Where to go in March 2015: The Best March Travel Experiences
Which ones will you add to your Bucket List?
For all other months, go here: The Best Travel Experiences
The ultimate travel inspiration list for independent and adventure travel, including: the best outdoor treks, adrenaline list, cultural experiences, animal encounters, JUST PLAIN CRAZY and more…
March ushers in Spring across the northern hemisphere, spawning dozens of festivals across the globe. While Norway is celebrating the first sunrise in months, North Africa and the Middle East are enjoying some of the best temperatures of the season. Many of the world’s birds are migrating at this time and descend upon key places around the globe to rest.
March is ideal for a vacation to India. Wedding season is in full force and the celebration of Holi ushers in all kinds of colorful madness. The weather is still pleasant across much of the country before the punishing heat and humidity of the Summer.
You can find links to some of the best travel blogs, experts who have been there and official information sites to make your research easier. This is an evolving list and I am always looking for fresh and exciting experiences to add, so let me know any amazing things you’ve heard about and your favorites so I can make sure they stay on the list.
New: The Best Travel Experiences 2015 Which is your favorite? http://t.co/mgtYn66w5Q #travel #bucketlist #ttot #lp pic.twitter.com/usQNLadzK6
— Travel Experiences (@thebestintravel) February 20, 2015
Just Plain Crazy March Experiences (Don’t Try This at Home)
Palau – Dive an Airplane Wreck:
The ghosts of World War II haunt the depths of the South Pacific creating some of the most unusual wreck dives on the planet. Palau hosts a “Palau Wreck Week” celebration every March.
El Totumo, Colombia – Lounge in the Mud Volcano:
Slither and bob in this bottomless mud volcano that local priests say was converted from lava and fire with holy water.. Whatever the reason, the bubbling mud pool at the top is one of the most unique places to take a dip. The Mud Volcano
Iceland – Go on the Hunt for the Ghost Plane:
Hunt down the twisted wreckage of the famous ghost plane that crash landed on Iceland’s black sand beach. The Expert Vagabond shows you how with instructions on How to find the Airplane Crash in Iceland
India – Crash an Indian Wedding:
Indian weddings are the most spectacular in the world with up to 10 days of festivities involving the whole town. Guests of all kinds are generally welcome, and you’re likely to have a few dozen new best friends and more than a few marriage proposals by the end of it.
Iraq – Vacation in Iraq:
This building of unspeakable horrors during the reign of Saddam Hussein now hosts a colorful display of Kurdish culture. Kurdistan is a semi-autonomous region of Iraq that tend to be much more stable. An outstanding time to visit is during the Kurdish New Day celebration, held in March. Shane from The Travel Camel sizes up the Vacation options in Iraq
Where to Go in March for Outdoor Adventure
Yunnan, China – Get Lost in the Shilin Stone Forest:
Meander on stone walkways chiseled through an ancient karst forest reaching ten stories tall. Many visitors have gotten lost in this endless labyrinth. Tips on Visiting the Shilin Stone Forest
Vaadhoo Island, Maldives – Watch the Beach Glow Blue:
Watch your footsteps in the sand glow blue as billions of bioluminescent bacteria light up the tropical beaches of this island nation. The special bioluminescent bacteria in the water glows blue when the ocean water is disturbed. On windy nights, entire beaches can be covered in this eerie blue glow.
