A few streets back from the glacial shimmer of the River Inn and tucked beneath the watchful peaks of the Nordkette mountains lies the Weisses Rössl restaurant, Innsbruck’s unapologetic ode to Tyrolean gastronomy.

This culinary nook – not to be confused with the hotel of the same name at the same location – offers an unpretentious kind of charm that’s warm, welcoming and refreshingly unassuming, and has belonged to the same family for four generations.

The food

The restaurant offers traditional Tyrolean dishes, honouring recipes that have been passed down through the generations.

Adventurous diners will enjoy trying the escargots from Gugumuck – a Viennese snail farm – served with a garlic herb butter and toast. Andreas Gugumuck, a former employee of IBM, has been committed to reviving this once-popular Austrian delicacy for nearly two decades.

Alternatively, try the Beef Tartar, a classic Austrian appetiser here made from Tyrolean ox, and served with sliced red onion, butter and toast. It’s made with premium beef, such as local Alpine cattle breeds, prized for their tenderness and flavour.

Inspired by the traditional meat-based tartar, the vegetarian alternative – Gemüse-Tatar – is a vegetable tartar featuring finely chopped or diced vegetables combined with various seasonings.

There’s a selection of soups on the menu, too, including the celery cream soup served with truffle oil and a celery garnish.

If you’re feeling hungry, choose the Spinatknödel from the mains – spinach dumplings with Tyrolean mountain cheese and brown butter. It’s classic Alpine comfort food – hearty, flavourful, and perfect for a rustic meal – but exceptionally filling.

A less heavy but equally rustic dish to enjoy is the Tiroler Gröstl- roasted potatoes with beef, fried egg and bacon cabbage salad. It was originally created as a way to use up leftover ingredients and is typically cooked in a single pan, giving it a homely and comforting appeal.

Garnelen-Gröstl is a contemporary twist on the traditional Austrian Gröstl, substituting meat with garnelen (German for shrimps or prawns). This dish combines sautéed potatoes with shrimp and various seasonings, offering a lighter yet flavorful alternative to the classic version.

If you’re seeking a lighter, elegant dish that highlights the natural flavours of Austria’s lakes and rivers, choose the Saiblingsfilet, Alpine char that’s commonly found in Austria’s pristine mountain lakes and prized for its delicate flavour and tender flesh.

And for dessert? We passed, but there was the Austrian favourite Kaiserschmarrn served with stewed plums, as well as apple strudel, among the menu choices.

The chef

The soul behind the kitchen is Hans Ruetz, a local chef who started his culinary journey at Weisses Rössl. After some years as head chef, he decided to broaden his horizons with a culinary world tour, gaining experience in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. He returned in 2012, bringing international influences and years of expertise to every dish, with a focus on quality, craftsmanship and delivering great flavours. A visit to the restroom takes you past a window through which you can see the kitchen team at work.

The ambience

The dining room is typically Tyrolean with wooden panelling and sturdy furniture. It’s bustling when we arrive with what appears to be a good mix of local and international diners, yet all united by the enjoyment of good food.

The Alpine region’s religious and cultural heritage is depicted by a crucifix in the corner and angels hanging from the ceiling, the latter possibly just a seasonal decoration given that we were dining in January.

There’s also a terrace that can accommodate many more diners.

The cost

Starters range from €5 to €20 while mains typically hover at a very reasonable €15 to €25 (with the one outlier being the Tyrolean fillet steak at €42.50).

The final verdict

Weisses Rössl doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. Instead, what it offers is an honest, skillful homage to the flavours of Tyrol – rich, robust and unapologetically Alpine. It was our first meal after landing in Innsbruck and delivered a hearty welcome to the region, setting a high bar for the rest of our trip.

Disclosure: Our trip was sponsored by Innsbruck Tourism.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.

When it originally opened in September 1926, the Breakers loomed large on the Long Beach, California, skyline … at a soaring (for the time) 14 stories.

After it was reflagged as the world’s eighth Hilton in the 1930s, it became known as one of the best hotels on the West Coast, attracting Hollywood golden age glitterati like Elizabeth Taylor and Cary Grant. Since then, it has changed hands several times and was most recently a retirement home.

Related: TPG’s 16 favorite hotels in California for every type of traveler

These days, the hotel — which reopened as a Fairmont in November 2024 after a multiyear, $150 million renovation — might be dwarfed by the surrounding edifices. But it retains a regal air thanks to its inimitable Spanish Revival style and imposing silhouette.

The interiors, meanwhile, have been gorgeously redone with an eye toward art deco flair (think: rounded velvet furniture and polished brass light fixtures) while retaining original elements like ornate crown molding and old-fashioned mail chutes still intact.

We got a first look at the hotel days after its opening. Here’s what the experience was like.

