Where to travel in May 2025

As spring reaches its peak in many parts of the world, May is one of the best months to travel. With moderate crowds, mild weather, and an abundance of natural beauty, it’s an ideal time for hassle-free adventures and unforgettable vacations. Whether you’re seeking serene beaches, scenic hikes, or vibrant cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.

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Where to travel in May? 10 destinations you should consider

10 stunning destinations to consider for your May 2025 getaway:

Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is a tapestry of dramatic landscapes, unique culture, and warm hospitality. In May, terraced rice fields begin to glow green, making regions like Mu Cang Chai and Ha Giang ideal for nature photography and slow travel. Explore the mystical mountains of Sa Pa, trek to Mount Fansipan—the highest peak in Indochina—or paddle across Ba Be Lake’s peaceful waters.

Beyond nature, immerse yourself in ethnic culture at the Bac Ha Sunday market, where locals in traditional attire trade colorful crafts and spices. In Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, you’ll find a mix of French colonial architecture, centuries-old pagodas, and the buzzing Old Quarter, filled with street food stalls serving pho and bun cha. The region is budget-friendly, with comfortable guesthouses, homestays, and excellent street cuisine that enhances the experience.

Mauritius

Mauritius is more than just a beach paradise—it’s a sensory playground of color, flavor, and rhythm. In May, the weather is dry, cool, and perfect for outdoor exploration. Laze under a thatched umbrella at Flic en Flac, snorkel along coral reefs in Blue Bay Marine Park, or take a catamaran cruise to the remote islets of Île aux Cerfs.

The island’s cultural diversity—Indian, Creole, French, and Chinese—shines through in its cuisine. Try dishes like dholl puri or fish vindaye at local markets. For nature lovers, the Chamarel Seven-Colored Earths and the volcanic crater lake of Grand Bassin are surreal sights. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset at Le Morne or shopping for handmade rum in Chamarel, Mauritius delivers both serenity and adventure in equal measure.

Madagascar

Madagascar is unlike any place on Earth—home to flora and fauna that exist nowhere else. May marks the beginning of the dry season, offering the best chance to explore national parks and remote villages. Visit the Tsingy de Bemaraha to witness gravity-defying limestone spires, or take a river journey along the Tsiribihina, spotting lemurs and chameleons.

Coastal towns like Nosy Be offer pristine white sands and vibrant marine life, ideal for diving and snorkeling. Inland, Antananarivo features French-inspired architecture, colorful markets, and local crafts like handwoven silk and carved wood. Madagascar is also a top destination for eco-tourism and community-run lodges, so your trip contributes directly to conservation and local livelihoods.

Mexico

Mexico is vast, varied, and full of soul. The Yucatán Peninsula offers ancient Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá and eco-parks such as Xcaret, while Riviera Maya’s cenotes (underground lakes) are perfect for cooling off after a hike. May’s warm temperatures and pre-summer calm mean more room to explore without the crowds.

Inland cities like Oaxaca deliver art, mezcal tasting, and culinary wonders like mole and tlayudas. Mexico City offers world-class museums (Museo Soumaya, Museo Nacional de Antropología, and the Museo Frida Khalo), trendy neighborhoods like Roma Norte, and bustling street food scenes. Whether you’re sipping margaritas at a beach club or dancing in a colonial plaza, Mexico’s fusion of heritage, hospitality, and flavor leaves an unforgettable mark.

Mykonos, Greece

In May, Mykonos offers sun-soaked serenity before the summer party crowds arrive. Wander the narrow alleyways of Chora, painted white with bursts of fuchsia bougainvillaea, and dine at seaside tavernas serving grilled octopus, fresh tzatziki, and local wine.

History buffs can ferry to Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. There, you’ll walk among ruins dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, including the Terrace of the Lions and ancient mosaics. Mykonos also offers elegant beach clubs like Scorpios and quiet coves like Agios Sostis for peaceful reflection. The island blends opulence with rustic charm, ideal for both lively nights and tranquil mornings.

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Malaga, Spain

Malaga is a thriving Mediterranean gem that goes far beyond its sunny beaches. Birthplace of Picasso, the city boasts a fantastic art scene with museums like the Centre Pompidou and Museo Picasso Málaga. Walk the palm-lined promenade of La Malagueta, or explore the historic Alcazaba fortress for panoramic views.

May is festival season—don’t miss the Malaga Gastronomy Festival, offering cooking demos, tapas trails, and wine tastings. Day trips to nearby white villages (pueblos blancos) like Mijas or Nerja add charming escapes. The mix of ancient Moorish architecture, Andalusian cuisine, and cultural vibrancy makes Malaga a dynamic spring destination.

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New York

New York in May is full of life—Central Park is green and blooming, patios open up across Manhattan and Brooklyn, and the city buzzes with outdoor events. Catch live music at Washington Square Park or enjoy free Shakespeare performances in the park. Rooftop bars offer sweeping views of the skyline, while foodies can explore boroughs for authentic international cuisine.

Cultural stops include The Met’s Costume Institute exhibit, Broadway’s latest blockbusters, and experimental art shows in Chelsea. For nature lovers, Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden host spring flower festivals. NYC in May feels alive, fresh, and endlessly entertaining.

Ibiza

Ibiza may be known for electronic music and legendary parties, but it also holds space for serenity and cultural depth. In May, the weather is warm yet the crowds are manageable. Start your day with yoga by the sea, hike pine-covered hills, or explore the fortified Dalt Vila, a UNESCO site with cobbled lanes and panoramic views.

For nightlife, beach clubs like Ushuaïa are starting to open, but you’ll still find quiet moments in villages like San Juan or wellness retreats in the north. Savor fresh seafood at Es Torrent or shop for handmade treasures at Las Dalias hippie market. Ibiza in May is about balance—play, peace, and plenty of sun.

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Nepal

Nepal is the ultimate playground for adventurers and spiritual seekers. The weather in May is clear and dry in the mountains—perfect for treks like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp. In Pokhara, glide over Phewa Lake, paraglide among peaks, or hike to the World Peace Pagoda.

The Kathmandu Valley is a mosaic of temples, stupas, and markets. Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or roam Bhaktapur’s ancient squares. For a spiritual experience, Lumbini—Buddha’s birthplace—offers tranquil gardens, prayer flags, and meditation centers. Nepal is affordable, enriching, and offers a rare combination of high adventure and soulful peace.

Norwegian Fjords

May is when the fjords of Norway wake from their winter slumber. The waterfalls gush at full strength from melting snow, and the lush green cliffs contrast beautifully with deep blue waters. Sail through Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and be awed by nature’s artistry.

Hikers will love Trolltunga and Preikestolen, offering jaw-dropping views and adrenaline-filled climbs. Bergen, the gateway to the fjords, charms with its colorful Bryggen Wharf and vibrant music scene. Norway’s natural splendor in spring is absolutely worth the splurge.