If you’re itching to escape the winter blues without emptying your wallet, March is one of the best times to plan an affordable getaway. Spring hasn’t yet kicked off peak prices, and many destinations around the world are still in their low or shoulder seasons. That means fewer crowds, better deals, and experiences that feel more authentic and less rushed.
You’ve likely been bombarded with summer travel promotions, but what most travelers miss is that March offers the perfect mix of favorable weather, lower airfare, and open availability. Whether you want sun-drenched beaches, culture-rich cities, or outdoor adventures, you’ll find budget-friendly options on almost every continent.
This guide walks you through hand-picked destinations where your money goes further in March. You’ll discover cheap flights, affordable accommodations, and activities that feel anything but second-rate.
Why Travel in March Is Ideal for Budget-Friendly Adventures
March is part of the shoulder season in many parts of the world. It sits neatly between the high-cost holiday period and the spring or summer peak travel months. That timing plays heavily in your favor.
Airfare tends to drop in early March, especially after school breaks end. Hotels, too, offer mid-season discounts in anticipation of the upcoming surge. The weather in many destinations becomes increasingly pleasant, especially in southern Europe, Southeast Asia, and parts of Latin America, without the high-season price tag.
Most importantly, destinations aren’t yet crowded. You’ll have a better chance of enjoying popular landmarks without queues, beaches without umbrellas packed wall to wall, and local interactions that don’t feel rushed.
What Are the Best International Budget Destinations in March?
Mexico: Affordable Beaches and Colonial Cities
Mexico is an excellent March destination for both budget and diversity. Temperatures are warm but not scorching, and prices are still lower than what you’ll see in April or Easter break.
Cities like Oaxaca and Merida offer budget accommodations, rich culture, and street food that rarely costs more than a few dollars. You’ll find museums, historic markets, and plazas buzzing with activity at no cost. For a beach break, Puerto Escondido offers laid-back surf culture, cheap bungalows, and scenic coastlines far removed from the high prices of Cancun or Tulum.
Domestic flights within Mexico are also inexpensive, especially with carriers like Volaris or Viva Aerobus.
Portugal: Low Prices Before Tourist Rush
Portugal hits a sweet spot in March. The country is warming up, especially in the south, but hasn’t yet hit the tourist saturation of late spring or summer.
Lisbon and Porto both deliver high value. You’ll find budget hostels, local eateries serving traditional dishes for under 10 euro, and plenty of public spaces with free events. Transit systems are cheap and efficient. If you want beach and nature, the Algarve coast is quieter in March and offers discounted stays in towns like Lagos or Faro.
The euro exchange rate remains favorable for many international travelers, especially North Americans.
Morocco: Spring Comfort Without Crowds
March is arguably the best time to visit Morocco. The weather is comfortable across most regions, especially Marrakech, Chefchaouen, and the Atlas Mountains.
Budget riads (traditional guesthouses) can be booked for under $30 per night, and local meals, tagines, couscous, mint tea, are both delicious and affordable. Flights from Europe are inexpensive, especially with budget carriers. Internal buses and trains are reliable and cost-effective for longer journeys.
March allows you to explore both the desert and the mountains without the extreme heat or freezing cold.
Vietnam: March Deals in Central and Northern Regions
Vietnam stretches over 1,000 miles from north to south, and March is one of the few months where the weather is cooperative across most of the country.
Hanoi, Hue, and Hoi An offer excellent value. You’ll find clean guesthouses for under $20 per night, meals for less than $3, and unforgettable experiences like scooter tours, night markets, and riverboat rides.
Vietnam remains one of the most cost-efficient countries for long-haul travelers, and in March, you avoid the Tet holiday crowds while still enjoying comfortable temperatures.
Which U.S. Destinations Are Budget-Friendly in March?
New Orleans: Post-Mardi Gras Value
If you time it right, visiting New Orleans in March, just after Mardi Gras, means you’ll enjoy the city’s unique energy without peak prices.
Hotel rates drop significantly, and the city is still buzzing with parades, live music, and free public events. Wander the French Quarter, stroll along the Mississippi, and sample po’ boys and beignets without spending a fortune.
Public transit is affordable and walkability is high, which helps trim your transportation costs.
Tucson, Arizona: Desert Sun on a Budget
Tucson in March offers sunshine, desert blooms, and outdoor activities at a fraction of what you’d pay in more hyped desert cities.