Fairmont Breakers Long Beach location

The Fairmont Breakers Long Beach sits smack dab in the middle of downtown Long Beach, right along Ocean Boulevard. The hotel is just under 7 miles away from Long Beach Airport (LGB), which takes around 20 to 30 minutes by car to reach. Depending on traffic, you can expect to pay around $40 to get to and from the airport via a ride-hailing service.

The property is also 25 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and a ride from there can take anywhere from 40 to 75 minutes and cost upward of $80 if you are using a ride-hailing service. Another option is John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is 25 miles southeast of the hotel in Santa Ana, California. The drive from there can take around 40 to 60 minutes and cost approximately $70 when using a service like Uber or Lyft.

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If you’re already visiting Los Angeles, it’s easy to reach the hotel via main thoroughfares. It sits just a short distance off Interstate 710 (also known as the Long Beach Freeway).

Fairmont Breakers Long Beach booking details

The Fairmont brand is part of Accor and participates in the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program. Members can earn points on stays when booking directly through Accor at a rate of 25 points per 10 euros ($11) spent and redeem them in increments of 2,000 points to save 40 euros ($44) on hotel bills. Booking as a member through Accor also opens up preferential rates that might include discounts and add-ons such as free breakfast or on-property credits.

Rates at the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach start at $349 per night.

Standout features

• You’ll want to check out the hotel’s several swanky watering holes, including the rooftop Halo venue and the lobby jazz lounge Alter Ego.
• The building has gorgeous historical features, as well as beautifully redone rooms and public spaces.
• Guests can anticipate affordable room rates with on-property benefits when booking directly through Accor.

Drawbacks

• Though renovated, the building is old, so some rooms have quirky configurations.
• Staff are still finding their footing, and while service is genuine and warm, it is not as polished as it should be soon.
• Unfortunately, the hotel isn’t part of any of the credit card luxury hotel booking programs yet.

The vibe at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach

“That’s the mayor of Long Beach,” our server at Nettuno said as she set down a plate of Caledonian prawns with Calabrian chili butter, indicating a man entertaining a large dinner party at a nearby table.

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He was just one of many locals we found checking out the newly opened hotel in November. The spa was mostly booked during our two-night stay, and both the glamorous dining room at Sky Room and the gardenlike lounge at Halo on the upper floors were packed with curious Long Beachers eager to try the food and drinks at the city’s hottest new hotel.

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No doubt the fanfare will calm down over time and the crowd mix will veer more toward out-of-town business travelers and families checking out Long Beach’s longstanding attractions. But for now, it was nice to see a mix of visitors and locals alike.

Rooms at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach

Although it had 330 accommodations back in its original heyday, after the recent renovation, the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach now houses just 185 rooms and suites. These start with 279-square-foot Fairmont King rooms and range up to the Breakers Two Bedroom Suite on the 12th floor.

I stayed in a Fairmont Bay View King, which is a few categories higher, about 20 square feet larger and around $50 per night more expensive than a standard room. It was at the end of the hallway on the hotel’s ninth floor and offered views of the Port of Long Beach and San Pedro Bay through large windows that let in plenty of natural light.

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The room had a short entry hallway and a small closet that were probably vestiges of the historical room footprint.

The room’s color palette was inspired by the port, with tones of industrial grays, cloudlike whites and swirls of blue and gold on the rugs, plus some framed seashells above the king-size bed. The spotless white linens, woven straw wall accents and bleached wooden floors gave the room a clean, contemporary look.

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Attached to the wall in one corner was a large flat-screen TV. To the other side of the bed, there was a small sort of multipurpose area featuring a round, marble-topped table that doubled as a place to eat and work. It had one heavy armchair with a ropelike frame (another nod to the nearby port’s industries) next to it. There were also a Nespresso machine and complimentary bottles of water.

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The most impressive feature was the bathroom, which was surprisingly large for an old hotel building. The space included a long marble countertop with two sinks and mirrors, a separate water closet with a frosted-glass door and a marble spa-style wet area that contained both the bathtub and the shower.

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There was a wall-mounted, hand-held showerhead and another overhead one with several stream functions, including a mister. Both the vanity and the shower area were stocked with Le Labo Rose 31 products.

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Though on the small side, the room’s fresh look and spacious bathroom created a luxurious ambience equally suited to both leisure and work trips.

Food and drink at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach

There are five bars and restaurants at the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach, and even a short stay is enough to experience most, if not all, of them.

Nettuno

Nettuno is the hotel’s main restaurant and sits next to the reception area in the lobby. Its dining room has soaring double-height ceilings anchored by squared-off columns with antiqued-mirrored surfaces and Corinthian capitals that are beautiful contrasts to the contemporary art on the walls and the chainlike chandeliers strung across the ceiling.

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The breakfast menu offers standards like avocado toast with baby kale, cherry tomatoes and stracciatella on seedy whole wheat ($18) and an egg white omelet with seasonal herbs, mushrooms and goat cheese ($20), plus pastries like a fluffy blueberry-olive oil muffin ($6) and a variety of coffees, teas, juices and smoothies ($6 to $16).

