Nothing brightens the March doldrums better than a blissful vacation for two. To make the most of your late-winter escape, seek out good weather, scenery to wake up your senses, and a few special treats available only to March travelers. Here are three vacations you and your mate will find particularly delightful.
Most people forget about skiing after Presidents Day weekend in February. That makes March an excellent time to visit Lake Tahoe, where you'll enjoy warm weather, wide-open runs, no lift lines, fast snow and a good selection of rooms, condos and cabins. Longer days mean hours of daylight after the lifts close, so there's plenty of time for a scenic drive around the pristine lake, snow-capped mountains reflected in its shimmering depths. Dine lakeside or take a dinner cruise and toast the sinking sun. For nightlife, stroll to the Nevada side of the state line and try your luck in the casinos. End your day soaking in an outdoor hot tub or cozying up in front of your own private fireplace.
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureau
http://www.visitinglaketahoe.com
Maui, with its waterfalls, beaches, lush rain forests, tropical breezes and dazzling sunsets, is a romantic vacation destination for couples year-round. But in March, you'll be greeted by something particularly special--some of the best whale watching opportunities of the year. For a perfect day, embark on a whale watching tour out of Lahaina. As you watch the sunrise from your boat or catamaran, steaming mug of coffee in hand, you're likely to experience the first of many magnificent whale sightings of the day. Later, explore their ocean world, snorkeling over coral reefs alive with tropical fish. Finish each day on the beach welcoming the vibrant sunset for which Maui is famous.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui Visitors Guide
http://maui.islands-travel.com/travel-guide.html
Hawaii Whale Watching Guide
http://hawaii.islands-travel.com/whale-watching.html
If winter has left you chilled to the bone, consider thawing out in the hottest place on earth, Death Valley National Park. Temperatures in March are a comfortable 54 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for exploring the strange beauty of Death Valley's dunes, black mountains and colorful badlands (not possible in the heat of summer when temperatures reach 116). But the real attraction in March is the spectacular profusion of wildflowers carpeting the desert floor following the February rains. Hike, ride horses or enjoy a scenic drive in the park, and finish your day with an evening carriage ride complete with champagne or margaritas. After a full day soaking in the beauty, you and your mate can snuggle under the stars in one of Death Valley's eight campgrounds, enjoy an oasis of luxury at the Furnace Creek Inn, or stay in one of the three other lodging options within the park.
Death Valley National Park
P.O. Box 579
Death Valley, CA 92328
760-786-3200
http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm
Furnace Creek Resort
Hwy. 190
Death Valley, CA 92328
760-786-2345
http://furnacecreekresort.com
March is the month when most colleges throw open their doors to release restless students for Spring Break. If that's not your idea of fun, avoid the Spring Break hot spots so your romantic getaway won't be ruined by traffic and noisy revelry. This probably isn't the time for a relaxing vacation at many of the beaches or inexpensive resorts in Florida. Students also flood the beaches of (and cruises to) Cancun, Acapulco, Mazatlan, the Baja Peninsula, the Bahamas and Jamaica.
