Top 20 sunny destinations to visit in March 2027

Mexico City is a megalopolis best experienced through your appetite. With 150 museums, distinct neighborhoods, and Aztec ruins buried beneath its streets, it offers far more than a typical Latin American stopover. From tacos al pastor for 20 MXN to the flower-filled canals of Xochimilco, the capital delivers a sensory intensity that few cities can match, all at a surprisingly low cost.

Guadalajara moves to the sound of mariachi and deep-rooted traditions. This authentic Jalisco city rewards curious travelers with monumental murals in baroque palaces, messy tortas ahogadas eaten with a spoon, and artisan districts where you can watch glassblowers at work. It feels less like a tourist trap than Cancun and more approachable than Mexico City, offering a direct window into the Mexican soul. Expect a city that keeps it real.

Dubai rose from the desert in just a few decades, pushing the boundaries of engineering. The Burj Khalifa stands at 828 meters, indoor ski slopes occupy shopping malls, and man-made islands reconfigure the coastline. Yet, behind the glass facades, the souks of the Creek and the red desert dunes reveal an Arab soul beneath the hyper-modernity. It is a destination that polarizes opinion, but it never fails to make an impression.

Marrakech is an assault on the senses. In the narrow alleys of the medina, the scent of cumin mingles with tanned leather as the call to prayer echoes from the Koutoubia. The red city offers labyrinthine souks, secret riads with tile-covered patios, and tanjia slow-cooked in hammam ashes. It is an intense, occasionally disorienting experience that stays with you.

Cairo is the largest city in Africa and a place where ancient history hits you from every angle. You can spend your days exploring the Giza Pyramids, wandering the historic architecture of the Islamic Quarter, or visiting the spiritual sites of the Coptic Quarter. Top off your trip with a stroll through the local souks or a cruise down the Nile for a perspective you just cannot get anywhere else.

Tulum thrives on its contradictions. You have Mayan ruins perched over turquoise Caribbean water and cenotes so clear they feel surreal. Yet, rapid gentrification has turned this former fishing village into a hub for luxury yoga retreats and social media influencers. The real Mexico of late-night taquerias and dense jungle still exists, but you have to look past the hype to find the balance between the polished postcard and the raw reality.

Out in the Nevada desert, the neon glow of the Strip makes it easy to lose track of time and seasons. From the Bellagio fountains and the Venetian canals to the Luxor pyramid, every resort tries to outdo the next, while the massive LED Sphere dominates the boulevard.

A few miles away, Downtown and Fremont Street preserve the retro soul of a city built on gambling and desert high-stakes.

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Vietnam known for its preserved architecture and narrow streets anchored by the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The city is a hub for regional food, offering hands-on cooking classes and a daily market, with the coastal sands of An Bang Beach and the ruins of the My Son Sanctuary within easy reach. Plan your trip between February and April for the best weather to explore this mix of history and riverfront calm.

Abu Dhabi stays quieter than Dubai, but the capital of the United Arab Emirates offers plenty to justify a trip. Expect to spend your time at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Yas Island for the high-octane Ferrari World. This city blends coastal relaxation with desert excursions and futuristic architecture, making it a more laid-back alternative to its neighbor up the coast.

Set along the right bank of the Nile, Aswan marks Egypt's southern limit, functioning as a green sanctuary against the surrounding desert backdrop. As the ancient gateway to Nubia, its history is deeply tied to old trade routes and caravans carrying goods from sub-Saharan Africa. Travelers often treat it merely as a jumping-off point for the temples of Abu Simbel, yet the city itself possesses a striking charm defined by lush gardens, quiet river islands, and significant historical sites.

An Essential Souk

Getting your bearings in Aswan is straightforward, as the corniche runs alongside the Nile for miles, serving as the main hub for waterfront cafes and restaurants. Nicely maintained, it makes for a pleasant stroll while the city expands into the grid of streets behind it. The souk stands out as one of its most lively spots. Day and night, this covered market bustles with vendors where stalls overflow with Egyptian and African goods, ranging from perfumes and spices to textiles, handicrafts, incense, fruit, and fresh flowers. It is a prime area for bargaining, and along the edges, Nubian culture is on display through traditional items like talismans, handmade jewelry, and basketry. The entire area is a sensory mix of bright colors and heavy aromas. Aswan's signature local dish is stuffed pigeon, often prepared with rice, served on skewers, or simply grilled across local menus. Alongside molokhia, eggplant dishes, mezzes, tahini, and fresh river fish, the local food scene is hearty and pairs well with traditional Egyptian flatbread, fresh juices, and Nubian cardamom coffee.

