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.

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

From Paris, travelers can find direct flights to Aswan International Airport, situated 20 km from the center, 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, dedicated to a Sikh guru, 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 only land 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. Some travel guides tell you to skip the Philippine capital entirely, arguing it is too gritty or chaotic for foreign visitors. Others call it the pearl of the Orient and insist its character is severely underrated. Here is why you should carve out time to explore Manila when you visit the Philippines.

Historic Churches and Insightful Museums

Traffic gridlock and pollution often overshadow Manila, but historic neighborhoods reward those who look closer. The colonial walled district known as Intramuros holds the city's finest architecture, including several centuries-old churches. Built in 1589, San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the country. Its earthquake-resistant baroque design has survived centuries of tectonic activity, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage listing. For a deep dive into national history, head to Fort Santiago, which houses a museum dedicated to José Rizal, the national hero. If you enjoy culture, check out the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Ayala Museum for exhibits on pre-hispanic Philippines. For something quirky, the Marikina Shoe Museum displays hundreds of pairs of shoes once owned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

A Cultural Melting Pot

The capital acts as a crossroads for many different peoples and ethnicities. A short distance away stands the Chinese Cemetery, established in 1843. It features elaborate mausoleums, tombs, and family crypts blending Chinese and Western architectural styles, from turtle-shaped markers to three-story concrete houses. Back in the city center, the energy ramps up in Chinatown. Filipinos, Chinese, and Spanish communities have mingled here for centuries, and founded in 1594, it ranks among the oldest Chinatowns in the world. Stop by local food stalls to try pancit (stir-fried noodles), empanadas, or lumpia (fresh or fried spring rolls).

Shopping and Rooftop Cocktails

Manila has fully embraced the twenty-first century with modern retail districts and creative arts venues like the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Just 5 km away, Makati serves as the modern financial hub, home to some of the largest shopping malls on the planet. Spending an evening at a rooftop cocktail bar in Makati is practically a requirement here, given the sheer number of stylish lounges overlooking the skyline.

When to go

You can visit Manila year-round, but the most comfortable weather runs from December to February. Summer brings heavy downpours and intense heat and humidity.

How to get there

Flights from major US hubs typically connect through a Middle Eastern or Asian hub, with total travel times averaging 16 to 17 hours depending on your departure city.

Whether you are into late nights or early mornings, high roller spending or keeping it low key, Las Vegas is a city you need to witness in person at least once. It is hard to overstate the sheer, unapologetic scale of this neon oasis in the Mojave Desert. Ready for a road trip or a weekend getaway to Las Vegas?

An Unforgettable Run Down the Strip

Nevada's largest city pulls in more than 43 million visitors every year. That staggering visitor count speaks volumes about the appeal of a destination that draws everyone from night owls hunting for all-night clubs to couples tying the knot on a whim at the Graceland Chapel. Sin City saw its major boom back in the 1930s thanks to relaxed laws on gambling and quick marriages. Since then, Las Vegas has earned its reputation as the entertainment capital of the world. Your first time cruising down Las Vegas Boulevard, universally known as "The Strip", hits you with a wall of sound and light. Neon signs and massive LED displays compete for your attention at every turn. Casinos line the boulevard, starting with the historic Flamingo, the very first resort built here by Benjamin Siegel back in 1946. Fortunes are made and lost daily over slot machines and poker tables.

An Open-Air Amusement Park

Las Vegas is pure spectacle from the ground up. The choreographed fountain show outside the Bellagio creates the illusion of a massive lake in the middle of the desert. Over at the Venetian, gondoliers pole tourists along indoor and outdoor canals in a surreal recreation of Venice. The Luxor pyramid and its giant sphinx project a beam of light straight into the night sky visible from space, the Stratosphere Tower stands as the tallest freestanding observation tower in the nation for panoramic views, and the old volcano at the Mirage used to put on regular fire shows. Entertainment options run the gamut from the iconic Cirque du Soleil productions to impersonator revues, massive arena concerts at Caesars Palace, and action-packed stunt shows. You will never run out of things to do. Even if you are staying off the Strip, walking through these mega-resorts with their indoor canals, shopping malls, and massive casinos is an experience in itself.

