14 Best Cheap Places to Travel in March

Written by Anietra Hamper and Shandley McMurray
Updated Jan 3, 2022

There are few things quite as satisfying as scoring a great deal on a vacation, especially when that trip sends you somewhere awesome. As long as you time it right (March is the tail end of the high season in the tropics), there are plenty of savings to be had on holidays, ranging from sunshine-laden beach destinations to cosmopolitan city locales.

With all that money you save, you'll be able to splurge on a better hotel, finer restaurants, and private tours. While you'll want to avoid booking during America's Spring Break (usually mid-month), March is a fantastic time to travel to tropical, cultural, and winter destinations. To get the best rates, book well in advance and play around with your travel dates if you can.

For ideas on places to visit that are most likely to have off-peak pricing and decent weather at this time of year, see our list of the best cheap places to travel in March.

1. Tulum, Mexico

The seaside town of Tulum, Mexico on the Yucatan peninsula is a perfect vacation spot for March travel, especially for those looking for a luxury vacation on the cheap. December and January are the most popular tourist months for this hidden Mexican paradise. In March, hotel and airfare rates drop, so the luxury resorts that might be out of reach other times of the year are more affordable. The smaller hotels that are slightly cheaper other times of the year will also have discounted rates.

Tulum has a nice mix of things to do, and it is a fun alternative to other more populated Mexican beach destinations. Relaxing on the Playa Paraiso beach and listening to the Caribbean Sea is a top activity in Tulum. You can also plan excursions with fewer people to the Mayan ruins in the area; snorkeling in the underground caverns, called cenotes; and visiting the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Read More: Visiting Tulum: Attractions, Tips & Tours

2. Orlando, Florida

It is hard to escape the crowds in Orlando, Florida any time of the year, especially at Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, but if you are looking to save money on one-day passes to the park, airline rates, hotel rooms, and work in comfortable weather while dodging hurricane season, March offers nice vacation deals. Rates will just be dropping after the winter holiday season, when families overload Orlando between November and February.

This time of year in Orlando has the most comfortable weather, averaging temperatures in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, which is nice, especially for doing outdoor activities like visiting the theme parks. Lower rates mean you can add an extra day or two to your vacation to visit Sea World Orlando and the Mall at Millenia. If you have time for the 45-minute drive from Orlando, it is worth squeezing in the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex while you are in the region.

Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Orlando

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Orlando

3. Montego Bay, Jamaica

While March is still technically the high season in Montego Bay, you're bound to find a great deal when traveling during the spring, especially if you avoid the Easter holidays. One of the cheapest cities in Jamaica, this tourist hot spot is a haven for cruise ships and tourists looking for a steal.

The weather at this time of year is ideal for lounging beachside while sipping coconut water. March visitors will also experience highs in the upper-70s to mid-80s and enough sun to make them thankful for the refreshing turquoise water.

Spend your time frolicking on the sand, doing cannonballs in the hotel pool, hiking through the countryside, or checking out the action in MoBay's bustling downtown.

Accommodation: Best Hotels in Montego Bay

4. San Antonio, Texas

Strolling along the San Antonio River Walk in Texas is even more exciting when you know you are saving money on your lodging and airfare in March. Really any time between November and April you will find cheaper rates on travel to the city. The bonus for visiting San Antonio in March is the comfortable weather, which averages in the mid 70s. San Antonio is a popular destination for in-state tourists, so summertime has the most crowds, higher Texas temperatures, humidity, and peak-season rates.

March is a great time to visit the popular Alamo and other historical sites like the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the San Fernando Cathedral. There are many non-historical places to visit, too, like the popular San Antonio Zoo, Sea World San Antonio, Six Flags amusement park, or take a leisurely sightseeing tour on the water along the three-mile River Walk.

Read More: Top-Rated Places to Visit in San Antonio

5. Montreal, Canada

Take advantage of the hotel vacancies that are in abundance in March in Montreal and plan a cheap getaway in one of the most enjoyable cities in Canada. You can get discounted hotel rates and airfare to Montreal this time of year, plus you can easily find last-minute bargains, whereas you will have to book well in advance for summer travel. March is a great time to enjoy some of the top attractions like the Montreal Observation Wheel, which will have shorter lines, or none at all.

While March temperatures in Montreal only hit about 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the walkable downtown makes it easy to duck in and out of stores and restaurants to get warm. There is also the heated Underground City Mall and walkways to other parts of downtown, so you never really have to be outside very long. There are many great things to see in Montreal that stay open even in cooler months, so you can walk to the shops in Old Montreal, trek up to the Parc du Mont-Royal, go inside the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, and visit the featured exhibits at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Montreal: Best Areas & Hotels

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Montreal

6. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Saona Island in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

If visiting a soft, white sandy beach tops your list of March vacation requirements, you must visit Punta Cana. This idyllic Dominican Republic wonderland is home to over 30 miles of glorious beaches. In March, you can enjoy them without the stress of monitoring your bank account.

With temperatures in the high 80s, it's easy to bask in the sun or play in the turquoise waves all day in Punta Cana. Hop on a horse for a romantic ride you'll never forget, play a round of golf, or take in the 16^th-century Italian ruins at Altos de Chavón.

While March is still technically high season in the Dominican Republic, travelers can expect good deals at this time, and knowing that the DR is a pretty cheap destination year-round, a trip to Punta Cana in March won't break the bank.

Accommodations: Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Punta Cana

7. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

The Canary Islands is the beach destination of choice for Europeans looking for a temperate year-round climate. It boasts two high seasons: summer and winter, so visiting in March means you'll be looking at fewer crowds, better rates on hotels, and cheaper flights.

Well situated just off the southwest coast of Morocco, this group of isles boasts comfy temperatures at all times, with the highs reaching the mid-70s in March. There's also less rain in spring, which makes hiking and beachin' popular activities, especially in the north of Tenerife.

