The 10 Best Places To Visit in May

May is a great time to travel, the spring foliage is in full bloom and temperatures are warming up. Whether it's a sun-soaked beach holiday, a wildlife-packed safari adventure or a fun-filled city break, the options are endless, and, as (in most destinations) peak tourist season won't begin for a month or two, you are sure to find some great deals!

Read on to discover our 10 Best Places To Visit in May.

Peru

A mysterious and captivating land, steeped in ancient history and rich culture where adventure is never far away, Peru is home to a wealth of awe-inspiring landscapes, from Amazonian jungles to towering Andean peaks, and some of the most fascinating archaeological sites on earth!

The country's rainy season tails off at the end of April, so visit in May and you can expect lush, verdant scenery, and generally warm, clear conditions, perfect for exploring historic cities; trekking the Amazon, or, the legendary 'Inca Trail'.

Plus, peak tourist season doesn't kick off until June, so you'll avoid the crowds, and are sure to find some great deals on flights, accommodation and attractions!

Berlin

One of our top destinations for a city break, Germany's capital is a meeting point of history and contemporary culture.
A truly fascinating city, where historic landmarks museums and monuments serve as important reminders of its tumultuous past, whilst the thriving art and music scene, and world-beating nightlife, emblematise its status as a forward-thinking, cultural hub.

There is really no bad time to visit Berlin, but in May you can expect mild temperatures, with a decent amount of sunshine, perfect for exploring the city on foot or by bicycle (which are the best ways to do so). What's more, though the city is pretty popular year-round, you'll avoid the crowds of the summer holidays, and are sure to find some great deals on flights and hotels!

Petra, Jordan

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient city of Petra is truly breathtaking, a complex of dwellings, temples, and tombs carved into rose-coloured, sandstone cliffs in Jordan's eponymous desert.

One of the most astonishing archaeological gems on the planet, Petra is a bucket list favourite and for good reason. Many choose to reach the city on foot using the legendary ancestral trails from the Dana reserve, and if this is on your list, May is perfect. You'll enjoy clear skies and warm temperatures, as you traverse otherworldly deserts and gorges, past Byzantine and Nabatean ruins and along lofty ridges, marvelling at magnificent sunsets, and stunningly-clear skies, as you camp Bedouin-style under a blanket of stars.

Dana to Petra Trek

 

7 nights from

£1,147.00_pp

View

Sicily

The largest island in the Mediterranean and one of the most captivating, Sicily is steeped in history and tradition, a stunning mosaic of ancient landmarks and beautiful landscapes, where home to some of the most delicious cuisine on earth!

For some late-spring sunshine, Sicily is a great option. In May, temperatures float around the early to mid-20s and the sunshine is plentiful, plus the summer crowds are nowhere to be found so you can unwind and enjoy the tranquil essence of this intoxicating isle!

South Africa

From vast mountain ranges and plateaus to rugged coastlines punctuated by scenic beaches, grassy plains, teeming with incredible wildlife, and some of the most historic and exciting cities on the continent, South Africa has it all!

May marks the beginning of the dry season and is a great time to visit the country. Temperatures are warm and comfortable, and the vegetation is lush, excellent conditions for enjoying some of the incredible adventure activities on offer. What's more, if Safari is on your list there's no better time to visit; the country boasts numerous great national parks that offer amazing opportunities for close up encounters with big game!

The Bahamas

Comprised of over 700, mostly uninhabited subtropical islands and some 2400 cays, set in azure coral-rich waters, teeming with kaleidoscopic marine life, the Bahamas is, without doubt, one of the most paradisical destinations on earth!

Most people choose to visit the country between November and April, to make the most of the hot, sunny weather. Though technically, May marks the beginning of the west season, conditions are generally dry and sunny (particularly early in the month) and you'll find some great deals on flights and hotels, whilst the endless, picture-perfect beaches (such as the legendary, 'Pig Beach') won't be jam-packed with tourists!

South Korea

Having long existed in the shadow of neighbouring Japan, South Korea is rapidly becoming a major global force in popular culture and tourism, and when it comes to slick modernity, it is truly unrivalled! The country has topped Bloomberg's Innovation Index (a list of the most innovative nations on earth) seven times since its launch in 2013!

Though you're sure to have a good time whenever you visit, South Korea's winters can be extremely cold, and the summers hot and humid. In May, however, you can expect warm, clear conditions, perfect for exploring the fast-paced capital Seoul or the coastal metropolis of Busan; postcard-perfect countryside, dotted with ancient villages and centuries-old Buddhist temples, or the beaches, waterfalls and verdant volcanoes of Jeju, the country's largest, and most famous island!

Botswana

It might not boast the reputation of some of its neighbours, but the southern African nation of Botswana is truly extraordinary, a vast, biodiverse paradise, home to beautiful, unspoilt landscapes filled with a colourful array of flora and fauna.

If it's wildlife encounters that you're after, then look no further. Botswana is arguably the best safari destination on earth, home to an incredible wealth of wildlife, from rhinos, crocodiles and Africa’s largest herd of elephants, in the lush terrain of the Okavango Delta to all manner of big game (pus an endless array of smaller animals and birds) in the Central Kalahari, the second largest game reserve in the world.

May marks the beginning of the dry season and the lush vegetation and well-supplied watering holes mean you're sure to spot plenty of wildlife. Plus, unlike some of the continent's more established safari destinations, Botswana remains relatively under the radar, so you'll be able to enjoy its breathtaking beauty and biodiversity without the crowds!

Vancouver

Consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live on the planet, Vancouver offers the excitement and convenience of urban living with the picturesque beauty and tranquillity of nature.

Whether you want to explore the city's litany of landmarks, shops, and excellent eateries; hike mountain trails or zip-line through evergreen forests, or spot humpback whales, dolphins and orcas off the coast of Vancouver Island, May is a great time to visit, and as peak season doesn't begin till the summer, you might just bag yourself a great deal!

Southern Turkey

Ancient landmarks, rugged peaks and sun-drenched coastlines fringed by the turquoise waters of the Aegean, Southern Turkey is beautiful and captivating, rich in history, culture and breathtaking natural beauty!

From charming fishing villages to vibrant resort towns like Bodrum, Marmaris and Antalya, there is no shortage of great places to stay, plus in May you can expect plenty of sunshine, with temperatures in the mid-20s, and some excellent deals to be had!