Where's warm in March and good value?

[fedupandnogin]

Looking to go away next March? Maybe somewhere in the Caribbean but welcome to hear other suggestions. Where's good value, ie not cheap but you're not paying huge amounts for the same thing as somewhere else if you know what I mean. I heard Cuba was relatively good value but the food isn't amazing. Any recommendations for here or Mexico or anywhere else please?

Cuba is just awesome. To make the most of going you need to travel around. Havana, Valle de vinales, bay of pigs, Trinidad, then varadero (or resort if that’s your thing). If you head straight to a resort you may as well go to Spain in terms of experience.

The food was very very good. However you do have to select private non government places. It’s also not 5* Indian Ocean standard. I’m pretty fussy about what I eat and Havana particularly we are very well. The resort was also very good. It isn’t haute cuisine though, more high end buffet.

To be honest it’s the history, culture, scenery (jaw dropping in places) and experience you go for. We stayed mainly in Casa particular (people’s homes) and it was wonderful. If you want a sun lounger and a beach you can find ‘nicer’. It is great value though.

Marrakesh would be warm that time of year and though it’s not as cheap as you’d think, it’s fascinating, loads to do and see and the food is fabulous!

Hi @OKhitmewithit that sounds fab. Not really thought about doing that. I'd love to but not sure about my partner. How did you book and how did you travel around? @Destinysdaughter - I'd also love to go to Marakesh. Might look into that too!

We booked at self drive via Cuba direct. They were helpful and ensured the basic standard for the casas was ok. You were definitely a guest in someone’s home, but clean tidy and welcoming.

• a self drive

I loved Kerala. Beautiful weather, warm sea and amazing food! We stayed room only and out out in amazing, cheap local restaurants and street food. hired rickshaws and drivers for days out in the mountains. Very cheap once there.

However, there is evident poverty and it is an assault of the senses so may not be for you. Plus my experience is 10 years out of date.

Get home before brexit. Be aware of it before you book flights

Do you mean coming back into the country @MadeForThis ?

Yes. I would be nervous about being stranded abroad. What would be covered.

Cambodia - but it would be hot, rather than warm

How about Goa? Warm in March and good value.

Hi Fedupandnogin,
I concur with the description of Cuba (having been there for the last 3 years!) - if you mentally adjust to the fact that its' about the experience rather than indulgence, you'll have a great time.
Extraordinary country to explore and worth seeing it before too much changes. Depending on what you'd like to do on holiday in March, here are my suggestions:

1. The cruise ships are still out in the Caribbean at that time and you can get some good deals, especially during term time,
2. If you'd like a luxury beach holiday, the Dominican Republic and Mexico offer a good combination of high quality hotels and interesting excursions (especially Mexico)
3. Costa Rica offers an adventurous mix of rain forest exploration and wonderful beaches
4. If you'd like something a bit different in that area, a Rio based holiday or Belize are great options
5. Heading east, a Sri Lanka holiday would mix history, culture, wildlife and beaches. It's not too hot (yet)
6. Depending on your budget you could do Rajasthan and reefs (a week in India and a week in the Maldives)
7. A safari in Kenya, Namibia or South Africa would provide thrilling insights into the raw, edgy wildlife that exists there
8. I agree with Tangoes - Goa is lovely (I would say that, being half Goan!)

What type of holiday experience would appeal to you most? Chris

Just a point about passports and Brexit. I've not hear anything about restrictions for any UK citizens - what's the basis for the anxiety?
I was under the impression that nothing would change for a minimum of two years.
Please let me know.
THanks. .

Thanks @christravelwizard . My partner isn't looking for anything too adventurous but I was thinking of maybe a two centre holiday in Cuba (so we see a little bit of Havanna) but Mexico also appeals (with an excursion to see some sights). Not thought of a cruise - is that really within our budget? If you have any specific hotels/areas you can recommend (or cruises), I'd be really grateful. Thanks

Just a point about passports and Brexit. I've not hear anything about restrictions for any UK citizens - what's the basis for the anxiety?

I think the concern is about airlines being able to operate in the period immediately after Brexit, rather than any particular passport issues.

Hi @fedupandnogin, I agree with the comments by @OKhitmewithit re: Cuba. It's absolutely spot on. Here are my suggestions on Cuba and Mexico:

1. Cuba:

Firstly, it's not a cheap destination because the price of the CUC (currency for tourists) is artificially set up because the CUC isn't traded internationally. So prices are baout 60-80% of what you'd pay here. Having said that, you can really get value for money and a great holiday by spending a week touring and a week on the beach. In terms of touring, Havana is a must do (it's jaw droppingly beautiful, chaotic and you just feel as if you're on a 50's film set!), followed by Vinales, the UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can visit (or ride through) tobacco (think the world's best cigars!), sugar and coffee plantations, see underwater caves and a real, traditional Cuban town that knows how to have fun! If you just wanted a quick tour, then I'd suggest 3 nights in Havana, 2 nights in Vinales and 2 nights in Trinidad, a 15th century Spanish town that still has cobblestones and retains it's wonderful charm. Then, instead of the tourist resorts of Varadero, I'd recommend driving across the 49km bridge to Cayo Santa Maria, a beautiful island that has limited development. The Hotel Cayo Santa Maria is Cuban owned and run and the staff are amazing! Other than the hotel, stay in "Casa Particulares", private homestays that are highly regulated by hte Government (they all charge similar prices) and where you can spotless accommodation, many with en suites and families that are really excited and grateful for you staying with them. Mexico: I should be upfront and say that the US Government has warned it's citizens to avoid Cancun after a couple of Americans were killed. However, along the Mayan Riviera coast that's below Cancun are around 30-40 very good hotels of different standards, mostly 4-5 star that are safe, have great facilities (think entertainment, huge food / drink options and spa facilities) and great beaches. The excursions I'd recommend are: 1 - The Mayan city of Tullum (you'll find out what really happened to the Mayans!) 2 - Swimming with turtles at Akumal, 3 - Hopping over to Cozumel Island to snorkel - the world's best reefs are in Mexico. Also, you can geta chance to take part in a genuine America's Cup yacht race using Dennis Connor's original boat, Stars and Stripes.

1. A day long excursion to Chichen Itza, one of the greatest Mayan temples and one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World.

Depending on whether you wanted All Inclusinve or Half Board, prices vary. Transfers to the hotel from the airport cost £40-£100 if you book at the airport so it's better to pre book. @Oubliettebravo, from talking to my Flights team, none of the airlines have received any guidance from the Government about post March changes and whether there will be any restrictions and their advice (so far) is that nothing changes. Of course, it may change after December when we know more about a deal. I'll check with te Travel Insurance company to see what their advice is and report back to this thread.

Definitely try pricing up a cruise with a cheaper cruise line - we regularly find an all inclusive cruise is cheaper than a nice all inclusive hotel! And then you get to see lots of places.

Another vote for Mexico Maya Riviera. Double check though when the US "spring break" is as you'd want to avoid those weeks.

Thailand Malaysia Cambodia Vietnam all flights start from £500 then hotels £5-as much as you want to spend. Cheep to get about and safe

@waitfornothing Have you got a cruise line that you've used before that you would recommend please? I wouldn't have a clue where to look for a cruise! Thanks.