Iceland – Find the Iridescent Ice Caves:
Explore the iridescent ice caves carved from geothermal activity deep within the glaciers of Iceland. It is safest in the winter months. Moyen Brenn shows you how to find them in this comprehensive guide: How to Find an Ice Cave
Socotra, Yemen – Visit the Alien Island:
This isolated island off the coast of Yemen is said to be “the most alien place on the planet.” Bizarre life forms meet you at every turn. March is generally considered the best month to visit with the clearest ocean visibility while the plants are still green. Visiting Yemen
Where to Go in March for the Best Cultural Experiences
Petra, Jordan – Live with Bedouins:
Experience the warmth of traditional Bedouin culture by staying with nomadic locals in the deserts of Wadi Rum. These nomadic people still live deep in the desert near Wadi Rum. The isolation and true Arabian hospitality makes this one of the most unique experiences. Live with Bedouins in Jordan
Trinidad, Cuba – Road Trip in a 1960’s Car:
Road trip Cuba in a vintage American car and witness authentic culture lost to progress for generations when economic development in Cuba came to a standstill with the Cold War in the 1960’s. See crumbling Havana and lounges frequented by Frank Sinatra then set out across the island to see experience true Cuban culture. Trinidad is Cuba’s colonial jewel and one of the best cities to visit. Visiting Trinidad, Cuba
Sri Lanka – Visit the traditional Stick Fishermen:
Sri Lankan fishermen balance precariously on stilts over the crashing waves as the sun sets on their traditional practices.
Mumbai, India – Bollywood:
See the brash, chaotic and glitzy atmosphere that makes Mumbai one of a kind. March is a dry and cool time to go.
Giza, Egypt – Great Pyramids:
The sole surviving of the wonder of the ancient world, the great pyramids defy the imagination. And with palaces and temples strewn down the Nile, you can experience ancient history at its best. March has ideal weather.
New Delhi, India – India’s Temple Culture:
India bristles with a mind-boggling array of temples that range from the grandeur of the Taj Mahal to a temple of rats to a futuristic Lotus Temple. March is a dry month before the scorching summer heat.
Where to Go in March for the Best Spring Festivals
Delhi, India – Get Covered in Color: (March 6, 2015)
You’re gonna get messy! This riotous explosion of color is the most celebrated religious festival in India. Celebrations in Delhi tend to be more rowdy than others with virtually nobody escaping the barrage of color.
Kawasaki, Japan-Festival of the Steel Penis (Kanamara Matsuri):
Originally started by local prostitutes praying for protection from STDs has turned into a full-on penis parade complete with a cast iron vagina that parade goers can rub for good luck
Kyoto, Japan – Cherry Blossom Festival: (March 20-April 12, 2015)
Honoring the fleeting beauty of life amid the cycle of nature, the cherry blossoms burst to life simultaneously for a festival that optimizes living “in the moment” The sister festival in Tokyo is rife with spiritual meaning and spectacular night displays. The festival in Kyoto runs from March 25-April 1, 2015. A living gift to the USA from the people of Japan, streets and parks of Washington DC burst with pink blossoms starting at the end of March.
Austin, Texas, USA – South by Southwest (SXSW): (March 13-22, 2015)
Take in one of the most iconic festivals for the newest trends in film, media and music in the self-proclaimed, “live music Capitol of the world.” Locals strive to keep Austin weird and you’ll see it in everything they do.
Todai-ji Nara, Japan – Omizutori: (March 1-March 14, 2015)
This sacred water-drawing festival ushers in Spring. Antiaging waters are pulled from the well at 2 AM, afterwhich Spring begins.
Where to go in March: The March Adrenaline List
Dubai/ Saudi Arabia – Empty Quarter Survival:
The ultimate survival challenge across the most desolate place on earth. Learn from Native Bedu, who adapted to thrive in the harshest environment on the planet. Don’t forget to bring a falcon trained to catch your Supper. The falcon souq in Doha is a great place to get one
Guyana – Jungle Survival Course:
A favorite destination for serious reality show survival training, this course is led by ex-special forces trainers and indigenous experts. You learn how to survive deep in the Amazon rainforest including the mind-blowing array of plants with special uses. Courses include an actual isolated survival period in the rainforest to test your new skills.
Miami, Florida, USA – Everglades Expedition:
This swampy wilderness area is teaming with enormous alligators and snakes that eat them for breakfast, but with the right guide, you can explore this area on foot and by airboats. Go early in the year before Florida gets incredibly sticky.