Island Hopping

Directly across from downtown, Elephantine Island is a standout spot reached by hopping on a felucca, the traditional wooden sailboats that remain the most common way to get around the river in Aswan. Siou and Koti, two Nubian villages, sit nestled between agricultural plots and date palm groves here, featuring brightly painted houses where the pace of daily life slows to a crawl. You can tour the ruins of the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed deity, which features a well-known nilometer, an ancient stone staircase once used to measure the annual Nile flood levels. Carved colonnades with hieroglyphs complete the site, while views look out toward the elegant pink granite Aga Khan Mausoleum, built in 1959 atop the riverbank. A small museum dedicated to Nubian culture offers deeper context on local traditions and the community displacement caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam, which you can also tour alongside the nearby Nilometer Museum.

The neighboring island feels entirely different, as Kitchener's Island holds the sprawling Botanical Garden established in 1896, where the river's humidity creates a startling contrast with the dry desert surrounding it. Plants, flowers, and trees from equatorial Africa, India, and tropical Asia form a lush canopy. The contrast against the arid sand on the opposite bank is sharp, providing a quiet habitat filled with birdsong.

Across on the west bank of the Nile, the Tombs of the Nobles cut into the cliffs via long burial ramps, offering panoramic views from the heights above. A bit further inland, the Monastery of Saint Simeon sits atop a plateau; it once housed 300 monks until its abandonment in 1321, and its eight-meter-high stone walls give it the look of a remarkably preserved fortress. Located just 2 km from Aswan, an ancient granite quarry holds the Unfinished Obelisk, carved around 1500 BCE before a fracture in the stone forced Queen Hatshepsut's architects to abandon it in place. Roughly ten kilometers away on Philae Island, the 4th-century BCE Temple of Isis stands as another major landmark, proving Aswan is a destination that easily warrants an extended stay.

When to Go

The climate is arid and dry, making December through February the most comfortable window due to mild temperatures, whereas June through September brings intense desert heat.

How to Get There

No flights link Europe or North America directly to Aswan International Airport, 20 km from the center; you reach it on a domestic hop from Cairo, with local transit and taxis handling the final stretch. From Cairo, located 840 km to the north, visitors can take an overnight sleeper train, a bus, or a domestic flight lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Luxor holds the highest concentration of ancient pharaonic ruins on the planet. You can walk through the massive temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor, explore the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, or visit the cliffside mortuary temple of Hatshepsut. Spanning both banks of the Nile, this former capital of ancient Egypt functions today as an open-air museum where three millennia of history appear around every corner.

Amritsar is located in Punjab, a state in northern India. It is the spiritual capital of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion founded in the 16th century by gurus. Sikhism emphasizes peace and equality. This is why the Golden Temple, the city's centerpiece, features four entrances, symbolizing openness to everyone regardless of faith or background. Construction on the Golden Temple began in 1573. It sits in the middle of a sacred pool that gave the city its name. In Punjabi, Amritsar means "pool of nectar."

Learning about Sikh culture in Amritsar

You will see many people wearing turbans while walking through Amritsar, as it is a primary symbol of the Sikh faith. Start your visit at the Golden Temple, a stunning religious structure inlaid with gold that houses the sacred Sikh scripture, the Adi Granth. Visitors must follow a specific ritual: cover your head, remove your shoes, and walk around the temple complex in a clockwise direction. The temple operates on a community model, managed by volunteers who run a large communal kitchen where you can share a meal.

Beyond the Golden Temple, Amritsar has plenty to see, and most sites are within walking distance of each other. Climb the Baba Atal tower, raised in memory of Baba Atal Rai, the son of the sixth Sikh guru, who died at nine, for a panoramic view of the city. To understand the region's history, head to Jallianwala Bagh. This memorial commemorates the hundreds of victims of a massacre carried out by the British colonial army in 1919.

Exploring the history of India

Other cultural sites are worth the trip, such as the Partition Museum, which chronicles the 1947 division of the country. Another significant landmark is the 250-year-old Gobindgarh Fort, which once protected the city from invasions. It now houses several museums focused on local arts and history.

For something different, head out of the city center to the Khalsa College, a university campus that has served as a filming location for several Bollywood movies. The Maja Sheetla Temple is a unique cave temple worth exploring. Finally, travel a few miles outside of Amritsar to the Wagah border post. It is the main road crossing between Pakistan and India, and it hosts an impressive daily flag-lowering ceremony each evening.

When to go

The best time to visit northern India is between October and March. Be aware that December and January can be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping to 5°C (41°F).

