrotechnic tradition. Street parties, bonfires and parades culminate in the traditional burning of giant, satirical wooden puppets. If that sounds like a lot to take in, you should probably go and see it for the full impact.

Fallas is a traditional celebration of the coming of spring. Historically the carpenters of the town constructed, and then burned, their own wooden creations. These days it attracts a million visitors to Valencia each year, was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016, and runs for almost three weeks from the start of March.

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Kyoto | Japan

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March is a special time in Japan, as it's when the sakura trees start to bloom. The legendary cherry blossom fills up parks and forests throughout spring, usually towards the end of the month. When and where the sakura will bloom varies by region and year, so to catch it you'll need to be both careful and a little bit lucky.

Timing is everything, and even with careful planning you can't guarantee the blossom will be out when you go. It lasts for about two months throughout the country, starting in the southern islands towards the end of March and ending in May at the north of Honshu, the northern island.

We recommend adding Kyoto to your Japan itinerary. One of the main buildings at the UNESCO-listed Nij? Castle reopened at the end of 2024 for the first time in 17 years, with structural work being done to improve its earthquake resilience. The Honmaru-goten Palace boasts original Edo period (1603-1867) paintings that were restored while it was closed, so you can admire them in their full former glory.

Our guide to Kyoto

Heading to Kyoto? Here's everything you need to know, from what to eat to the best things to do.

Kyoto Travel Guide

Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka was the top rising destination on the Good Trip Index for 2024, and March is possibly the best time to go. You'll miss the monsoons that hit much of the country from April, and get to enjoy the island in relatively mild weather.

And what to see once you're here? Everything. Sri Lanka is a cultural marvel, with eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites including clifftop fortresses and temples as well as extraordinary food and wildlife.

Our guide to Sri Lanka

With a tropical climate, miles of beaches and culture and history at every turn, Sri Lanka is a holidaymaker's dream destination.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Pitcairn Islands

View from Pawala Valley Ridge | Pitcairn Island

The sun is finally going to set on the British Empire for the first time in 200 years. That's because the UK is planning on handing over control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. There's some pushback to the deal from the US government, but if it goes ahead the sun will set 300 years ahead of schedule in the Pitcairn Islands on 21st March.

Halfway between New Zealand and South America, it's quite the trek to reach the isolated Pitcairn Islands. There's no airport so flying straight there is out of the question. Instead you'll need to first fly to Tahiti, and from there catch a flight and a taxi ferry to Mangareva. Then it's just a 32-hour voyage to Pitcairn on the Silver Supporter, a government-chartered freighter ship. It's not exactly a luxurious way to travel, but some cruise ships also pass through if you just fancy a whistlestop tour.

The long, arduous journey will be worth it to adventure travellers hoping to step foot on an untouched subtropical island that not many tourists can say they've visited. Expect pristine waters, rare and exotic flora, birds and marine life and warm hospitality from the handful of residents that live there.

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