Merida, Venezuela – Extreme Sports:
Tucked into the mountains of Venezuela, Merida is the premier travel destination in Venezuela for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers.
Where to Go in March for the Best Parties
Goa, India – Full Moon Party: (March 5, 2015)
Once a quiet Beach town of hippy travelers, the full moon parties in Goa have become a staple of the backpacker circuit in India. Party all night with people of all kinds who have tossed all innovations aside.
Norway – Sunfest Week:
After months of pure darkness, can you imagine how excited you would be to climb out of your igloo and see the sunrise for the first time? This week-long party celebrates the end of the winter darkness.
Dublin, Ireland – St Patricks Day:
The ultimate celebration of what the Irish do better than anyone, drink beer. Pubs are packed and drinking songs last until the wee hours. Big festivals also occur in Boston and Chicago, the landing place of many Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine of the early 1900s.
Las Fallas, Spain- Europe’s Largest Street Party:
An endless stew of music fire gunpowder and indulgence
Where to Go in March for the Best Animal Encounters
Galapagos, Ecuador – Cruise Galapagos Islands:
Animals have no fear of humans in Charles Darwin’s living laboratory. March brings nesting turtles and sea lion pups to the warm seas of the Galapagos Think you need to mortgage your first home? Think again. How Helen Made Galapagos Affordable
Honduras, La Mosquita Park:
One of the most natural and wild parks in Central America, La Mosquita sprawls across the Caribbean coast of Honduras. March is when many migrating birds are present.
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo – The Strange Creatures of Borneo:
The region of Sabah is home to some of the oddest creatures on the planet, including miniature elephants, orangutans, and the goofy-looking proboscis monkey, who’s pot belly is due to its natural diet which gives this animal explosive gas.
Sri Lanka- Yala National Park:
This premier park in Sri Lanka comes alive in March providing the best opportunities to see leopards and elephants.
Platte River, Nebraska, USA – Sandhill Crane Migration:
In one of the most spectacular migrations, 80% of the world’s 500,000 Sandhill Cranes roost along the Platte River in Nebraska in March.
Israel – Bird Migrations:
In March and April, the landscape of Israel is transformed as Hundreds of millions of birds will pass through this country, including the white stork.
Where to Go in March for the Most Epic Competitions
Chatel, France – The Razorsnowbike:
The most daring and senseless mountain bikers on the planet hurl themselves down trails of snow and solid ice.
Alaska – Iditarod Trail:
Teams push the limits of endurance across 1000 miles of Alaskan wilderness in what is called “The last great race on earth. note: due to dangerous snow conditions, the 2015 race course has been pushed north. Sign up here
Southern Morocco – Marathon des Sables:
the toughest foot race on earth, 6-day ultra marathon through the punishing heat of the Sahara. Sign up here
Which is your favorite? Any Experiences to Add?
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The myWanderlist Best Travel Experiences for Other Months
- Best January Travel Experiences
- Best February Travel Experiences
- Best March Travel Experiences
- Best April Travel Experiences
- Best May Travel Experiences
- Best June Travel Experiences
- Best July Travel Experiences
- Best August Travel Experiences
- Best September Travel Experiences
- Best October Travel Experiences
- Best November Travel Experiences
- Best December Travel Experiences
Want to read my best travel stories? Here are some good ones:
- Madain Saleh Saudi Arabia: Hitchhiking to Petra’s twin city
- Dancing with Corpses: Famadihana- Turning of the Bones in Madagascar: The hidden meaning behind one of the most bizarre ceremonies will surprise you
- The Secret Lives of Sea Gypsies: My personal experience living with the world’s best divers on the fringes of civilization
- Volcano Boarding Nicaragua: The extreme sport for the slightly insane?