How to get there

You can fly into Amritsar from New Delhi or Mumbai, or take a train from New Delhi. The city is also well-connected by road, with frequent bus and car services available.

Manila is a city of sharp contrasts, to put it mildly. Some travelers suggest skipping the Philippine capital entirely, arguing it is not an easy place to visit. Others call it the "pearl of the Orient" and maintain its appeal is widely overlooked. Here are the top reasons to take the time to explore Manila if you are traveling around the Philippines.

Historic Churches and Insightful Museums

Manila often takes flak for its heavy traffic, political friction, and smog, yet certain neighborhoods reward exploration. The historic colonial district known as Intramuros holds the city's finest landmarks, including several churches. San Agustin Church, built in 1589, stands as the country's oldest religious building. Its earthquake-resistant baroque design, engineered to withstand the frequent seismic activity in the Philippines, earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. For a deep dive into the nation's history, head to Fort Santiago, which houses a museum dedicated to José Rizal, the Philippine national hero. If you enjoy culture, you will likely make time for the National Museum of Fine Arts and Ethnography and the Ayala Museum covering pre-Hispanic Philippines. For something more eccentric, the Marikina Shoe Museum displays the 800 pairs of shoes once owned by the country's former First Lady.

A Cultural Melting Pot

The Philippine capital brings together diverse peoples and ethnic groups. Proof of this lies in the Chinese Cemetery, established in 1843 just outside Manila. You will find elaborate mausoleums, tombs, and sarcophagi built with a mix of Chinese and Western influences. Turtles, pagodas, three-story residential tombs, the variety and scale of the resting places are striking. Afterward, dive back into the frantic pace of Manila in Chinatown. Filipinos, Chinese, and Spanish populations have coexisted here for centuries. Founded in 1594, it is considered the oldest Chinatown in the world. Stop to sample delicious pancit (Chinese noodles), empanadas, or lumpia, a local cross between an egg roll and a spring roll.

Shopping and Cocktails

Manila is also a modern metropolis fully geared toward the twenty-first century. You can shop in trendy boutiques and check out the local arts scene at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Makati, a sleek commercial hub 5 kilometres from Manila, features some of the largest shopping malls on earth. Grabbing a drink at a chic bar in Makati is practically mandatory, as the area is packed with rooftop lounges and cocktail spots.

When to Go

You can visit Manila year-round, but the most comfortable weather runs from December to February. From March to May, the dry season continues, but the heat becomes intense. From June to October, the monsoon season and typhoons bring heavy downpours.

How to Get There

A flight from Paris to Manila starts at around $570*. Your flight will likely include at least one layover in the United Arab Emirates or Kuwait, bringing the total travel time to about 16 to 17 hours.

As the largest island in southern Thailand, Ko Phuket, or simply Phuket, refers by extension to the surrounding island archipelago. You can unwind under the shade of coconut palms before dancing the night away in the beach bars of Patong, enjoy modern amenities with exceptional value, and pamper yourself at numerous spas. The selection of exotic excursions is extensive, including long-tail boat rides, mangrove kayaking, and jungle trekking. This lush pearl of the Andaman Sea holds plenty of hidden treasures. It is also an ideal opportunity to discover Thai culture, cuisine, and traditions.

The climate is tropical with two distinct seasons, staying warm all year round. The rainy season, featuring daily downpours lasting one to three hours, runs from June to October.

Postcard-Worthy Beaches

The most tourist-heavy spots are Patong, Karon, and Kata. Here, you can try parasailing and jet-skiing, go shopping, and sample street food at the Malin Plaza Patong. When evening arrives, night owls hit the bars along Bangla Road, while others take in a ladyboy show at the Phuket Simon Cabaret or catch a Muay Thai boxing match.

For a quieter atmosphere, the more secluded beaches of Sai Kaew beach, Mai Khao beach, Nai Yang beach, Layan beach, Bang Tao beach, and Surin beach offer a welcome escape. Stay alert as strong currents can make swimming dangerous.

At the southern end of Patong, Crystal Beach is a peaceful cove featuring a small beach known as Paradise Beach. You can reach it by walking 1.5 miles past the Merlin Beach resort.

Travelers seeking absolute quiet head to Ko Kho Kaho, famous for its 9 miles of entirely untouched coastline at Nok Nah beach. Paradise Island at Ko Rang, reached from Ko Yao near Ko Hong (essentially a real-life pirate island), is also well worth a visit.