For a more classic, retro vibe, head over to Downtown Las Vegas around Fremont Street, where vintage neon signs glow over a pedestrian canopy and street art covers the alleys. Finally, if the neon and crowds get to be too much, the deep canyons of the American Southwest are just a short drive away.

When to go

Las Vegas is a year-round destination, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking the Strip. Summer brings punishing desert heat with triple-digit temperatures, while winter nights can drop down to chilly desert lows.

How to get there

Flying into Harry Reid International Airport puts you minutes from the center of the action. Flight costs from European hubs range from $820 to $1,050* depending on the season.

As the largest island in southern Thailand, Ko Phuket or simply Phuket refers by extension to the island chain surrounding it. You can unwind in the shade of coconut palms before heading out to evening beach parties, take advantage of modern amenities at reasonable prices, and unwind in local spas. The list of outdoor activities runs long, from long-tail boat rides and mangrove kayaking to jungle hikes. The lush pearl of the Andaman Sea holds plenty of territory to explore. It also gives you a direct window into Thai culture, local food, and traditions.

The climate stays tropical year-round with two distinct seasons. Temperatures remain high throughout the year, and the rainy season brings daily showers lasting one to three hours between June and October.

Classic Beaches

The most visited stretches of sand are found at Patong, Karon, and Kata. These spots offer parasailing, jet-skis, shopping, and street food stalls at Malin Plazza Patong. After dark, night owls head to the bars along Bangla Road, while other travelers catch the cabaret shows at the Phuket Simon Cabaret or watch a Muay Thai match.

For a quieter atmosphere, head for the more secluded shores of Sai Kaew beach, Mai Khao beach, Nai Yang beach, s, Layan beach, Bang Tao beach, and Surin beach. Keep an eye out for strong currents that can make swimming risky.

At the southern end of Patong, Cristal Beach is a quiet cove featuring a small shoreline known as Paradise Bath. You reach it by walking 2.5 km past the Merlin Beach resort.

Travelers looking for total isolation head north to Ko Kho Kaho, known for its 15 km of undeveloped coastline at Nok Nah beach. Another solid option is Paradise Island near Ko Rang, departing from Ko Yao and close to Ko Hong, an island tied to local pirate history.

Lush Landscapes and Sunsets

Catch panoramic views over the bay of Nai Harn on the southwest tip of the island. Phrom Thep Cape translates to the cape of divine purity in Thai.

Take a motorized canoe out into Phang Nga Bay, where the towering limestone cliffs create a dramatic setting. Trips cost around 600 THB for 3 hours.

Kho Phi Phi, Phi Phi Ley, Coral Islands, and Ko Tao are known for white sand and clear water. Coral reefs here have suffered from heavy tourist traffic, leading to conservation efforts like the closure at Maya Bay, so check current access rules before you go.

Local Thai Culture

With its Sino-Portuguese architecture and pedestrian lanes, Phuket Town hosts three major events: the Vegetarian Festival in October, Chinese New Year in February, and Songkran, the Thai New Year, in April. On weekend evenings, the Naka Market brings out food vendors and local crafts.

Local families often spend Sundays picnicking or walking outdoors. The ironwood forest at Sirinat National Park provides a shaded spot, with the main entrance accessed via Thepkrasattri Road.

Perched on a green hill, the 45-meter white marble Big Buddha of Chalong is a recent landmark built by a local foundation, offering sweeping views from the top.

The Thalang National museum covers the history of southern Thailand, local migrations, and tin mining history. Exhibits also document the 2004 tsunami and the subsequent recovery efforts.

When to Go

The best window to visit Phuket runs from December to March when temperatures are manageable and the skies stay clear.

Getting There

Air France and Thai Airways International operate flights from Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle to Bangkok, which takes 12 to 13 hours. From Bangkok, a connecting flight to Phuket takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Getting Around

The Phuket Town tourist office hands out schedules for local buses and minivans. Phuket bus terminal 1 connects the main short-distance points of interest, and the state-run 999 bus line is reliable. Renting a scooter costs around 300 THB per day on roads that are generally well-paved. Police checkpoints are common, and riding without an international driving permit results in fines around 1000 THB ($35*).

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.