- Bagan Temples: Little-known Temples, hidden passageways and secret keys to Photographing the Sunrise at Bagan blissfully devoid of tourists
at 11:55 pm
I can’t choose all of these places? If it’s a bucket list, then I’m going to need a giant bucket or a wheelbarrow, or maybe a tanker truck because I hadn’t even heard of most of these, and now my wanderer’s heart is jumping in joy at a chance to discover more of our beautiful world.
at 3:12 am
swimming with dolphins in Honduras! Amazing pictures btw!
I would also highly recommend diving the Thistlegorm in Egypt. Cool second world war dive site
at 7:56 am
nice post! I like new travel ideas and inspirations!
at 11:20 am
Amazing place everywhere… hope i can go to all that place…
btw, i’m from Pontianak, fyi, there is a moment when the sun stand right above the earth that called as Culmination, it is happen in march 21st-23rd…
at 12:14 pm
Wow these are many places to go! We will try, but not all this March. 🙂 Our next stop will be Myanmar!
newsfromNOMADS recently posted…Animals worth a trip
at 9:50 pm
Burma is awesome! One of those surreal places that makes you look at everything from a whole new perspective. Where are you planning on going in Burma?
at 8:44 pm
Great list as usual Brad. Was in Indonesia in March last year, and am currently trying to figure out where the hell to go after Amsterdam for this March. So many choices out there it will have to be a last minute decision (as most things are with me)!
Jonny Duncan recently posted…How To Travel Scandinavia Cheaply
at 1:01 am
Thanks, Jonny. I’ll be bouncing around Europe in a month. Any crazy ideas? I love your stuff. You always find some of the most unusual things to do!
at 1:41 am
Hmmm. Well I must admit that I tend to get softer in Europe as it’s easier travelling 🙂 But I am not much of a Europe expert. I know the cities well and have been hiking in some places, but there is loads here I still have to discover myself. Head up to Iceland, not really Europe, but some great stuff to see and do.
Jonny Duncan recently posted…How To Travel Scandinavia Cheaply
at 9:41 am
I’d absolutely love to dive an plane wreck! I’ve done a couple of shipwrecks, which was interesting enough, but an underwater plane would be fascinating!
Arianwen recently posted…A New One for the Bucket List: Swim With Manatees in Belize
at 1:04 am
I did one in the Togean Islands. That one is pretty murky, so it does feel like you’re finding it for the first time. It’s a really bizarre feeling.
at 9:19 am
Awesome list! So glad I found this site today for inspiration.
Erin recently posted…Photo Friday: Santa Croce, Firenze
at 1:05 am
Thanks, Erin. Please let me know any ideas. I’m always looking for great new stuff to add.
at 7:45 am
Great list- I’d absolutely love to visit Palau in any way, let alone wreck diving. Sounds incredible!
Katie Featherstone recently posted…Friday Fix: Angkor Thom, Cambodia
at 4:15 pm
Fab list! I should be going to the Galapagos and the mud volcano this march. Socotra Yemen, is one of my ultimate dreams, any moth of the year 😀
Sarah recently posted…Desert Oasis of your Dreams: Garmeh, Iran
at 1:08 am
I’ve tried to do Socotra a couple times, just couldn’t coordinate the timing with the flights. Galapagos is on so many dream lists, it’s too bad that people think they can’t afford it until retirement.
at 4:23 am
Great article and loved your writting skills. This year i have planned to go Spain.
Thanx for sharing the article.
Rana Singh recently posted…Third project from ONYX Hospitality Group breaks ground in Sri Lanka Introducing Amari Galle
Twitter: the_HoliDaze
at 6:49 am
I love scuba diving and even though I’m not yet certified for wreck diving, I *definitely* want to go check out that airplane wreck in Palau. Of course I also love living with locals and have done it in quite a few countries, so getting a chance to live with Bedouins would be pretty gnarly too.
So far I’ve experienced three of the things on this list: both Yala and La Mosquita parks, and more SXSWs than I can count hahaha. Have also been fishing with locals in Sri Lanka but not stick fishing…guess I’ve got to go back 😉
Derek Freal recently posted…Breathtaking Underwater Photos From Tioman Island, Malaysia