The Best Places to Visit in March

March brings perfect weather with warm days and minimal rain to Cape Town, making it a fantastic time to visit. The Cape Winelands are celebrating the harvest season, meaning there will be plenty of wine festivals and events to attend. Take a hike (or two) on Table Mountain, or catch a whale-watching tour, as its the beginning of their whale watching season. Walk around the historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood, and check out the Bo-Kaap museum, housed in one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town. Stroll around the historic Company’s Garden, which was originally used to grow food for the men who worked on the Dutch East India Company’s ships. Do some shopping at the V&A Waterfront, the oldest working harbor in the southern hemisphere.

Where to Stay: Taj Cape Town

This historic luxury hotel in the heart of Cape Town was originally the South African Reserve Bank, and is within walking distance of popular tourist attractions like Bo-Kaap, Company's Gardens, and the V&A Waterfront. Both mountain and city facing rooms are available, many with floor to ceiling windows for spectacular vistas. There are on-site restaurants, an on-site spa, and a heated indoor pool.

If there is one thing Japan is known for it’s cherry blossoms, and in late March these gorgeous trees are blooming. While it’s not peak cherry blossom season, you should still be able to see them, without the crowds that April brings. The famous Philosopher's Path usually starts blooming around March 25, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly. You’ll also see fewer crowds at popular attractions like Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple and Nijo Castle.

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto offers traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury along the Kamogawa River. Conveniently located for major attractions, it offers traditional and modern Japanese tatami suites, free art tours, an on-site spa, pool, and several on-site restaurants featuring Japanese and other cuisines.

Catch the tail end of peak season in the Maldives, with slightly lower prices and the same gorgeous weather. You’ll have optimal diving and snorkeling conditions, with manta rays and whale sharks scattered in the water. Take a dolphin cruise, or go on a cultural tour to learn more about the Maldives and their people. Of course, you can simply lounge around in your overwater bungalow, or sit on the beach with a good book, too - no one will judge you for that!

Where to stay: Soneva Jani

Laze in your overwater villa featuring retractable roofs for stargazing at Soneva Jani. Located on Noonu Atoll, this resort is one of the lowest density resorts in the world, giving you the utmost privacy. Dine at one of the eight on-site restaurants, look at the turtles at the on-site turtle rehabilitation center, immerse yourself in culture with their Kudafari Island Experience, or simply relish in the luxury of it all.

Head to the pacific Coast of Costa Rica, which is in its dry season with consistent sunshine and warm temperatures, giving perfect conditions for surfing. Wildlife is typically easier to spot at this time of the year as well. Try your hand at zip-lining, or simply take a tour of the rainforest. You can spend your day hiking, repelling waterfalls, or enjoying a beach town like Tamarindo.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo offers a luxurious experience amid pristine nature. Several rooms have terraces with partial ocean views, there are three on-site restaurants, three pools, and an on-site golf course. There are several activities offered, including snorkeling, hiking and tennis.

Head to Morocco before the summer heat sets in, with temperatures in the seventies in March. Explore Jardin Majorelle, and poke around the medina and outdoor markets without dripping in sweat. The Atlas Mountains are still snow-capped, but accessible making for the perfect day trip. Check out Bahia Palace, or book a desert tour for a real immersive experience.

Where to stay: Royal Mansour

This palatial hotel is owned by the King of Morocco, and features private riads with rooftop terraces. There is a garden, pool, four restaurants, and an on-site spa.

While Amsterdam may seem a cold destination, the first tulips are starting to bloom in March, so head to Keukenhof Gardens to get a glimpse of spring. Since peak season hasn’t started yet, you’ll be able to navigate the tourist spots without having elbow your way through piles of tourists. Wander museums like Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, or the Moco Museum. It’s also a great time to take a canal cruise without the crowds.

Where to stay: Pulitzer Amsterdam

Set within 25 restored 17th-century canal houses, this hotel combines warmth with modern amenities. It’s centrally located and has an onsite restaurant and bar, garden lounge space, and fitness center.

Another spot that has pleasant temperatures before the summer heat sets in, Seville is perfect in March. The orange blossoms are abundant and fill the city with their sweet fragrance. It’s the ideal time to explore the Real Alcázar gardens, wander the María Luisa Park, and check out the Seville Cathedral.

Where to stay: Hotel Alfonso XIII

This historic luxury hotel has stunning Moorish architecture, and is centrally located for easy access to major attractions. It features a pool, on-site restaurant, and fitness center.

New Zealand is in their late summer, which means warm days and cool nights, perfect weather for exploring. The harvest season has started in Central Otago wine region, so you can see how the grapes are harvested during a wine tour. The weather is perfect for hiking, especially the Queenstown Hill Time walk, which, although long, gives panoramic views of the city.

Where to stay: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

Situated at the base of the Gondola, adjacent to Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel combines luxury with an intimate setting for your Queenstown stay. The gondola suites offer mountain views, and there is a daily canapé hour featuring local Central Otago wines.

It’s dry season in Vietnam, with comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the area. You can attend the Lantern Festival during the full moon, when electric lights are shut off and the streets are lit by lanterns. An Bang Beach is perfect this time of year for lazing around, and taking a swim, with temperatures typically in the 80s. You can treat yourself to a cooking class, or take a bamboo boat through the coconut forest.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai

The Four Seasons Resort Nam Hai combines beach access with proximity to the ancient town, giving you the best of both worlds during your Hoi An stay. Located on Ha My beach, there are 100 private villas, some with pools, and all with indoor/outdoor showers and soaking tubs. There is a three-tiered infinity pool facing the South China Sea, cooking classes, on-site dining options, and an on-site spa.