Best places to visit in May: 12 incredible destinations
Ready to discover the best travel destinations for May 2024? Let’s start!
1. Bali, the best place to visit in May 2024
Let’s begin by talking about one of the nicest places in the world. Bali: a stunning island in Indonesia! Although Bali is a place you can visit at any time of the year, May is among the best times to visit because the dry season has just begun and there isn’t as much tourism as there is in the summer. This island can provide you with everything you need and more if you feel like visiting rice paddies, taking waterfall baths, or relaxing on the beaches.
These 25 locations (blog post coming soon) in Bali are a great place to start your trip. There are a lot of temples on the island, which are important. Contrary to the rest of Indonesia, the island’s predominant religion is Hinduism, and it plays a significant role in local culture. The Pura Besakih Temple is the most significant one.
You can also take advantage of your vacation in Bali to relax and enjoy some of the best hotels on the island. You will find bamboo huts, infinity pools, luxury resorts, bubbles, and more. Here you can take a look at the most incredible hotels in Bali. Don’t forget to taste some of the delicious local dishes! You must try, at the very least, Nasi Goreng and Mie Goreng.
If you are interested in this destination, take a look at the following travel itineraris: Bali in 7 days and Bali in 10 days.
🏥 No matter where you go, remember that it is very important to purchase travel insurance to have medical coverage abroad. I always use Heymondo, which I can offer you a 5% discount.
2. Barcelona, a great place to visit in may in Spain
If you plan on visiting a place in Spain, Barcelona may be exactly what you need. In May, summer is right around the corner, so the temperatures become very pleasant. This beautiful coastal city attracts tourists from all over the world because it combines its imposing architecture with beaches, museums, and a hectic cultural and nightlife scene.
Antonio Gaudí has contributed with his works to configure the importance of this city. All of them are must-sees places during your stay in Barcelona: the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Pedrera, Casa Vicens and Casa Batlló. If you like art, don’t miss the Picasso Museum and the Fundació Joan Miró. The Gothic Quarter is another of the essentials of Barcelona. Don’t stop getting lost in its streets!
Discover all the places to visit in Barcelona and the best areas to stay in Barcelona. Get ready to discover a city that will captivate you from the first minute.
3. Peru, one of the most complete destinations
Peru is among the best places to visit in May. It’s a South American country that still preserves many features of its pre-Columbus history. If you plan to spend a few days here, you can start with its capital, the beautiful city of Lima, on the Pacific coast. In addition to having fabulous architecture and neighborhoods with a lot of cultural and nightlife, this city houses museums with various treasures from the Inca era.
Another jewel that you can visit in this wonderful country is Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas and one of the seven wonders of the world. You can get there on a four-day hike along the Inca Trail (tough but worth it!) or get there comfortably by train.
Cusco is very close to Machu Picchu, a beautiful city, declared a World Heritage Site. Do not miss everything you can see in Cuzco and its surroundings. You should also visit places like Arequipa, Ica (Paracas and Huacachina), Titicaca and Huaraz.
Peru is also internationally recognized for its varied and elaborate gastronomy. You’ll taste the delicious food for yourself once you get there!
4. South Africa, a wonderful place to visit in May
This may not be one of the first destinations that come to mind when you think of places to visit in May 2024. However, visiting South Africa during this month is a great idea. Beaches, cliffs and vineyards await you in this magnificent country. It is the southernmost country on the African continent. In addition, it is the ideal place to go on an exciting safari, which, if you feel like it, you can do for yourself.
South Africa is a very rich country, both naturally and culturally. It has a nature as wild as it is exuberant and manages to marvelously combine its history with the most modern features. It has about twenty national parks, among which the Kruger National Park stands out. On your visit to the country, you should not miss it.
You should also visit Cape Town, a city with lots of contrasts. Other places worth visiting in South Africa are the Cape Peninsula, the De Hoop Nature Reserve, Hermanus, the Garden Route, the Panorama Route, Johannesburg… If you want to learn more about the country’s history, take advantage of a visit to this last city to discover the Apartheid Museum.
5. Italy, enjoy its art, history and food
This country does not need much of an introduction. Any month is good to visit Italy, and May is no exception. How would you like to take a trip to the most beautiful Italian cities?
If you have enough time, you can plan a trip that includes Rome, its capital, Venice and Florence. The three cities have very different personalities, but the same charm. In addition, in any of the three cities, you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine, a lively cultural and nightlife and lots of art.
You should spend more days in Rome, since it has many emblematic sites of Roman history that are still preserved: the Roman Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum, among others. Whether you’re Catholic or not, you also won’t want to miss visiting places like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Also remember to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome!
In Venice you will marvel walking through its intricate little streets crossed by canals. You can take a traditional gondola ride! In Florence, in addition to enjoying art and unique architecture, you can visit the Florence Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David up close. Italy is unique!
6. Lithuania, a unique country to visit in May
Another destination that I want to suggest if you are looking for places to go on vacation in May is Lithuania. During this month, there is more daylight and the temperature is more pleasant. You may have never considered traveling to Lithuania; however, this country has many interesting places to see, including a spectacular coastline and beautiful national parks.
Vilnius, its capital, has a charming historic center, which was declared a World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit the Cathedral Square, where the Vilnius Cathedral is located. I also recommend you walk through the Uzupis neighborhood and go through the Gates of Dawn. Wherever you go within the city, you will find many Baroque-style buildings.