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The lunch and dinner menus feature mostly coastal Italian fare like zucchini blossoms filled with lemon-herb ricotta ($24), artichoke tortelli with brown butter and sage ($28) and tiramisu ($10).

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Sky Room

Sky Room, which takes up most of the hotel’s 13th floor, dates to 1938, when Conrad Hilton took over the property and turned a penthouse suite into one of the West Coast’s toniest restaurants.

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It is looking as splendorous as ever again thanks to a complete restoration. It’s easy to picture yourself here during its prewar pinnacle as you cozy up in one of the enormous circular velvet booths or at the intimate two-tops by the windows, all illuminated by a dazzling fluted light fixture that appears to ripple as it runs nearly the length of the dining room.

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Open only for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, Sky Room feels like a throwback to the supper clubs of yore thanks to the bustling, neatly uniformed staff, a cocktail list of old favorites and a roster of continental classics you might have found on some of the original menus — oysters Rockefeller and clams casino, anyone? You can actually spot some of the 1930s menus decorating the walls near the entrance.

Start with piping-hot parkerhouse rolls with whipped cultured butter ($8), then tuck into specialties like luscious Dungeness crabcakes with smoked trout roe and caviar butter ($28) — there’s even a whole caviar menu, if that’s your thing.

Bring a few friends to indulge in the California wagyu beef Wellington with mushroom duxelle, bordelaise sauce and prosciutto encased in a flaky pastry crust ($165), or go lighter with the juicy whole John Dory (fileted tableside, of course) with yuzu-kosho beurre blanc and herb salad (market price based on weight). The wine list features bottles from around the world, including the likes of chardonnay from Western Australia’s vaunted Vasse Felix winery ($105 per bottle).

Order the bananas Foster ($22) to end your meal with a bang … or rather a flambe as the staff sets the dish alight right at your table.

Halo

Halo feels like a little secret tucked away on the hotel’s top floor. Inside, glazed green tiling, pink wallpaper with exotic leaf motifs and a beautifully lit, deep-veined alabaster bar all create the feeling of a Caribbean garden party.

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That’s only heightened by the tropical cocktails, like the startlingly blue Clarified Top Floor Mai Tai ($19) with Bacardi Ocho rum, Plantation Stiggins pineapple rum, Wray & Nephew overproof rum, Grand Marnier, lime, mango and pineapple.

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Come the warmer months, the outdoor terrace should be the best place in town to catch the sunset and views of Catalina Island across the channel.

An added historical oddity? If you look up at the hotel’s belvedere, you can still spot a World War II pillbox gun turret from when the building formed part of the country’s coastal defense.

La Sala

On the street side of the lobby, La Sala is designed to feel like a cozy solarium with jade-green chinoiserie wallpaper adorned with blossoming trees and a palm-shaped brass and crystal chandelier overhead. Guests and visitors can stop in for barista-made coffee and tea drinks, cocktails and light bites throughout the day and evening.

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Alter Ego

Moodily lit and decorated with emerald velvet chairs and Henri Rousseau-like floral prints on the walls, Alter Ego is located just off the lobby. There will be live jazz most nights to accompany creative twists on classic cocktails, including updates on the daiquiri and the dirty martini.

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The drinks to order, though, are the specialty Old-Fashioneds, including one inspired by California’s redwoods with Old Forester bourbon, various house-made botanical tinctures, “campfire” bitters, a smoky mist and even an edible pine cone ($23).

Amenities and service at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach

On the eastern end of the ground floor, the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach has a small fitness center and a bi-level spa.

The fitness center has a plethora of window-facing Technogym cardio machines, including treadmills and stationary bikes, plus racks of weights, resistance bands, kettlebells and balance balls, among other equipment. There’s also a water dispenser so you can fill up your own bottle.

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Next door, the Fairmont Spa has an airy reception area replete with cream-colored marble and contemporary brushed brass light fixtures, plus plenty of counter space to display the products incorporated into the treatments, including items from Biologique Recherche, Venn and Lola’s Apothecary.

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There are separate men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam rooms and shower facilities, as well as a pre- or post-treatment lounge area with blond timber walls and chaise-style seats separated by diaphanous curtains.

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The treatment menu includes intriguing options like a Venn supercharged facial (60 minutes for $260) and the signature Breakers massage that you can tailor to your preferences (60 minutes for $220).

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Up on the third floor, the hotel now features a small outdoor pool and deck with plenty of lounge chairs, some seating vignettes and a pool bar (though it was not open during our stay).

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Service at the hotel could not have been warmer or more enthusiastic. There were a few opening-week hiccups, such as a server bringing the wrong dish or a certain glass of wine on the menu not being available, but those have likely been ironed out by now.

