10 best destinations to visit in May 2024

As we reach the middle of 2024, travel enthusiasts are already planning their next big adventure. May, with its pleasant weather and numerous cultural events, is an ideal time to visit some of the world's most fascinating destinations.

From this article you will learn what to see in these countries, what is worth trying from the local cuisine and where to stay. This information will help you find the most suitable place according to your needs and will be of use when you plan your trip.

Where to go in May: Best Destinations

We suggest to consider the following countries for a vacation in May:

• Turkey
• Montenegro
• Croatia
• Albania
• Spain
• Greece
• England
• USA
• Egypt
• UAE

Let's have a closer look at the peculiarities of each country and find out what cities and sightseeings attract tourists from all over the world.

Turkey

Turkey is one of the options for those who want to spend their vacation near the sea. You will especially like it to stay there in May, because it is not very hot and you can not only sunbathe on the beach, but also go hiking in the mountains or visit ancient cities. If you are more drawn to nature, we recommend you to visit the Lycian Way, climb the volcanoes of Cappadocia, Mount Kachkar or Mount Ararat. On excursions to ancient Ephesus, Aspendos, Hierapolis and other cities you will learn more about the history of these locations, see the ruins of majestic buildings and take beautiful photos.

The Turkish metropolis, Istanbul, is the best city if you choose where to go on vacation in May. This is a distinctive city, incorporating European and Asian cultures. Here you can stroll through the colorful streets, visit museums or order a boat trip along the Bosphorus. The temperature in May is very comfortable for active vacation — up to 22°C, but in the evenings can be quite cool, so take a light jacket or a warm sweater. The water in the Black Sea is still cold, but by the end of the month you can already relax on the beach.

In Turkey you should try chorba, dolma, various kebabs, balik ekmek and traditional oriental sweets.

Where to stay in Istanbul:

• Stay Inn Taksim Hostel a 10-minute walk from the Galata Tower — $25-$101/night; This hotel is a perfect option for your next family holiday trip.
• Karaköy VAV Suites with city views — 142-184$/night;
• Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul hotel near Dolmabahçe Palace — $679-4991/night.

If you wish to know more about the best hotels in Turkey you should discover our thoroughly picked top 10 hotels in Turkey for your outstanding holiday.

To always stay in touch, we recommend using a eSIM card in Turkey — just choose a data plan and activate the service.

Read also: Mobile Internet in Turkey for Tourists: SIM cards and Other Connectivity Options

Montenegro

Montenegro — a place near the sea, where to go in May for vacation is a cool idea. From the southwest, the country is washed by the Adriatic Sea. In spring there are not many tourists, the water is clear, the beaches are clean and the temperature is comfortable for excursions and hiking. Also at this time the prices are usually low. There are many natural beauties, such as Skadar Lake, the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula. There are many attractions along its shores: castles, fortresses, monasteries and other architectural monuments. We also recommend visiting Durmitor National Park and the Bay of Boko-Kotor, which is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in Europe.

Another attraction of the country is the city of Budva, where you can go on vacation in May to fully enjoy the view of picturesque landscapes and visit museums, ancient churches, fortresses and castles.

Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate, so May can be cool and even rainy. The average temperature is around 20°C. Take this into account when packing your luggage.

There are a lot of mountains here, and people living there prefer simple and nutritious food. These are mostly lamb, beef, vegetables and goat and sheep’s milk cheese. People living on the coast prefer fish and seafood with vegetables and rice.

Where to stay in Budva:

• FREEDOM HOSTEL near the sea — 33$/night ;
• Montelux Apartments near the city — 125-290$/night;
• Iberostar Slavija Hotel overlooking the city — 246-506$/night.

You can communicate with your friends and family without overpaying for roaming charges thanks to the eSIM card. You can check if your device supports eSIM technology in this list.

Croatia

Croatia can also be considered the best place to visit in May not only for beach vacation. In spring you can visit various architectural monuments, such as Diocletian's Palace in Split, the amphitheater in Pula and the princely palace in Dubrovnik. You can also visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Krka Park, where 7 waterfall cascades join together.

The capital of Croatia — Zagreb, is located far enough from the coast, at the foot of Mount Medvedica. It has unusual architecture, many historical monuments, parks and museums. Many tourists stay in this city and go on various excursions from this location Also in Zagreb there is a lake Jarun, where you can sunbathe and water ski. Be sure to try the local fresh seafood dishes and local wines. May is very sunny and temperatures are usually up to 23°C.

