7 Trending Spring Destinations for March 2026: Where to Go Right Now

Spoiler: Portugal is still the best value in Europe, but Morocco is having a moment. Here's where to book for March before prices jump.

We're into March. If you haven't booked spring travel yet, you're officially in last-minute territory — but that doesn't mean you're out of options. I pulled data on trending searches, flight availability, and current pricing to identify 7 destinations that are still worth booking for March 2026.

The criteria: availability (can you actually get there), value (is pricing still reasonable), weather (is this actually a good time to go), and crowd levels (are you walking into chaos).

The Quick List

#1: Portugal — The Pre-Season Sweet Spot

Why March: It's the last month before Europe's tourism machine kicks into high gear. Lisbon and Porto have 60-65°F days, sunny skies, and hotel rates 40% lower than May. The azulejo tiles look better in clear spring light.

Current pricing: Round-trip flights from the East Coast are running $450-$650. Mid-range hotels in Lisbon: $90-$140/night. You can do a full week for under $1,800 per person — try that in June.

The catch: Beach towns (Algarve) are still too chilly for swimming. Stick to the cities.

Book it if: You want European culture without European summer prices or crowds.

#2: Morocco — The Shoulder Season Secret

Why March: Daytime temps in Marrakech hit 70°F — perfect for navigating the medina without the summer furnace. The Atlas Mountains still have snow-capped peaks for dramatic backdrops. Tourism hasn't peaked yet.

Current pricing: Flights to Casablanca or Marrakech from major hubs: $600-$850. Riads in the medina: $60-$120/night. Food is cheap and spectacular (tagines for $8, mint tea for $1).

The catch: Ramadan begins March 22 in 2026. Some restaurants close during daylight hours, but tourist areas stay operational. Research your dates.

Book it if: You want culture shock, incredible food, and Instagram-worthy scenery without the summer crowds.

#3: Japan — Early Cherry Blossom Window

Why March: Cherry blossom forecasts predict blooms hitting southern Japan by late March. Kyoto's plum blossoms are already out. It's the shoulder season before the sakura madness of April.

Current pricing: This is the catch. Flights to Japan are $900-$1,200 right now, and they're not dropping. Hotels in Kyoto start at $150/night and climb fast. This is a splurge destination.

The catch: Expensive. Also, late March is when domestic travelers start moving for hanami season — book trains and accommodations NOW.

Book it if: Japan is on your bucket list and you want to catch the beginning of cherry blossom season without April's peak crowds.

#4: Costa Rica — Dry Season Peak

Why March: It's the tail end of dry season on the Pacific coast. Wildlife is concentrated around shrinking water sources (easier to spot). Beach weather is guaranteed. The rainforest is still green from December rains.

Current pricing: Flights to San José: $350-$550 from most US cities. Mid-range eco-lodges: $120-$200/night. National parks are $15-$20 entry.

The catch: Popular. Manuel Antonio and Arenal will have crowds. Book accommodations with AC — March is hot (85-90°F).

Book it if: You want guaranteed sunshine, wildlife viewing, and don't mind sharing the trails with other travelers.

#5: New Orleans — Festival Season Without the Madness

Why March: Jazz Fest doesn't start until late April, but the festival energy is building. The weather is peak New Orleans: 65-75°F, low humidity, perfect for walking the French Quarter. Mardi Gras crowds are gone.

Current pricing: Flights: $200-$400 from most of the US. Boutique hotels in the French Quarter: $140-$200/night. Food costs whatever you want to spend — from $5 po'boys to $100 tasting menus.

The catch: It's still New Orleans. French Quarter nights get rowdy. Stay in the Garden District or Bywater for more peace.

Book it if: You want American culture, world-class music, and food that justifies its reputation.

#6: Jordan — Petra Without the Heat

Why March: Petra is miserable in summer (100°F+). In March, daytime temps hit 65-70°F — perfect for the 6-mile walk through the Siq and Treasury. Wadi Rum desert camping is comfortable at night (bring a jacket).

Current pricing: Flights to Amman: $700-$950. The Jordan Pass ($106) covers visa entry and Petra admission. Budget hotels: $60-$100/night. Petra entry alone without the pass: $70.

The catch: Jordan isn't cheap once you're there. Restaurants, guided tours, and transportation add up. This isn't a budget destination despite the reasonable flight costs.

Book it if: Petra is on your list and you want to experience it without heatstroke.

#7: Colombia — Caribbean Dry Season

Why March: Cartagena's wet season ends in February. March delivers 85°F days, low humidity, and zero rain. The walled city is walkable without sweating through your clothes. Easter (Semana Santa) starts April 2 in 2026 — you're just ahead of the domestic tourism surge.

Current pricing: Flights to Cartagena: $300-$500 from Miami, $450-$650 from elsewhere. Boutique hotels in Getsemaní: $80-$140/night. Street arepas: $2. Ceviche at a nice restaurant: $12.

The catch: Cartagena is touristy by design. The walled city can feel like a theme park. Venture to Getsemaní or the Rosario Islands for more authenticity.

Book it if: You want Caribbean beaches, colonial architecture, and Latin American energy without the passport complexity of Cuba.

The Verdict by Traveler Type

Best overall value: Portugal. Still the best deal in Western Europe.

Best for adventure: Jordan. Petra + Wadi Rum is a bucket-list combo at comfortable temps.

Best for culture: Morocco. The medinas, the food, the mountains — it's sensory overload in the best way.

Best for beaches: Colombia. Cartagena + Rosario Islands delivers Caribbean without the Caribbean price tag.

Best for families: Costa Rica. Wildlife, beaches, and adventure that works for all ages.

Best splurge: Japan. Worth the money if you can swing it, but it's a splurge.

Best weekend trip: New Orleans. Close to most of the US, maximum culture per hour.

The Booking Reality Check

March is borderline for booking. You're 2-4 weeks out for most of these destinations. Here's what's still available:

• Portugal, Colombia, New Orleans: Good availability, reasonable prices still possible
• Costa Rica, Morocco: Book now — the best eco-lodges and riads are filling
• Japan, Jordan: You're late. Expect higher prices and fewer options, but it's doable

Pro tip: Tuesday and Wednesday departures still show 15-25% savings over weekend flights.

My Pick

If you can only book one: Portugal. The value proposition is ridiculous right now — European culture, Atlantic scenery, incredible food, and prices that feel like Eastern Europe. Lisbon in March is what Barcelona was 15 years ago.

If you want something different: Morocco. The combination of Marrakech's chaos, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara (if you extend to Merzouga) is unmatched. March weather makes it actually enjoyable.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rankings are based on independent research and are not influenced by affiliate relationships.

Disagree? Drop your March pick in the comments — especially if you've checked pricing recently.