Just 30 kilometers from Vilnius, you’ll find Trakai Castle, which dates back to the 14th century. It is one of the great must-see places in Lithuania. It is now converted into a summer residence.Your visit is well worth it.
I recommend you rent a car and visit more destinations in the country, such as the Curonian Spit, Kaunas, Klaipeda, the Žemaitija National Park and the Hill of Crosses, a very interesting place. If you only have a few days, you can focus only on Vilnius.
🚗 Need a car for your next adventure? To find the best deals, I recommend checking out Discover Cars and Auto Europe, highly-rated car rental search platforms.
7. Jordan, discover one of the Seven Wonders
Have you considered Jordan for your May vacation? This fascinating destination is located in the Middle East and is home to a ton of sites you won’t want to miss. One of the most popular tourist attractions in this Arab country is Petra, an archaeological city in the middle of the desert that dates back to 300 BC. There you will find tombs and monuments carved in pink sand, on cliffs. It is a true gem.
On your visit to Jordan, you can delight yourself by floating in the Dead Sea, where, due to its high concentration of salt, you won’t be able to sink. You can also tour the Wadi Rum desert to see its castles and, why not, spend a night in a tent, contemplating a spectacular sky covered with stars.
The capital city, Amman, also has a lot to offer. Known as the “white city,” it offers an interesting mix of tradition and modernity. Do not miss the Roman Theater, the Odeon, the Citadel, or the Mosque of King Abdullah I.
8. Perhentian Islands, one of the most unique places to visit in May
If you feel like taking a trip in May to a warm, heavenly destination, I recommend the Perhentian Islands. If you have never heard of this archipelago located off the northwest coast of Malaysia before, pay close attention, as it may turn out to be one of the best options on this list. And I assure you that once you go, you will not want to return!
The Perhentian Islands stand out for their dreamy beaches with turquoise water and impressively white sand. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. It is an ideal destination to relax and spend hours contemplating the seabed, full of numerous fish and corals. You can also take catamaran rides, kayak along the coast, go hiking, or visit the different fishing villages.
If you have enough time and desire, you can take advantage of your trip to Malaysia to visit other parts of the country, such as Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, or Penang, where the famous Georgetown is located.
💳 To get cash in the local currency of your destination or pay by card, I recommend getting the N26 card. With the free version you can withdraw cash from ATMs with a very low commission and pay in another currency with the best exchange rate and no commissions.
9. Paris, it’s always an incredible plan
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and can be equally enjoyed any time of year. However, in May, the temperatures are much more pleasant than in the winter and will allow you to do many more outdoor activities.
The capital of France has a unique personality. The so-called “city of love” exudes charm wherever you look at it. It has history, art, cultural life, a good nightlife, and, of course, a gastronomy that will make you lick your fingers.
What can’t you miss in Paris? A visit to some of its art museums, such as the Louvre, the Pompidou, or the Musée d’Orsay. Nor can you miss a walk along the Seine or a boat tour on it, a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and, of course, contemplate the Eiffel Tower both day and night!
These are just some of the things to do in Paris. You will also love getting lost in its picturesque streets and then sitting on the terrace of one of its traditional bars to enjoy a coffee with a croissant or a pain au chocolat.
10. Porto, one of the most charming places to visit in May
Porto is located on the northern coast of Portugal and it’s famous for its imposing bridges, charming old town, and for being a great wine producer. If you are still thinking about a place to visit in May, Porto is a great option.
During your visit to this city, you can get lost in its interesting and steep streets, visit one of its many wineries to try the typical Porto wine, and take a relaxed walk along the Ribera while you discover some of the greatest treasures of the city.
Some of the main tourist attractions that you should visit are the Clérigos Tower, the Cathedral of La Sé and the Sao Bento Station. These are just some of the places to visit in Porto. Also, do not miss the opportunity to try some of the traditional dishes, such as the Francesinha.
11. China
Why not go to China? After the pandemic, the country has reopened to tourism, and, without a doubt, it will not fail to surprise you. It has a very marked history and culture, and besides visiting very interesting cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong, it has natural wonders that seem to be taken from another planet, not to mention the Great Wall of China!
May is a good month to travel to China, as the cold winter is over and the unbearable summer temperatures have not yet arrived. This will allow you to enjoy your experience at the destination much more.
Apart from the places already mentioned, other very interesting destinations to visit in China are Xian (where you can visit the Terracotta Warriors), Chengdu, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Guilin, or Huangshan.
12. The Cotswolds, England
My last proposal for where to travel in May is The Cotswolds, located in the southwest of England. This place is near London, so you can fly to the capital and rent a car to make a route through the English countryside that you will never forget.
This region stands out for the beautiful stone villages that dot the green mountains. Some of the villages you can’t miss on your itinerary are Chipping Campden, Bibury, Snowshill, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Castle Combe. There are so many, and they are all so beautiful!
Map of best places to travel in May
In the next map, you can see all the destinations mentioned in this article:
Do not miss my best tips for traveling and other destinations that I have visited and that I recommend.
I hope this article about the best places to visit in May has been very useful for you as you decide your next destination in 2024. If you think I should add another destination or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or write me by email. Enjoy your trip!
