March Winter Escapes: Hit the Slopes or the Jungle
The month of March, be it Winter or Early Spring, welcomes travelers with open arms. If you’re tired of snowplows and down coats, it might be time to break out the shorts and escape to a tropical locale. If you are sweltering even in February, a frosty winter wonderland might be just the ticket. Or if the weather has become pleasant enough, you could get yourself a much needed outdoor event. Take a look at some of the best travels that late winter has to offer.
Escapes for Snow-Haters
African Safari
Head out for some sun and wildlife to the Conservation Corp of Africa, Ngala in Johannesburg, South Africa. Conservation Corporation Africa runs 30 lodges in six African countries. Its Ngala Tented Camp includes a gourmet dinner held in the Timbavati Riverbed and bush walks focused on birds and insects and led by a bush ranger.
Spa Getaways on the Warm US West Coast
Whether it’s a day of pampering in a chic urban refuge, or a week of mind, body and spirit renewal at a country getaway = they have got a spa for you. Want something really worth your time and money? Visit warm SF in the USA and try the SenSpa, with its chic-modern décor, is a tranquil refuge from hectic city living. This day spa occupies 13,000 square feet in a former World War I army barracks in San Francisco’s Presidio. The mantra here is Release, Restore, Revitalize. To achieve those goals, SenSpa offers an array of skin treatments, massages and ancient Chinese healing treatments, including magnetic cupping, acupuncture and movement programs.
Cheltenham Horse Race
Right in the middle of march, Prestbury Park welcomes visitors from all over the world to witness the legendary horse races. While you can always place your St Patty’s Day bets online at Williamhill, nothing beats the experience of visiting the Gloucestershire festivities. Whether you are new to horse racing or a veteran, or whether you are simply looking for a day filled with fun and adrenaline, the Cheltenham festival is the place to be.
Iditarod Dog Sled Race
It’s not just a sled dog race, it’s a race in which unique men and woman compete! The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual long-distance sled dog race run in early March in Alaska. Mushers and a team of 16 dogs, of which at least 5 must be on the towline at the finish line, cover the distance in 8–15 days or more.
Escapes for Snow-Lovers
Off-the-Beaten-Path Ski Resorts in Alaska
Looking to hit the slopes this season? Look for an off-the-beaten-path places for ski fun. Cozy Fireweed House Bed & Breakfast in Juneau, Alaska is nestled on four acres on charming Douglas Island. Located on the wetlands a quick six miles from historic downtown Juneau. The place has a spectacular view of the glaciers and the wetlands.
Late Winter Skiing
Missed the skiing season? No, you haven’t! Check out some of the popular destinations for late winter skiing.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Val d’Isère/Tignes, France
Obergurgl, Austria
Val Thorens, France
Hintertux, Austria
All of the above places offer unbeatable skiing in picturesque surroundings and have the added attraction of being much less crowded than chic venues elsewhere in the Alps during proper skiing season.
Quebec’s Ice Hotel
It doesn’t get any icier than this! In season from January to late March, the Ice Hotel in Quebec uses 12,000 tons of machine-made snow and 400 tons of ice. Don’t worry; the vaulted and domed ceilings are structurally safe and sound. The ice chapel averages five weddings a year, and additional activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, igloo building and more, with personal guides being available for most. At the end of the season the Ice Hotel is broken up and melts into Lake St. Joseph. Now beat this experience!
Euro-Style Lodges in Glacier National Park
Whether you chose to “rough it” or prefer the amenities (and bathroom) of a resort, Glacier National Park is your perfect summer getaway for outdoor fun. Bask in cascading waterfalls and crystalline lakes fed by living glaciers, right on the U.S.-Canada border. Hiking, swimming, boating and golfing await in this idyllic natural setting. Fuel up by dining atop a mountain or heading straight for dessert with great pies at a favorite local restaurant. Families will enjoy fun mazes and the “House of Mystery” in nearby towns.
