Are you dreaming of a getaway but worried about your wallet? March is the perfect time to find cheap places to visit in march without breaking the bank. This month offers amazing travel deals because it falls right in the sweet spot of shoulder season. You’ll enjoy great weather, fewer crowds, and prices that won’t make you cry when you check your bank account.
During shoulder season, many destinations offer their best value. Hotels drop their rates, airlines compete with lower fares, and attractions often have special deals. It’s like the travel world is giving you a high-five for being smart about timing.
In this guide, you’ll discover 15 incredible cheap places to visit in march that prove you don’t need a huge budget for amazing adventures. From tropical beaches in Southeast Asia to historic cities in Europe, we’ve got options for every type of traveler. Each destination offers unique experiences while keeping your daily costs low.
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Why March is the Best Month for Budget Travel
March hits the sweet spot for budget travelers. It’s shoulder season in many parts of the world, which means you get the best of both worlds – good weather and great prices. Tourist crowds are smaller, so you can actually enjoy popular attractions without fighting for space or paying peak prices.
Hotels and airlines know demand is lower in March, so they slash prices to fill rooms and seats. You might find accommodations for 30-50% less than peak season rates. Plus, restaurant prices often drop too, especially in tourist areas that rely on seasonal visitors.
The weather in March is fantastic in many destinations. It’s warm enough for beach activities in tropical locations but cool enough for comfortable exploring in hot climates. Spring is starting in the Northern Hemisphere, making it perfect for outdoor adventures without the summer heat.
Many businesses also clear out winter inventory with end-of-season sales. This means cheaper gear, clothes, and travel accessories. Tour operators often offer discounts to attract early spring visitors too.
How We Selected These Budget Destinations
We didn’t just pick random cheap places to visit in march. Each destination made our list based on strict criteria that matter to budget travelers like you.
First, we looked at daily costs. Can you survive comfortably on $30-50 per day? This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and some activities. We focused on places where your money stretches furthest.
Value for money was huge too. It’s not just about being cheap – it’s about getting amazing experiences for less. We picked destinations where you can see incredible sights, try delicious food, and make great memories without spending a fortune.
We also considered how easy and affordable it is to get there. No point in finding cheap accommodation if flights cost more than your entire trip budget. These destinations offer reasonable flight costs from major cities.
Safety and accessibility played a role too. All our picks are places where solo travelers and families can explore comfortably without needing expensive guides or tours for basic safety.
Top 15 Cheap Places to Visit in March
Southeast Asia Destinations
Thailand
Thailand remains one of the top cheap places to visit in march. Your daily budget can be as low as $25-35 if you’re smart about spending. Street food costs just $1-3 per meal, and you’ll eat better than many expensive restaurants back home.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer the best bang for your buck. Bangkok has incredible temples, markets, and street food scenes. Chiang Mai gives you mountain views, ancient temples, and amazing night markets. Both cities have hostels for $8-15 per night and budget hotels for $20-30.
March weather in Thailand is perfect – warm but not too hot, with low humidity. It’s right before the hot season starts, so you’ll be comfortable exploring all day.
Money-saving tips include eating street food, using public transportation, visiting free temples, and booking accommodations outside tourist centers. Tuk-tuks are fun but stick to the meter taxis or buses for daily transport.
Vietnam
Vietnam offers incredible value with daily budgets around $20-40. A bowl of pho costs less than $2, and you can get amazing meals for under $5. Accommodation ranges from $6 hostels to $25 mid-range hotels.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are must-sees. Hanoi offers historic charm, amazing coffee culture, and the famous weekend night market. Ho Chi Minh City brings energy, great food, and fascinating war history museums.
Local transportation is super cheap. City buses cost under $1, and even grabbing a motorbike taxi for short trips costs just $2-3. Food markets offer fresh meals for pocket change.
Ha Long Bay tours can be done budget-style for around $30-50 for day trips. Skip the luxury cruises and join backpacker tours for the same stunning views at a fraction of the cost.
Cambodia
Cambodia is a backpacker’s dream with daily costs around $15-30. Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, offers hostels from $5-10 per night. Street food and local restaurants serve filling meals for $2-4.
The Angkor Pass costs $37 for one day or $62 for three days, but it’s worth every penny. You’ll see some of the world’s most incredible temples. Rent a bicycle for $2-3 per day to explore at your own pace.
Free activities include exploring local markets, visiting pagodas, and walking around Siem Reap’s old quarter. Many hostels organize free walking tours too.
Cultural experiences like traditional dance shows cost just $5-10. Cooking classes run about $15-20 and include market tours and meals.
European Budget Gems
Portugal
Portugal shines as one of the cheapest places to visit in march in Western Europe. Daily budgets of $40-60 go far here. Lisbon and Porto offer incredible architecture, great food, and vibrant culture without London or Paris prices.
March is perfect timing – tourist crowds haven’t arrived yet, but weather is mild and pleasant. Hotel rates are 40-50% lower than summer prices. You can find great guesthouses for $25-40 per night.