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Out and about

For those not familiar with the area, there is plenty to see and do in Long Beach.

Families might want to walk to the Aquarium of the Pacific and the waterfront where harbor cruises and ferries to Catalina depart. The nearby Terrace Theater hosts performances throughout the year, and various beaches as well as the Long Beach Museum of Art are quick drives away. There is also outlet shopping, plus the independent boutiques of Retro Row, nearby. As for business travelers in town for meetings or conferences, the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is conveniently situated next door.

Accessibility at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach

Old hotels, especially those with landmark status that prohibits drastic changes to their infrastructure, can sometimes be hit or miss when it comes to accessibility, but the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach has incorporated plenty of accessible features into its renovation.

The hotel’s main entrance and ground floor are step-free, so those in wheelchairs can access all the spaces. There are also elevators to every floor, including a small wheelchair lift up to the pool deck from the third floor. Speaking of the pool, it has a chairlift at one end to assist folks with limited mobility into the water. The spa also has wheelchair-accessible showers in its locker rooms.

The hotel’s hallways are all wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, and there are seven room and suite categories with mobility- and hearing-accessible facilities. They include toilet and shower grab bars, and closet rods, towel racks and viewports less than 48 inches high. Those designed for hearing-impaired guests include visual alarms and doorbells.

Unlike many of the other entries on our list of the best hotels that opened in 2024, the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach is not a new hotel. Rather, it is a landmark reborn, one with a storied legacy dating back nearly a century that still manages to feel completely fresh thanks to its new lease on life. Having already garnered the interest of locals, who come to hang out in its grand public spaces, it’s only a matter of time until word gets out and travelers from farther afield start realizing what a special stay awaits them.

Related reading:

* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

The Citi Custom Cash Card has no annual fee but takes a different approach from the issuer’s popular Citi Double Cash® Card (with up to a 2% cash-back rate on all purchases, 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay, see rates and fees).

With this card, you’ll earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent.

We typically recommend that applicants have a credit score of 670 or higher to increase their chances of approval. Let’s review this card and see who it is best for.

The information for the Citi Custom Cash Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Citi Custom Cash pros and cons

Citi Custom Cash welcome offer

The Citi Custom Cash Card comes with an easily attainable welcome offer — earn $200 cash back, after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

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This offer is comparable to other no-annual-fee, cash-back cards. While it’s certainly not the most outstanding offer, the sign-up bonus is a nice little incentive to apply.

This is the usual offer seen on the card and has been for some time now.

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Citi Custom Cash benefits

The Citi Custom Cash is light on benefits, which isn’t surprising since there’s no annual fee.

However, there are a few perks and essential security features:

Earning cash back on the Citi Custom Cash

Each billing cycle (roughly every month or so), you’ll earn 5% cash back on the first $500 of purchases in your top spending category from the following list:

*Select transit is defined as car rentals, ferries, commuter railways, subways, taxis/limousines/car services, passenger railways, bridge and road tolls, parking lots/garages, bus lines, and motor home and recreational vehicle rentals. Also includes merchants that sell electricity for charging an electric vehicle. Excludes bike/scooter rentals, auto clubs and insurance companies.

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**Select travel is defined as airlines, hotels, cruise lines and travel agencies.

***Select streaming services are defined as cable, satellite and streaming providers such as Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Disney+, DirecTV Stream, ESPN+, FuboTV, Max, NBA League Pass, Netflix, Pandora, Paramount+, Showtime, Sling TV, Spotify, Starz, SiriusXM, Vudu, YouTube Red, YouTube TV, and Tidal.).

This card truly caters to your lifestyle, whether you’re jet-setting one month or cooking it up in the kitchen the next. If you max out the $500 spending limit each billing cycle, you’ll earn $25 in cash-back rewards per month — for a potential maximum of $300 in rewards annually.

There is no need to preselect your top spending category each month — this card will automatically choose that category.

For all other categories, you’ll earn 1% unlimited cash back. You’ll also earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2026.

One TPG reader likes to use the Citi Custom Cash to earn more cash-back rewards because the card “covers spend categories I don’t get on other cards.” (via a TPG newsletter survey)

Note: Reader-submitted responses have not been edited, reviewed or approved by the issuers nor reflect TPG’s opinions of these cards.

The Citi Custom Cash is a solid option to get the most out of your most frequent spending category, even if it’s typically difficult to earn elevated rewards in that category on most other cards.

Redeeming cash back on the Citi Custom Cash

To put it in simple terms, 1 ThankYou point equates to 1 cent of cash back rewards. That means you’ll earn 5% back (or 5 points per dollar) on the first $500 spent on your top eligible spending category.

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There’s no minimum balance you need to reach before accessing your rewards — which isn’t the case for many cash-back cards. You can request a statement credit or direct deposit at any time. However, if you’re requesting a check, there is a minimum reward balance of $5 (or 500 points).