A Lush Setting for Sunrises and Sunsets

Take in a 360-degree panoramic view over the bay of Nai Harn at the southwestern tip of the island. Phrom Thep Cape translates to Cape of Divine Purity in Thai.

Head out to explore Phang Nga. A motor canoe ride gives off a distinct Crocodile Dundee vibe, and the landscape of towering limestone formations is striking, costing around 600 bts for a 3-hour trip.

Kho Phi Phi, Phi Phi Ley, Coral Islands, and the Similan Islands are known for white sand and crystal-clear water. Coral reefs, occasionally damaged by heavy snorkeling traffic, are now subject to conservation efforts such as Maya Bay, closed from 2018 to 2022 and now open with a visitor cap and a seasonal closure, so check the current rules before you go.

A Lively Local Culture

Lined with charming Sino-Portuguese neoclassical houses and pedestrian alleyways, Phuket Town hosts three major festivals: the Vegetarian Festival in October, Chinese Pimai (Chinese New Year) in February, and Songkran (Thai New Year) in April, all offering a festive family atmosphere. On weekend evenings, the Naka Market comes alive with food vendors and local crafts.

Local families love to spend Sundays picnicking and strolling, often heading to the casuarina pine forest in Sirinat National Park, accessed via Thepkrasattri Road.

Perched high on a green hill, the 148-foot-tall white marble Big Buddha of Chalong is a modern landmark built by a foundation to create a major Buddhist site. The viewpoint from the top is remarkable.

The Thalang National museum offers insight into the history of southern Thailand, regional migrations, and tin mining. Exhibits also touch on the devastating December 2004 tsunami and the subsequent rebuilding efforts.

When to Go

The best window to visit Phuket runs from December to March when temperatures are comfortable and the weather is clear.

How to Get There

Air France and Thai Airways International operate non-stop flights to Bangkok from European hubs such as Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle with frequencies varying by season, taking about 12 to 13 hours. From Bangkok, expect another 1.5-hour flight down to Phuket.

Getting Around

The Phuket Town tourist office hands out schedules for local buses and minibuses. The Phuket bus terminal 1 serves major points of interest on shorter routes, and state-run 999 buses are a reliable option. You can also rent a scooter for around 300 bts a day. The road network is in good shape. Make sure to get an International Driving Permit before leaving home, as police checkpoints are common and fines for driving without one run around $30*.

Havana is a city you experience with your senses. It is the sound of a bolero drifting from a courtyard, the sight of a pink Cadillac cruising past a peeling turquoise facade, and the warmth of a conversation started along the Malecón at dusk. More than just a destination, it is a trip into another era. It is an intense experience where beauty emerges from the wear of time, leaving a lasting impression on every traveler.

Cartagena ranks as a top destination in Colombia, defined by its preserved colonial architecture and Caribbean rhythm. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is enclosed by massive Spanish fortifications that tell a history of colonial struggle. You will find narrow, brightly painted streets, local markets, and neighborhoods where music spills out of every doorway. Nearby island beaches provide a quick escape, offering white sand and turquoise water just a short boat ride from the city center.

Wedged between turbulent oceans and a flat-topped mountain, Cape Town packs a lot into its borders. You will find postcard-perfect beaches with freezing water, historic townships, hillside vineyards, and penguins lounging on white sand. Dining here competes with major global capitals, and adventure waits at every turn, all for a reasonable price. Expect a mix of raw wilderness and relaxed cosmopolitan life under the Southern Hemisphere sun.

Bangkok is a sprawling metropolis of eight million people where centuries-old gold temples sit against futuristic skyscrapers. The scent of street food, which costs around 70 THB, fills the humid air as saffron-robed monks navigate past busy office workers. From the shimmering Grand Palace and the forty-six-meter Reclining Buddha to the smoky alleys of Chinatown and the high-rise rooftops of Silom, the city never stops. It is a capital where tradition and modernity collide twenty-four hours a day.

Agra offers much more than the iconic silhouette of the Taj Mahal. This former Mughal capital, set along the banks of the sacred Yamuna River, holds architectural heavyweights like the Red Fort, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, and the sprawling city of Fatehpur Sikri. Beyond the postcard views, you will find a raw and authentic city where imperial history intersects with modern India in a stark, compelling contrast.

As the former capital of the Khmer Empire, Siem Reap serves as your gateway to the massive Angkor archaeological complex and its jungle-swallowed temples. Beyond the ruins, this northwestern Cambodian city offers bustling local markets, a rising Khmer food scene, and stilted villages on the Tonlé Sap lake. With low daily costs for a modest guesthouse and meals, it remains a primary destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.