Beyond Lisbon, explore Coimbra, Aveiro, or Braga for even cheaper costs. These cities offer authentic Portuguese culture with daily costs around $30-45. Local trains connect everything affordably.
Portuguese food is amazing and cheap. Daily lunch specials cost $8-12 for huge portions. Wine is incredibly affordable – good bottles cost $3-8 in stores.
Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic)
Eastern Europe offers some of the best cheap places to visit in march in Europe. Your dollar (or euro) goes incredibly far here. Daily budgets of $30-50 cover everything comfortably.
Prague and Krakow are stunning cities with fairy-tale architecture. Hostels cost $10-18 per night, while nice hotels run $40-70. Local beer costs less than water in many Western countries.
The currency advantage is real. A great restaurant meal costs $8-15. Museums and attractions charge $5-10 for entry. Public transportation is excellent and costs just $1-2 per ride.
Free walking tours operate in major cities. Many churches, squares, and historic areas cost nothing to explore. Markets offer cheap local crafts and food.
Greece
Greece in March offers perfect weather and low prices. It’s warm enough for sightseeing but not hot enough to be uncomfortable. Hotel prices are at their lowest, and many islands offer ferry deals.
Mainland Greece is cheaper than the islands. Athens offers incredible history, great food, and budget accommodation from $15-35 per night. Archaeological sites offer discounted entry in low season.
Even Greek islands like Crete or Rhodes are affordable in March. Accommodation costs 50-70% less than summer rates. Restaurants cater to locals, not tourists, keeping prices reasonable.
Ferry passes let you island-hop affordably. Many boats offer deck class tickets for budget travelers.
Central and South America
Guatemala
Guatemala offers amazing value with daily budgets around $20-35. It’s one of the most affordable cheap places to visit in march in Central America. Antigua and Lake Atitlan provide stunning scenery and rich culture.
Volcano tours cost $25-40 and offer incredible experiences. You can hike active volcanoes, see lava flows, and camp under stars. Local guides keep costs low while ensuring safety.
The cost of living advantage is huge. Great meals cost $3-6. Chicken buses (local transportation) charge under $5 for long distances. Markets sell fresh produce for pennies.
Language schools offer affordable Spanish lessons with homestays. You can learn while traveling for very reasonable costs.
Bolivia
Bolivia delivers unique landscapes on tiny budgets. Daily costs run $15-25, making it one of the cheapest places to visit in march anywhere. La Paz offers incredible markets, cable car transportation, and mountain views.
Salt flats tours from Uyuni cost $30-60 for multi-day experiences. You’ll see otherworldly landscapes, pink flamingos, and perfect mirror reflections. Bring warm clothes – nights get cold.
Accommodation ranges from $5 hostels to $20 mid-range hotels. Food is filling and cheap – traditional meals cost $2-5. Local buses connect everything affordably.
The altitude takes adjustment, but the views are worth it. Many activities like hiking and exploring markets cost nothing.
Ecuador
Ecuador packs incredible diversity into a small, affordable package. Daily budgets of $25-40 cover everything. Quito offers colonial charm, while coastal areas provide beach relaxation.
Transportation is excellent and cheap. Buses connect major cities for under $10. Local city transport costs under $1. Taxis are affordable for short trips.
The Galapagos is expensive, but mainland Ecuador offers amazing wildlife and nature for budget travelers. Cloud forests, hot springs, and indigenous markets provide incredible experiences.
Food is diverse and cheap. Local markets serve huge meals for $2-4. Fresh fruit costs almost nothing.
Africa and Middle East
Morocco
Morocco offers exotic experiences at budget prices. March weather is perfect – warm days and cool nights without summer heat. Daily budgets of $30-50 cover accommodation, food, and activities comfortably.
Medina exploration costs nothing but time. Getting lost in Marrakech or Fes souks is free entertainment. Mint tea costs under $1, and watching sunset from rooftops is priceless.
Budget riads (traditional guesthouses) cost $20-40 per night and offer authentic experiences. Hostels run $8-15. Street food and local restaurants serve tagines and couscous for $3-6.
Hammams (traditional baths) cost $5-10 for relaxing experiences. Desert trips can be done budget-style for $30-50 per day.
Egypt
Egypt in March offers perfect weather and off-season pricing. It’s warm but not scorching hot. Tourist crowds are smaller, making popular sites more enjoyable.
Historical site entrance fees are reasonable – $5-15 for major attractions like the Pyramids. Many museums cost just $3-8. Local transportation is incredibly cheap.
Instead of expensive Nile cruises, take local ferries and feluccas for authentic experiences at fraction of costs. Budget hotels near attractions cost $15-30 per night.
Street food is safe and delicious. Ful medames (fava beans) and koshari cost under $2. Local restaurants serve huge meals for $5-10.
Asia-Pacific Hidden Gems
Nepal
Nepal offers mountain adventures on shoestring budgets. Daily costs run $15-30, making it one of the best cheap places to visit in march for outdoor lovers. Kathmandu provides temples, markets, and cultural experiences.