If you’re adding the Citi Custom Cash on top of your Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees) or Citi Prestige® Card, you can also unlock the option to convert your points into miles with Citi’s hotel and airline transfer partners to extract potentially greater value from them.

The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Which cards compete with the Citi Custom Cash Card?

• If you want simpler rewards: Try the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees). This card is excellent for beginners since you’ll earn 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay off your bill (for a total of 2% cash back on all your purchases). Plus, you’ll enjoy the uncapped earning potential on the Double Cash if your spending exceeds the $500 limit on the Custom Cash. For more information, read our full review of the Double Cash.
• If you want rotating rewards: Go for the Chase Freedom Flex®. This card also has no annual fee, and you’ll earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in purchases on rotating bonus categories each quarter you activate — which breaks down to roughly $500 in spending each month. Chase will set the bonus categories each quarter, but in the past, we’ve seen common vendors such as Amazon, home improvement stores and gas stations included in these rotating categories. For more information, read our full review of the Freedom Flex.
• If you prefer Capital One: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and comes with a $95 annual fee. Best of all, you can transfer miles to Capital One’s 15-plus airline and hotel partners for greater rewards. For more information, read our full review of the Venture Rewards.

For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash-back cards.

Related: How I’m maximizing the Freedom Flex’s rotating categories in the final quarter of 2024

Is the Citi Custom Cash worth it?

Bottom line

The Citi Custom Cash Card is a terrific choice for a cash-back card, as you’ll gain true flexibility to earn rewards depending on your spending habits. Adding the Custom Cash may also be a good idea for existing Citi cardholders seeking to maximize their rewards through the Citi ThankYou program.

Related: The complete guide to Citi ThankYou Rewards: How to earn, redeem and transfer points

March might just be the Goldilocks of travel months. It’s not too cold. It’s not too hot. It’s that “just right” sweet spot where winter’s final frost gives way to spring blooms — or beach days if that’s more your vibe. Sure, you might bump into some spring break crowds (cue the college kids cannonballing into pools). But don’t worry: It’s easy to find spots where you’ll only hear the sound of waves or mountain breezes.

Whether you’re chasing bluebonnets in Texas, sipping cocktails on a quiet Caribbean beach or finally squeezing in a ski trip before the snow melts, March delivers. Here are the 10 best places to travel in March.

Atacama Desert, Chile

Chile’s Atacama Desert — one of TPG’s top destinations in 2025 — has ideal weather in March. The daytime highs hover in the mid-70s, while nights dip into the mid-40s, giving you a pleasant mix of weather for sunny hikes and cozy evenings. March also offers a rare celestial treat: a total lunar eclipse the night of March 13 to 14, with the desert’s famously clear skies making it a prime spot to catch the blood moon.

By day, explore Valle de la Luna’s martianlike terrain, float effortlessly in the salt-rich waters of Laguna Cejar or visit the Tatio Geysers, where steam jets shoot sky-high at sunrise. Don’t miss stargazing tours (Get Your Guide has several options) or sandboarding down the dunes for adrenaline-fueled fun with tour companies like Sandboard San Pedro.

TPG tip: Make San Pedro de Atacama your home base. Here, you can stay at spots like Our Habitas Atacama, which opened in 2023 and features desert-inspired decor, a pool, a wellness area and a restaurant and bar. Rates start at $329 per night this March.

Madhya Pradesh, India

As the dry season peaks, Madhya Pradesh becomes a haven for wildlife and history enthusiasts. With more national parks than any other state in India, the central region is home to Bengal tigers, leopards and more than 500 bird species. March is an excellent time to visit, as animals gather near water sources, increasing wildlife sightings.

Bandhavgarh National Park’s hilly terrain and rivers create a stunning backdrop for spotting wildlife like hyenas and jackals this time of year. For a safari excursion, check out Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve, known for its dense jungles (with, you guessed it, lots of tigers) and Instagram-worthy waterfalls. Luxury outfitter Micato Safaris can help you plan an itinerary to see these wild wonders.

Beyond the wild, Madhya Pradesh is home to many historical sites. The eighth-century Gwalior Fort towers over the landscape, while the rock art of the Chambal Valley dates back to the Paleolithic era. At Khajuraho, UNESCO-listed temples captivate visitors with intricate carvings depicting life, mythology and spirituality.

TPG tip: Check into the brand-new Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh, which opens this February on the edge of Bandhavgarh National Park and will have 21 safari-style tents with private gardens. Rates and reservations will be announced at a later date.

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Ireland

Nothing says March vacation quite like heading to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day. On March 17, the entire country transforms into a party, with Dublin leading the charge. There are parades with epic floats, street performers, live music and plenty of pubs overflowing with good craic (that’s Irish for fun).

