Explore the Best Travel Destinations in May

May offers travelers a delightful mix of affordable prices and pleasant weather in various parts of the world. If you're searching for wildlife encounters, cultural events, adventurous trips, or budget-friendly destinations, this month's selections are sure to spark your wanderlust.

Top Travel Picks in May

Here are the best places to visit in May, catering to every travel style.

1. Barbados

Ideal for Surfing

Barbados is a tropical paradise perfect for lounging on the beach and enjoying the sun. As one of the top islands in the Caribbean for surfing, it features ideal conditions, especially on its Atlantic-facing coasts. From November to June, surfing conditions are favourable. While rain may increase slightly in May, the weather remains sunny, and prices are more affordable.

Freights Bay is perfect for beginners, while South Point and Soup Bowl near Bathsheba cater to advanced surfers. Additionally, you can visit the childhood home of Rihanna and explore numerous attractions.

Planning Tip: Rent a car to access various surf beaches. Bathsheba offers local guesthouses and more rum bars than luxury resorts, making it a laid-back base for your surf adventures.

2. Thessaloniki, Greece

Ideal for a European City Getaway

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, combines ancient history with vibrant energy. Established in 315 BCE, the city buzzes with life, especially in May. Residents, including a large student community, fill Navarinou Square. They enjoy strong coffee and tsipouro at sidewalk cafés, with rooftop bars opening for the season.

With temperatures averaging 24°C (75°F), it’s perfect for beach visits. Blue Flag Epanomi beach is just 25 km away, and you can reach the beautiful Halkidiki Peninsula within two to three hours by bus. After enjoying the beach, admire Roman relics, intriguing churches, and local street food such as koulouri from nearby stalls.

Spend your time biking along the waterfront, visiting the famous White Tower, and exploring the lively Ladadika district.

3. Uzbekistan

Ideal for a Train Journey

Traveling in Uzbekistan is a magical experience filled with history and culture. The region has been a cultural hub of Central Asia for centuries. The three historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva showcase stunning mosaic-tiled mausoleums and ancient medressas.

Thanks to high-speed trains, getting around is effortless. May offers mild temperatures in the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F), making it the best time for sightseeing. The vibrant landscapes punctuated by tulips and apricot blossoms are simply breathtaking.

4. Norway

Best for Exploring on the Water

Hurtigruten ferries navigate along Norway’s 2400 km (1491 miles) coastline, connecting residents and travellers alike. Operating year-round, these ferries are especially convenient from May to June, with long daylight hours and mild weather.

By mid-May, northern areas like Tromsø experience nearly 24 hours of sunlight, perfect for enjoying Norway’s stunning scenery. With 34 ports of call, you can go fishing in the Lofoten Islands or hike near Geirangerfjord. Don't miss the festive atmosphere in Bergen before your journey!

5. Belize

Best for Ancient Ruins

Tiny Belize packs a punch in terms of adventure. Spanning about 180 miles (290 km), you can easily navigate its ancient Maya ruins, lush forests, and stunning barrier reef. The official language is English, which makes travel easier.

May is fantastic for wildlife. Enjoy sunny days, observe whale sharks at Gladden Spit, and witness turtles nesting on the beaches of Ambergris Caye. Don't forget to explore lesser-known temples in jungles, like Xunantunich.

Planning Tip: From Belize City, drive to Maya sites, head south to observe wildlife, and relax on the picturesque beaches.

6. Murcia, Spain

Why Now? To Enjoy Exceptional Cuisine

Spain’s Costa Cálida is a great destination to savor cuisine without summer crowds. With mild temperatures around 25°C (77°F) in May, the region, known for its excellent flavors, is perfect for delightful outdoor dining.

Surrounded by vineyards and hills, you’ll find high-quality local produce. Don't miss trying caldero del mar menor—a rice stew made by fishermen—with local specialties like paparajotes.

Planning Tip: Spend a week sampling the delectable cuisine in both Murcia and Cartagena. Enjoy the hiking and biking trails in Sierra Espuña Regional Park while unwinding on the long, sandy beaches.

7. Bali, Indonesia

Best for Food and Island Life

Bali in May offers dry, hot, and sunny days before the peak tourist season. The artistic town of Ubud, known for its rich culture, is a culinary hotspot. It's surrounded by scenic rice paddies and lush forests.

In Ubud, you can enjoy world-class restaurants or casual food stalls serving local delights like gado gado and babi guling. Many opt to attend cooking classes to learn these Balinese specialties.

8. Chobe and the Okavango, Botswana

Best for Wildlife

May marks the beginning of the dry season in northern Botswana. The landscape remains lush, but the wildlife begins to stir as temperatures drop.

This is an excellent time for mokoro trips along the Okavango Delta and game drives in Chobe National Park. With lower prices, you can enjoy the company of elephants gathering near riverbanks.

Planning Tip: Allocate ten days for a comprehensive exploration of Chobe and the Okavango, combining various activities for a truly memorable experience.

9. Embrace the Spirituality of Uluru in Australia

There's nowhere else on Earth quite like Uluru. This iconic sandstone monolith rises from the desert sands, drawing attention with its serene beauty and rich cultural significance. As the sun rises and sets, Uluru shines in vibrant colors, each shift telling the stories of its Traditional Custodians, the Anangu.

You can explore the national park shared by the Uluru and Kata Tjuta formations. Uluru and Kata Tjuta carry deep spiritual significance, offering guided walks to deepen your understanding. The stunning environment and cultural heritage combine to create a compelling centrepiece of Australia’s storied Red Centre.

May is a month filled with unique travel destinations and opportunities for adventure and exploration. Choose a destination that calls to you and embark on a memorable journey!