Hiking trails, national parks, and botanical gardens are at their most scenic in early spring. Accommodations are generally cheaper than in Phoenix or Sedona, and you’ll find free festivals, farmers markets, and cheap eats across the city.
Savannah, Georgia: Spring Blooms Without Peak Prices
March is azalea season in Savannah, and the city becomes a pastel dream of spring colors. Accommodations are still reasonably priced, especially outside St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and the entire city center is walkable.
Historic charm, budget B&Bs, local seafood, and scenic parks like Forsyth make this a romantic and affordable spring destination.
San Antonio, Texas: Budget History and Culture
San Antonio is often overlooked, but it’s ideal in March. The weather is mild, and you can walk along the River Walk, explore historic missions, and enjoy street-level culture without spending more than you would on a weekend at home.
Dining and lodging are among the most affordable in major U.S. cities, and free attractions like the Alamo add cultural depth to the trip.
What European Cities Are Cheap Yet Enjoyable in March?
March is one of the cheapest times to fly to and stay in Europe. You beat the Easter crowds and get to see spring slowly wake up across the continent.
Cities like Krakow, Budapest, and Athens are excellent. They offer:
- Clean, budget hostels and hotels under 40 euro
- Free or low-cost attractions like castles, thermal baths, and museums
- Affordable food: street vendors and bakeries offer full meals under €8
Seville in Spain is another standout. The orange blossoms start blooming in March, and you can explore historic quarters and tapas bars with fewer tourists in sight.
Where Can You Find Warm Weather on a Budget in March?
You’ll need to head closer to the equator or into the Southern Hemisphere for guaranteed warmth in March. Some of the best affordable warm-weather options include:
- Canary Islands (Spain): Spring weather with consistent temperatures around 22°C and low-cost flights from Europe
- Thailand: Particularly places like Chiang Mai and Krabi, with March being dry and affordable
- Florida Panhandle: Cheaper than Miami, with mild warmth and accessible beaches
- Philippines: Ideal weather for island hopping, and prices remain modest outside tourist hot spots
Many of these destinations offer lower lodging prices and easy access to beaches, hiking, and markets, all budget-friendly ways to spend your days.
How to Find Cheap Flights and Accommodation for March Trips
To get the best flight deals for March:
- Book 6 to 8 weeks in advance for domestic travel
- Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner
- Search in incognito mode to avoid fare tracking
- Be flexible with your departure dates, midweek flights are often cheaper
For accommodation:
- Use Booking.com, Hostelworld, or Airbnb to filter by lowest price and verified reviews
- Consider off-center neighborhoods where lodging is cheaper but transit is still accessible
- Look for bundle deals through airline and hotel sites
March often has last-minute deals, especially in cities that aren’t yet seeing high tourist numbers.
What Are Smart Tips for Budget Travel in March?
- Pack layers: Weather can be unpredictable, especially in Europe and North America.
- Avoid major holidays: Check local calendars to skip events that spike prices.
- Travel midweek: Both flights and hotel rates are lower on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Use public transit: Skip rental cars unless necessary, city passes often include unlimited rides.
- Buy experiences directly: Avoid hotel-marked-up excursions. Use local vendors or apps like GetYourGuide.
The key to budget travel in March is balance. You can enjoy warmth, culture, and adventure if you’re flexible with your location and timing.
Final Thoughts
March is one of the most underrated months for travel. It lets you stretch your budget, enjoy emerging spring weather, and avoid the noise of peak tourist seasons. Whether you’re wandering Lisbon’s cobbled alleys, watching sunsets in Oaxaca, or hiking desert trails in Arizona, March gives you space, to breathe, to explore, and to travel without financial stress.
You don’t have to wait for summer to escape. March is your window. Take it.
FAQ
Is March a cheap month to travel?
Yes, March is a shoulder season in many places, offering lower prices and fewer crowds.
Where is warm and cheap to travel in March?
Good options include Mexico, Morocco, Thailand, and the Canary Islands.
What U.S. destinations are affordable in March?
New Orleans, Tucson, San Antonio, and Savannah are budget-friendly in March.
Which European cities are cheap in March?
Budapest, Krakow, Athens, and Seville offer low prices and mild weather.
How can I find cheap March flights?
Book 6–8 weeks early, fly midweek, and use tools like Skyscanner or Hopper.
Are there warm beaches to visit in March on a budget?
Yes, try Puerto Escondido, Algarve, or the Florida Panhandle for affordable warmth.
Is it better to travel early or late in March?
Early March often has lower prices before spring break starts.