Beyond the festivities, March is a quieter way to explore Ireland’s one-of-a-kind terrain. Visit the country’s west coast to check out the Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the Atlantic and offer dramatic ocean views. Or, drive along the Ring of Kerry’s winding roads, where you’ll find more rugged coastlines and storybook villages like Sneem and Kenmare.

History is everywhere on the emerald isle, from the grand halls of Kilkenny Castle to the ancient Rock of Cashel, once the seat of Irish kings. Temperatures in the upper 40s mean you’ll need a good coat, but the cooler weather keeps popular spots quieter.

TPG tip: Book a room at the Conrad Dublin, where rates start at $260 or 69,000 Hilton Honors points per night in March.

Chicago

Speaking of St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago is another destination to get in the Irish spirit without leaving the country. The dyeing of the Chicago River the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day (March 15 this year) is pure St. Patrick’s Day magic. The river transforms into a brilliant green, setting the stage for one of the world’s more unusual holiday traditions.

And the festivities don’t stop there. The Windy City goes all-out for St. Patrick’s Day with lively parades, bagpipe performances and Irish dancing. The downtown parade, winding through Grant Park, is a spectacle of floats, music and plenty of green. Afterward, head to local Irish spots like The Kerryman Chicago or Butch McGuire’s for a festive meal and a pint of Guinness.

Beyond the holiday, families can lace up for a spin on the Ice Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park, while theater lovers can catch Peru’s Teatro La Plaza perform a Spanish version of “Hamlet” at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Later in the month, art enthusiasts can visit The Art Institute of Chicago for the “Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds” exhibit (opening March 29) that showcases the famous painter’s time in Europe.

TPG tip: Stay at the Park Hyatt Chicago for around $396 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night in March.

Related: The 17 best Chicago hotels

Dominican Republic

March in the Dominican Republic means warm days with temperatures in the mid-80s and fewer crowds than peak winter travel. The comfortable weather means you can lounge all day on the island’s white sand beaches or visit inland areas.

Take a day trip to Saona Island for turquoise waters and laid-back vibes, or explore Los Haitises National Park with its mangrove forests and caves etched with ancient Taino carvings. For adventure seekers, the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua are a must. Slide, swim and jump your way through this series of cascades.

TPG tip: The recently opened Zel Punta Cana is an all-inclusive resort with easy access to the vibrant beaches of Punta Cana. In March, it costs $269 per night with a MeliaRewards rate.

If you plan to visit later, the luxurious St. Regis Cap Cana (starting at $881 or 104,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) will open in April, adding even more exclusive options.

Related: 25 best all-inclusive resorts in the world

Houston

Bluebonnets bloom across Houston in March, painting fields and parks in vibrant blue hues, like Texas’ answer to cherry blossom season. Stroll through Buffalo Bayou Park to see the biggest blooms. Crawfish season is also in full swing, and spots like Crawfish & Noodles and BB’s Tex-Orleans serve up steaming, spicy piles of freshwater crustaceans.

Then there’s the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo — a Texas-size celebration with concerts, carnival rides, livestock shows and heart-pounding rodeo action. Think bull riding, funnel cakes and cowboy hats everywhere you look. With mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s, you can soak up the city’s outdoor charm, savor its food scene and embrace all things Texas without the summer heat.

TPG tip: The new Thompson Houston is a great home base. You can book a room starting at $343 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night in March.

San Pedro, Belize

In March, San Pedro, Belize is a tropical retreat with warm temperatures in the 80s, blue skies and the dry season in full swing. Plus, it’s prime whale shark season. So, book a snorkeling or diving tour with Ambergris Divers to Hol Chan Marine Reserve or Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. For more underwater adventures, explore Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim alongside nurse sharks and stingrays.

On land, take a leisurely bike ride around the sandy streets dotted with seafood restaurants and beach bars like Hurricanes Ceviche Bar. Visit the Belize Chocolate Company for local treats, or enjoy fresh seafood at beachfront spots like Blue Water Grill. Cap off the day with a sunset sail or rum cocktail overlooking the barrier reef.

TPG tip: Stay at Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection for $379 or 52,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in March.

Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

March is when Victoria Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World) truly roars to life. The month is peak flow season, with the Zambezi River at its fullest, sending massive amounts of water cascading over the falls’ mile-wide edge. Known locally as “The Smoke That Thunders,” the falls create a thick mist that might feel like walking through a rain cloud — so don’t forget a rain jacket!

Head to Zimbabwe for the best views, where well-maintained paths and viewpoints provide jaw-dropping perspectives. The Zambia side offers a more adventurous experience, including the chance to inch close to the falls’ precipice via Knife Edge Bridge.

Beyond the falls, you can take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, spot wildlife like elephants and hippos or try white water rafting if you’re feeling daring.

TPG tip: Stay as close as possible to the falls at The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara, where rates start at $577 per night in March.

