Where to Go Now: 5 Warm-Weather Getaways for March

by  Alex Schechter | Feb 5, 2014
St. Martin

If there's one thing we know at ShermansTravel, it's deals. In this new series, "Where To Go Now?", we help steer you towards the best money-saving offers to book right now. For our first edition, we're focusing on short, cheap, warm-weather getaways. Got some extra cash and want to splash away a weekend in the Caribbean? You've come to the right place. Without further ado, here are five easy, value-packed deals you can book right now...

Saint Maarten/Saint Martin
Though it remains one of the most popular islands in the north Caribbean, there are in fact deals to be had in picture-perfect St Maarten. Both the island's Dutch side (St. Maarten) and French side (St. Martin) offer decently priced all-inclusive trips. Plus, St. Maarten is where you'll find some of the Caribbean's best duty-free shopping. This spring, the 45th annual carnival will take place from April 21 - May 5, promising live music, parades, and dancing for travelers in search of a party. Flights to the island can be found for as little as $392 roundtrip from East Coast cities like Washington, D.C.. Factor in another $500 for a beach resort, and you've got yourself getaway.

Deal: 4 nights with air at Esmeralda Resort from $919.

Arenal, Costa Rica
Unlike coastal Costa Rica, where you find gorgeous beaches like Manuel Antonio and Papagayo, it is here in the country's middle section where serious bargain-hunters can luck out with long weekend getaways for as little as $500. True, you won't be able to sprawl on the sand, but the tropical paradise of Arenal offers plenty of other distractions, from deep-in-the-rainforest hikes, to horseback riding, ATV tours, bike trails, and a death-defying network of hanging bridges. Looming over the entire area is Arenal Volcano itself. It's one of the most active in the world, and a major attraction in itself.

Deal: 5 nights with Air at Claro De Luna from $469.

Pacific Cruise
West coasters in need of some sun and sand could book a flight on American Airlines' popular San Francisco-Puerto Vallarta route, which averages around $540 round-trip for dates in mid-March. Or, for the exact same price, you could book a seven-night cruise sailing down the Pacific Coast and land in Baja California. Upon arrival, you'll have a full day to explore the Baja California city of Ensenada, after which you'll spend the remaining day on deck soaking up those rays.

Deal: 7-night cruise from Los Angeles to Ensenada, from $499.

Los Cabos, Mexico
We already showed you how to tackle Cancun on a budget, but on the other side of the country, there are some fantastic deals to Cabo right now, making it a top destination for a quick early spring getaway. Case in point: a last-minute deal at all-inclusive resort Sandos Finisterra Los Cabos means you could wind up in a gorgeous ocean-facing room in the heart of Cabo San Lucas for as little as $149 a night. The hotel's cliffside location is perfect for whale watching season (March-April), though you'll have to choose carefully between an already-full list of activities like tennis, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and, of course, simply lounging by the pool.

Deal: View Sandos Finisterra's current offers here.

Florida Keys
Anyone who keeps a close eye on Miami and Fort Lauderdale airfare knows that most East Coasters and Midwesterners can get to south Florida for about $300, and sometimes less.  Once you arrive, though, things can get pricey. For better value, and an adventure, try looking up flights to Key West, or better yet, rent a car from Fort Lauderdale for under $40 per day and enjoy a scenic two-hour ride down the causeway to Cheeca Lodge & Spa. The 27-acre private estate, which is located in Islamorada and boasts a 525-foot pier, has midweek rates in March starting at $324 per night, and offers three restaurants, a golf course, a spa, and its own private saltwater lagoon.

Deal: Book the “Trade Your Boots for Flip Flops” package, including a daily, $75 food and beverage credit and a 10 percent discount on spa services. It's valid for stays through April 13.

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