Trekking permits cost $20-30, but you’ll see the world’s highest mountains. Tea houses along trails provide accommodation and meals for $5-15 per day total.
Mountain views are free and incredible. Sunrise from viewpoints costs nothing but an early wake-up. Many temples and stupas have no entrance fees.
Local buses cost under $5 for long distances. Dal bhat (rice and lentils) provides filling meals for $2-4.
India
India’s regional cost variations mean smart travelers find amazing deals. March offers great weather before hot season starts. Daily budgets of $20-40 go incredibly far.
Budget travel infrastructure is excellent. Trains connect everything affordably. Hostels and guesthouses cost $5-20 per night. Street food provides amazing meals for under $2.
Free activities abound – temples, markets, ghats, and cultural experiences cost nothing. Many museums charge just $2-5 for entry.
The diversity is incredible. Beaches, mountains, deserts, and cities offer completely different experiences all within budget reach.
Philippines
Island hopping in the Philippines costs less than you think. Daily budgets of $25-45 cover accommodation, food, and transportation between islands. March offers perfect weather with minimal rain.
Local transportation like jeepneys and tricycles cost under $2 for most trips. Ferries between islands are affordable and frequent. Budget resorts and hostels cost $10-25 per night.
Street food and local restaurants serve fresh seafood and tropical fruits for $2-5 per meal. Markets offer incredible variety at low prices.
Many beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails are free. Snorkeling gear rentals cost just $5-10 per day.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers incredible diversity on small budgets. Daily costs of $20-35 cover everything. Circuit tours by train and bus let you see tea plantations, beaches, and ancient cities affordably.
Tea country exploration costs almost nothing. Walking through plantations is free, and factory tours cost just $2-5. Mountain views and waterfalls provide natural entertainment.
Beach areas in the south offer budget accommodation from $8-25 per night. Fresh seafood and tropical fruits cost very little. Local buses connect everything for under $3.
Cultural sites like ancient cities charge reasonable entrance fees of $5-15. Many temples and markets are free to explore.
Money-Saving Tips for March Travel
Smart booking strategies can cut costs dramatically. Book flights 6-8 weeks ahead for best deals. Use flight comparison sites and be flexible with dates. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often cost less.
Accommodation hacks include staying slightly outside city centers, booking directly with hotels for better rates, and considering hostels even if you’re not young. Many hostels offer private rooms at hotel prices.
Local transportation beats taxis every time. Learn bus and train systems. Walk when possible – you’ll see more and save money. Rent bikes for day trips instead of joining expensive tours.
Street food and budget dining provide authentic experiences and save tons of money. Eat where locals eat. Markets offer fresh produce and snacks. Cook some meals if your accommodation has kitchen access.
Free activities exist everywhere. Walking tours, markets, beaches, parks, temples, and cultural sites often cost nothing. Research free museum days and discount passes for multiple attractions.
What to Pack for Budget March Travel
Pack weather-appropriate clothing for your destinations. March can be warm in tropical areas but cool in mountains. Layers work best for changing conditions.
Money-saving travel gear includes a good backpack, quick-dry clothes, universal adapter, portable charger, and reusable water bottle. These items prevent expensive purchases abroad.
Essential items to avoid buying abroad include medications, toiletries, electronics, and specialty gear. These cost much more in tourist areas.
Safety and Health Considerations
Travel insurance is essential for budget travelers. Medical costs abroad can destroy budgets quickly. Good travel insurance costs $20-50 for short trips but saves thousands if needed.
Health precautions vary by region. Research required vaccinations and health risks. Pack basic medications and first aid supplies. Know emergency numbers and hospital locations.
Emergency fund recommendations include keeping $200-500 separate from daily spending money. Credit cards work as backup, but cash helps in emergencies.
Planning Your March Budget Trip
Research and booking timeline matters. Start planning 2-3 months ahead for best deals. Book flights and accommodation early, but leave some flexibility for activities.
Budget allocation suggestions include 40% for accommodation, 30% for food, 20% for activities, and 10% for miscellaneous expenses. Adjust based on your priorities.
Flexibility helps find better deals. Consider alternative airports, travel dates, and destinations. Last-minute deals exist, but planning ahead usually saves more money.
Conclusion
These 15 cheap places to visit in march prove that amazing travel doesn’t require huge budgets. From Thailand’s street food scenes to Portugal’s coastal charm, from Nepal’s mountain views to Guatemala’s volcanic adventures, incredible experiences await budget-conscious travelers.
March timing gives you the perfect combination of good weather, lower prices, and smaller crowds. Whether you’re drawn to Southeast Asian beaches, European history, or South American adventures, your dream trip is more affordable than you think.
Remember the key money-saving strategies: book smart, eat local, use public transport, and seek free activities. With daily budgets of $20-60, you can explore amazing destinations and create unforgettable memories.
Stop dreaming and start planning your March adventure today. Pick a destination that excites you, set your budget, and begin researching flights and accommodation. Your affordable dream trip is waiting – all you need to do is take the first step and book it!