Val d’Isere, France

Val d’Isere offers top-notch late-season skiing in Europe. Located in the French Alps, this world-class resort has high-altitude slopes, ensuring reliable snow coverage throughout March. Plus, there are fewer crowds compared to the busier months of January and February, so you can look forward to shorter lift lines and more space on the slopes.

With over 185 miles of interconnected pistes (aka ski runs or trails), there’s something for everyone, from beginner-friendly runs to expert-level descents. Off the slopes, the apres-ski scene is lively but less packed, with bars like La Folie Douce playing live music and serving mulled wine with mountain views.

March also brings slightly warmer weather, so you can explore the charming Alpine village without freezing. After a day on the slopes, enjoy cheesy raclette dinners at Ski Gallery & Fondue Factory, boutique shopping or unwinding in a spa (like The Spa Sisley).

TPG tip: Splurge and stay at Airelles Val d’Isere for around $1,600 per night in March. It’s part of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, so you’ll get a $100 food-and-beverage credit, free breakfast and other perks.

Related: Why it might be cheaper to fly abroad to ski

Oman

If you’ve been waiting to explore Oman’s deserts, mountains and cities without melting in the heat, March is the time to go when daytime temperatures hover in the 70s and 80s.

In Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a must-see. Its intricately carved marble walls are mesmerizing, and the sheer scale of the place will take your breath away — from the second-largest handwoven carpet in the world (a whopping 21 tons!) to the massive Swarovski crystal chandelier that lights up the grand prayer hall.

Nearby, Mutrah Souq is a feast for the senses. Wander through narrow alleys scented with frankincense, and browse stalls overflowing with handcrafted jewelry, colorful textiles and traditional Omani silver. Try halwa, a sweet local treat you won’t forget.

For a dose of adventure, head to the Wahiba Sands with GidOman Tours for camel rides, dune bashing and magical nights under the stars at a Bedouin-style camp. Prefer the mountains? Trek through ancient villages in the Al Hajar Mountains and climb Jebel Shams, Oman’s tallest peak, for canyon views.

TPG tip: Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a great jumping-off point in Muscat. Rates start at $278 or 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in March.

Travel doesn’t always go as expected. For example, if your airline loses your checked luggage, you end up in the hospital during your trip, or a close family member becomes unexpectedly ill, dealing with these situations can be costly. That’s where travel insurance may help.

You might already know that some travel rewards cards have embedded travel insurance benefits when you use your card for purchases. We won’t discuss that type of travel insurance in this article; instead, we’ll discuss a specific type of travel insurance you can purchase on a trip-by-trip basis.

American Express® Travel Insurance offers preset packages and the ability to select just the coverage options you want. You don’t need to use an Amex card or even be an American Express cardmember to purchase American Express Travel Insurance.

What is American Express Travel Insurance?

American Express Travel Insurance may help provide coverage for the unexpected.

You can select a preset package, which will come with set benefits and coverage amounts — these options allow you to get a package without needing to think through all the details yourself.

You also have the ability to purchase exactly what you want for your trip. For example, if you only want to purchase Global Medical Protection, you can do that. This ability to purchase only the coverage you want is relatively unique among the types of travel insurance I’ve researched.

You can purchase American Express Travel Insurance with any debit or credit card, including those not issued by American Express. You don’t need to be an American Express cardmember to purchase American Express Travel Insurance as you can use any debit or credit card to purchase.

Unlike other travel insurance policies that may not cover all your travel companions, American Express Travel Insurance allows you to enroll up to 10 people (including yourself), and also gives you the ability to cover travel companions outside of your family.

Due to the ability to pick only the protections you want or a preset package at a price point that fits your needs, American Express Travel Insurance offers particularly good options for travelers who are budget conscious or need the ability to customize coverage.

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In the next sections, we’ll discuss the types of preset packages and a la carte coverage you can purchase with American Express Travel Insurance. Then, we’ll discuss how to buy this insurance.

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

What types of American Express Travel Insurance are available?

American Express Travel Insurance offers preset packages, but you can also build your own coverage and select only the protections you want. The best way to see the options for a specific trip is to click the link in the previous sentence and enter a few details about your trip, but here’s a look at both types of products.

Build your own coverage

Being able to select only the protections you want is relatively unique, so here’s a look at the types of coverage that American Express Travel Insurance offers that I could select as a Florida resident for a sample trip:

