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With spring on the horizon, it’s a smart time to begin planning a getaway. Not only will you have the opportunity to use your paid time off from work or maximize your break from school, but also, you can celebrate making it through the bulk of the winter months and post-holiday madness. For travel inspiration, keep reading to discover the best places to visit in March, whether you’re flying solo, traveling with kids in tow, or looking for a romantic escape far away from the daily grind.
Copenhagen, Denmark
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Touted as the happiest city in the world, Copenhagen is known for its bike culture; boutiques, restaurants, and bars that flank winding canals; and robust community spirit. This capital city, which was once the home of children’s book writer, Hans Christian Anderson, is the cultural and economic hub of Denmark, so there are plenty of things to do for sightseers of all ages. Visit the Little Mermaid statue, see the chocolate-box houses in the Nyhavn district, and enjoy a social canal tour with Hey Captain. Be sure to try the smørrebrød, an open-faced sandwich on rye with rich toppings.
Book a stay at Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Villa Copenhagen for easy access to all that the City of Spires has to offer; it’s situated directly across from the train station and Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world and the inspiration for Walt Disney’s design of Disneyland. Plus, Villa Copenhagen has plenty of drinking and dining options like Courtyard Bar, Kontrast, T37, Villa Breakfast, and RUG Bakery. Bonus: Sweat in the sauna and then take a dip in the sustainably heated rooftop pool.
Chicago, Illinois
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The Windy City’s streets and taverns fill with celebratory revelers in the month of March. Cultural events happen throughout downtown, seemingly on every corner. Drawing visitors from around the globe, Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the biggest and brightest happenings of the year with its multi-hued floats, Irish step dancers, marching bands, and bagpipers. Taking place on Saturday, March 11, the theme for 2023 is “Recognizing Workers Rights.”
Magic also occurs during this month in the Chicago River, between State Street and Columbus Drive, when the water is dyed emerald green. The Chicago Plumbers Union has been changing the color of the river for St. Patrick’s Day, with their secret environmentally-friendly formula, since 1962.
For the best views, and easy on-foot access to the parade as well as the river dyeing along the Chicago Riverwalk, book a River View room at Swissotel Chicago.
Paris, France
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Live out your “Emily in Paris” dreams with a visit to the City of Light. Spend time people-watching in cafés, purchasing macarons in bakeries, sipping cocktails, and popping by some of the set locations from the hit show. You can see Emily’s apartment, Gabriel’s restaurant (Terra Nera), several cafés (Café de Flore and La Maison Rose), parks (Place de Vosges), and attractions (Palais Garnier opera house) visited by the cast and crew.
While you’re at it, be sure to visit top museums like the Picasso Museum, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Petit Palais, and Centre Pompidou. See also The World of Banksy exhibit.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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The best elixir for wintertime blues is a bit of sunshine and sand. Escape to Puerto Vallarta, a resort and port town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, and stroll from the sculpture-studded Malecón promenade to the historic district, Zona Romántica. You’ll find plenty of artisan shops lining the canal as well as places to stop for a cold beverage or traditional Mexican lunch. With a mixture of locals, travelers, and expats, this area is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Make your home along one of the largest bays in the world, the Bahía de Banderas, where the whale-watching season runs from December through March. The all-inclusive Hotel Mousai is perfect for adults, with its rooftop pools, tequila tastings at The Orange Deck, and top-notch dining experiences at Hiroshi, The Terrace, DAO, and NOI.
Washington’s Olympic Peninsula
If you’ve ever wanted to explore the Olympic Peninsula in a classic Volkswagen Vanagon or Mercedes Metris Camper Van, then now is your chance! Peace Vans, the largest VW Camper shop in the U.S., will help you plan your dream vacation and provide support for your entire trip. A great option for first-time renters, these beauties come with useful amenities like refrigerators, heaters, awnings, streamlined sound systems, and camping and cookware supplies. Your adventure begins in Seattle, where you’ll pick up your van and get advice on the best places to visit.
With nearly one million acres, Olympic National Park is a site to see, especially with its diverse ecosystems like glacier-capped mountains, rugged coastline, and old-growth forests. Enjoy adventures on Hurricane Ridge, marvel at the coastal beaches, and get wet in the Hoh and Quinault rain forests on your road trip adventure.
Morocco
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If Morocco has always been on your bucket list, then now is your chance to book the trip and make it happen. Intrepid Travel, a certified B corporation, has tour dates available for a 15-day adventure in March.
The “Premium Morocco in Depth” experience is a whirlwind journey through the country’s most popular cities and towns. See the Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca; explore Rabat, the capital city; wander the alleyways of the blue city, Chefchaouen; enjoy a pastilla dinner in a local home in Fez; ride a camel in the Sahara desert to a tented camp; discover the markets in Marrakesh, and so much more.
Michigan
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Gather your entire family and book a spring break vacation in a beachside cottage with Juniper Holiday + Home. Choose from a variety of Michigan neighborhoods like New Buffalo, Saugatuck, Union Pier, or Three Oaks, and plan a relaxed vacation that everyone will enjoy.
The Coastal Cottage in Stevensville, for example, is a 3,000-square-foot oasis with vaulted ceilings, a double-sided gas fireplace, an outdoor fire pit, and stunning lake views. You’ll be situated near antique shops and a small Midwestern town, and you’ll have easy access to Grand Mere State Park. You might find, however, that challenging grandpa to a board game, baking cookies with siblings, and staying up late to watch movies with cousins are perfect activities for family bonding.
Oslo, Norway
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One of the most walkable cities on the planet, Oslo has much to do, see, and eat. With two new museum openings, MUNCH and the National Museum, this capital metropolis is quickly becoming a cultural and artistic nucleus, too. Walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House; enjoy Nordic and Japanese cuisine at Sommerro hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Tak Oslo; experience a floating sauna and a cold water plunge with KOK; and try indoor ice climbing or skiing at SNO.
Located in the heart of the city, Amerikalinjen, part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts lineup, has top-notch dining options; a floating bartender who will roll their cart of elixirs into your suite, make you a special drink, and give you a hotel history lesson; and an intimate jazz bar in the basement called Gustav. From the hotel, walk to the end of Oslo’s main thoroughfare, Karl Johans Gate, and see the changing of the guards at the Royal Palace, the King of Norway’s residence.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Visit Oklahoma City, the modern frontier, and enjoy exceptional dining, culture, and entertainment. There are several museums you can spend your day exploring, including the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, First Americans Museum, American Banjo Museum, and Oklahoma City Museum of Art. The city also has a new 70-acre greenspace called Scissortail Park and there’s a fun water taxi that floats down the Bricktown Canal.
For unique accommodations, stay at The National, part of the Autograph Collection. Centrally located and chock-full of history and charm, you’ll be steps from some of the best restaurants in the city: Tellers, Stock & Bond, and The Gilded Acorn.
Hawaii
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The island of Hawaii has much to offer families, friends, and couples who are looking for a spring break getaway. Romp around on the black, tan, and white sand beaches in Hilo, Kohala, Kona, and Puna. Experience inimitable water activities like whale watching, sailing, deep sea fishing, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and night snorkeling with manta rays.
A visit to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, home of Mauna Loa, might prove to be a trip highlight. Check with park rangers at the Kīlauea Visitor Center before you head out, but plan to do a day hike and explore the craters along the Chain of Craters Road Tour or the Crater Rim Drive Tour.
For family-friendly island accommodations, look no further than the Mauna Kea Resort, a leader in hospitality for more than 50 years. Experience Hawaiian cuisine and Polynesian entertainment during the traditional luau.