The Best Places to Travel in March

March may be shoulder season in Cape Town but the city is no less vibrant. Come for the International Jazz Festival, which brings A-list names together for one weekend. This time of year is autumn in Cape Town, so venture outside the city to the vineyards to see harvest season in action.

The Mayans were amazing engineers, especially considering the pyramids at Chichen Itza were built thousands of years ago. To see their masterwork, the Pyramid of Kukulcan, at its most brilliant, book a trip for the spring equinox. Every year, on March 21, the pyramid becomes a “stairway to heaven” as the setting sun creates a shadow that looks like a snake slithering its way down the pyramid. The serpent is meant to represent the god Kukulcan (called Quetzalcoatl in Central Mexico) as he comes down to earth to provide hope to his followers.

Holi is a traditional Hindu celebration that typically takes place the day after March’s full moon. Travelers looking to participate in a traditional Holi ceremony—which involves wearing white and throwing saturated pigments—can venture to Mathura and Vrindavan for a weeklong celebration. It’s one of the biggest and most famous Holi festivals in India.

Avoid the crowds in Dublin by celebrating in the birthplace of the actual Saint Patrick. Every year, the town hosts “Home of St. Patrick” festival, complete with parades, historical tours and traditional Irish concerts. Locals say that in the year 445, Saint Patrick founded his first large stone church and established the town as Ireland’s spiritual center.

No city welcomes spring quite like the Big Easy. Weather is typically in the high 70s and festive spirits are even higher. Whether the city is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, or just a sunny Friday afternoon, everybody will be out on the streets and in good spirits this month.

Autumn arrives in Buenos Aires in March, making an agreeable atmosphere to walk around and discover the city. (If any Latin American city was designed for aimless walks, it is Buenos Aires. Temperatures tend to stay in the 70s but, for locals, that’s a welcome relief from the heat of January. Pack a good pair of shoes as you’ll likely want to be outside all day, soaking up the flavor of the city.

Doha is starting to get recognized as one of the most sophisticated cultural capitals of the Middle East. Doha’s March weather is pleasant, just before the oppressive heat of spring and summer start to set in. Take advantage of the climate and meander along the waterfront, pop between the city’s bountiful art galleries, or wander through the eclectic open-air markets.

Valencia remains one of Spain’s hidden gems. It’s located on a warm, southern beach but doesn’t have the international vibes of Barcelona. Valencia still retains the vibe of a small, unique city, Especially in March during the Las Fallas festival. To celebrate the day of St. Joseph, the town basically sets effigies on fire and parades the flames around town. There are also elaborate fireworks displays. While the festival is a treat for pyrotechnics, it’s also a great time for foodies. Don’t leave without eating paella.