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption: This type of coverage may provide reimbursement for nonrefundable expenses or additional costs if you need to cancel your trip before it starts. This coverage may also provide reimbursement for additional costs if your trip is interrupted. However, this coverage isn’t available for the portion of your trip purchased with travel award credits, points or miles.
• Global Medical Protection: This type of coverage may cover emergency medical and dental expenses on a trip that originates from the covered person’s permanent residence, is outside a 150-mile radius from the covered person’s permanent residence and occurs within the first consecutive 60 days of the trip. This coverage also includes an emergency evacuation benefit that will arrange and pay for evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility if you suffer from a sickness or sustain an accidental injury and require treatment while on a covered trip. You can select from three coverage limits when purchasing this coverage, although the dental coverage maximum is $750 with all three options.
• Travel Accident Protection: This type of coverage is payable if the covered person suffers an accidental death or dismemberment while boarding, traveling in, or deplaning from a scheduled airline or common carrier conveyance. When purchasing this coverage, you can select from two coverage limits.
• Global Baggage Protection: This type of coverage may reimburse for lost, damaged or stolen baggage, whether checked or carried on your flight or on your hotel or cruise property. This coverage may also provide reimbursement for essential replacement items if your baggage is delayed. When purchasing this coverage, you can select from four coverage limits.
• Global Trip Delay: This type of coverage may reimburse lodging and other necessary expenses if a covered person’s travels are delayed, including if your flight is overbooked and you are involuntarily denied boarding, if you miss your flight connection, and if your flight departure is delayed or canceled. When purchasing this coverage, you can select from three coverage limits.

These a la carte coverage options include access to a 24-hour Travel Assistance Hotline that may offer travel support anytime before and during your trip.

Related: What’s covered by credit card travel accident and emergency evacuation insurance?

Preset packages

American Express Travel Insurance also offers four preset packages, each including an assortment of types of coverage. These packages provide an easy way to buy coverage for an upcoming trip without making many decisions.

The basic package includes Trip Cancellation & Interruption, Global Medical Protection and Global Baggage Protection, but does not include Travel Accident Protection or Global Trip Delay.

The Silver, Gold and Platinum packages include all the types of coverage you could buy but at differing levels. The Silver package offers the lowest coverage levels, while the Platinum package offers the highest ones.

Related: What your credit card’s trip protection covers — and what it doesn’t

With American Express Travel Insurance, you can see your coverage options within seconds. Click the link in the previous sentence and enter the details of your trip. For example, if I wanted to purchase American Express Travel Insurance for a winter ski trip, I’d start by entering my state of residence and my travel dates.

Then, I’d need to enter the number of travelers and each traveler’s trip cost and age.

Next, I can choose the Build Your Own Coverage option or the one that lets you compare preset packages. However, this choice isn’t all that important, as you can toggle between the choices on the next page. For now, let’s assume I opted to build my own coverage.

For this trip, here’s a look at the build-your-own-coverage options and pricing:

• Global Trip Delay: No coverage, $14 for up to $150 of coverage per day ($500 maximum per trip), $15 for up to $200 of coverage per day ($750 maximum per trip) or $20 for up to $300 of coverage per day ($1,000 maximum per trip)
• Global Baggage Protection: No coverage, $20 for up to $500 of coverage (up to $300 of coverage for a six-hour or longer delay), $35 for up to $1,000 of coverage (up to $500 of coverage for a six-hour or longer delay), $40 for up to $1,500 of coverage (up to $500 of coverage for a six-hour or longer delay) or $50 for up to $2,500 of coverage (up to $500 of coverage for a three-hour or longer delay)
• Trip Cancellation & Interruption: No coverage or $80 for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Global Medical Protection: No coverage, $25 for up to $25,000 of coverage (dental coverage of up to $750), $30 for up to $50,000 of coverage (dental coverage of up to $750) or $32 for up to $100,000 of coverage (dental coverage of up to $750)
• Travel Accident Protection: No coverage, $11 for up to $250,000 of coverage, $19 for up to $500,000 of coverage, $27 for up to $1,000,000 of coverage or $35 for up to $1,500,000 of coverage

Alternatively, I could select one of the four preset packages. For my sample trip, the Basic package would cost $59, the Silver package would cost $99, the Gold package would cost $122 and the Platinum package would cost $170.

Regardless of whether I opt to build my own coverage or buy a preset package, I’d need to enter my full name, date of birth, destination country and date of first trip payment before reaching the payment screen, where I’d need to enter my name, billing address, phone number, email and credit card information.

Prices and coverage options may vary for your trip. Be sure to examine the certificate of insurance once you purchase coverage to fully understand your policy. You usually have 14 days after you purchase a policy to examine the certificate of insurance and void it if necessary.

Related: Here’s why I buy an annual travel insurance policy, even though my credit cards offer travel protections

American Express Travel Insurance offers build-your-own-coverage options and preset packages. The build-your-own-coverage options are particularly appealing if you value the ability to buy only the coverage you want at a relatively low cost, especially if you only need one or two types of coverage for an upcoming trip.

Travel with more confidence and purchase American Express Travel Insurance for your next trip.

For complete details and the full terms and conditions, please visit the American Express Travel Insurance website here.

American Express Travel Insurance (Policy AX0126, or Policy AETI-IND) is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Phoenix AZ. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions and exclusions of the respective policies (see above) and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.

American Express Travel Insurance is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., California license number 0649234.