At the largest (and cheapest) of the Canary Islands, you'll find a ton of fun things to do with the extra cash you banked. Don't miss the island's main attraction: Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts the world's third highest volcano.

8. Cartagena, Colombia

You'll want to pack a swimsuit when you visit Cartagena in March because it will be both hot (high 80s) and humid. With little rain, this is a great month to practice your front crawl in the resort's swimming pool; wander the narrow streets of the walled city; or enjoy a tasty meal al fresco in the historic city center.

Many of the restaurants are incredibly popular during the high season, so dining out during March means you may be able to get away without making a reservation.

Since March trails the high season, you can expect to snag a deal on everything from airfare to accommodations to food. Always wanted to stay in an opulent luxury hotel? March offers the chance to do so without breaking the bank!

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cartagena, Columbia: Best Areas & Hotels

9. Rome, Italy

Since there is so much to see and do in Rome, planning your trip when the rates are most affordable makes sense, and March is one of the best months to find those deals. Once the summer crowds hit, the hotel and airfare rates will rise, along with Rome's heat and humidity. With average temperatures close to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in March, you can walk Italy's capital city comfortably, but the lows drop to the mid 30s, so you'll want to pack layers.

Rome is one of those destinations that you can hardly fit into a week, so getting the great rates in March will enable you to stretch your dollar for a longer vacation stay.

Without the major summer crowds to contend with, you can more easily get onto the most popular tours to the Pantheon, Colosseum, and the Vatican. For time on your own, you can stroll the Porta Portese Sunday morning flea market for antiques and souvenirs, or toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, a 1700s masterpiece and one of the must-sees while in Rome.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rome

10. Cancún, Mexico

Like Tulum, nearby Cancún is a cheap and cheerful Mexican destination more than worthy of a March visit. It's a popular time to travel to this happening spot. Multiple flights are offered daily, which means you'll be able to grab a great price. Yes, you'll be there with many others, but the money you save on flights can go towards renting a private cabana by the pool.

As for a place to stay, Cancún is packed with fantastic options to suit any budget. While you may not score major savings on a luxury five-star resort at this time of year, you can always take advantage of the cheaper, budget-friendly options. Plus, the bevy of all-inclusive resorts will help keep your pocketbook in the black.

While you're there, spend your days visiting Cancun's best beaches, check out the Mayan Ruins at Chichén Itzà, or strap on some gear and snorkel or scuba the Cancún National Marine Park.

11. Lisbon, Portugal

The low early-spring rates in Lisbon make March a cheaper time to visit Portugal's capital city. The weather is warm, averaging 63 degrees Fahrenheit, so walking the city and even hitting the beach (while wearing a sweater) is possible without all the tourists who visit in the high-season. Lisbon is not as popular as other European destinations, so that is another reason you are likely to find discounts for your overall vacation budget.

The relaxed nature of Lisbon makes it nice to just hang out at a local café for fresh-made pastries and coffee, or find a guitarist strumming ancient lullabies on a street plaza. With its comfortable climate and dwindling rain (in comparison to winter months), March weather makes it easy to walk the historical neighborhoods of Lisbon to admire it's colonial architecture.

Get the best views of the city from the Tram 28, which takes you through Lisbon's best neighborhoods, including The Alfama, Lisbon's Old Quarter, with its steep hills and panoramic views of the city. Sign up for a 90-minute HIPPOtrip amphibious tour for a fun and animated excursion around Lisbon's best sites on land and water.

12. Vancouver, Canada

Visiting Vancouver in March is a great bargain, especially for winter sports enthusiasts who want to get in a few last runs on the slopes. Hotel rates this time of year are rock bottom, so it is possible to make Vancouver your home base and get in some skiing and snowboarding on Grouse Mountain or plan a day trip to the slopes in Whistler, located 75 miles north.

Vancouver is an outdoor lover's destination, not just for those who love the snow. The benefit of visiting in March, besides the deep discounts in rates, is that temperatures average 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can get out and enjoy Vancouver's Stanley Park or Queen Elizabeth Park. With the magnificent Grouse Mountain overlooking the city, you can ski one of the 33 slopes or hit the two-mile Grouse Grind trail with more than 2,800 stairs.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Vancouver

13. Bariloche, Argentina

For a cheap South American spring getaway, you cannot beat Bariloche, Argentina in March. This is the shoulder season in the region, so hotel rates will be at a low point compared to the more popular travel season in the summer and winter. This is a great location to book as a side visit to Buenos Aires, or make this your home base and plan your trip the other way around to take advantage of the deep discounts. You can take a two-hour plane ride between the cities.

There are lots of outdoor experiences in Bariloche, from kayaking and mountain biking to hiking and skiing. The Nahuel Huapi National Park is a must-see during your visit. An excursion to Circuito Chico panoramic lookout or a kayak trip are other nice ways to experience the region. In the mid and low seasons, which include March, you can negotiate rates for excursion tickets to save you even more on your trip.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Argentina

14. Tokyo, Japan

Skip the peak summer tourist season in Tokyo, Japan and save money while soaking in the stunning cherry blossoms in spring. March is one of the most affordable times to visit Tokyo before the hotel rates and humidity start to go up after April. This time of year, you will not have to worry about the long lines at attractions and packed subway trains, although Tokyo is a naturally crowded city of 13 million on any given day, even without the tourists.

When you visit Tokyo, be prepared to encounter a city that is constantly alive (day and night) with an eclectic mix of futuristic technology all around and stunning gardens. You will enjoy learning about Japan's history at the Tokyo National Museum, the local temples, Imperial Palace, and the major shopping and entertainment areas like Odaiba on Tokyo Bay.