Where to stay in Zagreb:

• Hostel IN Club — $36-65/night;
• Apartments FLOK Tkalciceva in the city center — $75-194/night;
• Sheraton Zagreb Hotel in the city center — 203-542$/night.

Activate eSIM technology on your smartphone and enjoy uninterrupted mobile internet from Yesim in Croatia.

Read also: How to book a hotel yourself: a complete guide

Albania

Albania is washed by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Also on its territory there is a mountain range — the Albanian Alps. The main resorts of the country are Durres, Vlora and Saranda. This is a good place to visit in May for both couples and families with children. There are a lot of clubs in Durres and Saranda, so young people will like it here. And for a family vacation it is better to go to Vlora Bay or to the village of Ksamil, where there are entertainments for children. History fans should visit the fortress of Rozafa near Shkoder, the amphitheater and castle in Durres, as well as the medieval citadel in Gjirokastra.

The weather is also comfortable in May, with temperatures up to +23°C during the day and +12°C at night. The best places to visit at this time are Tirana, Berat or Durres. Although the water in the sea is still quite cool, many people enjoy sunbathing and even swimming.

Albanian cuisine is a peculiar mix of Mediterranean, Balkan and Turkish cuisine. Here you can try a variety of dishes from lamb, beef, poultry, fish and seafood, combined with vegetables, rice, herbs and garlic.

Where to stay in Albania:

• Hostel Durres in Durres — $14-$33/night;
• Tirana Center Fame House Apartments in Tirana — $99-110/night;
• Amalia Hotel in Berat — 37-89$/night.

To order a taxi, find a cafe nearby or plot a route on Google maps is easy with Yesim mobile internet in Albania.

Spain

Spain is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay of the Cantabrian Sea. You can choose Mallorca, one of the most popular resorts in the Mediterranean when thinking of where to go in May for vacation. The island combines snow-white beaches, azure bays, crystal clear lakes, mountains, hills covered with pine forests, oak groves, olive plantations and vineyards. So there are opportunities for both relaxing and active vacations.

Another popular destination in Spain is the island of Tenerife. Here you can go on an excursion to see whales and dolphins, climb the Teide volcano — the highest point of the Atlantic Ocean, try surfing, as well as snorkeling with large turtles. In May the beach season already begins in Spain. The air warms up to +27°C during the day and the water temperature is around +20°C.

Be sure to try the local cuisine — paella, tortilla, and in hot weather you can cool off eating cold gazpacho.

Where to stay in Spain:

• Unite Hostel Barcelona — $51-$71/night;
• Marins Playa Apartments in Mallorca — $110-239/night; If you wish this hotel also provides all inclusive package tours, so you will have the best experience while staying there.
• Sol Tenerife Hotel — 114-188$/night.

Thanks to eSIM technology in Spain as elsewhere in the world, there is no need to buy a physical local operator SIM card.

Greece

The country is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, as well as on the islands of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Ionian Seas. There are lots of antique monuments in Greece as well as Orthodox shrines, such as the famous Athos Peninsula. There are also uninhabited islands, blue lakes and first-class beaches. History fans should definitely visit the Acropolis of Athens, an open-air archaeological museum, and the ruins of the temple of Zeus the Olympian.

Trekking is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty and spend time actively. Some of the most picturesque places are the Pindus Mountains, the Vikos Gorge, the top of Olympus and rock monasteries.

The weather in May is very comfortable, it’s up to +28°C during the day and +14°C at night. If you are thinking where to go on vacation in May to swim, choose resorts in the southern regions of the country, for example on the islands of Crete, Rhodes or Santorini.

To try traditional Greek food, you should better avoid tourist-oriented establishments. Look for tavernas where locals and their families dine in the evening.

Where to stay in Greece:

• Athens Backpackers hostel in Athens — $47-201/night;
• Maria Studios and Apartments on Rhodes Island — $55-93/night;
• Santorini Kastelli Resort hotel — $148-671/night.

Check out Yesim data plans for eSIM card in Greece.

England

England is famous for its magnificent gardens, ancient castles and picturesque pastoral villages. The Lake District is one of the best destinations to visit in May. The most comfortable weather for hiking is in May with the least amount of rain. It's also not as busy as summer, so you'll be able to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

If you want to see the largest castle in the world, take a tour of Windsor Castle. Built in 1070, the residence of the British monarchs is located on the hill in the Thames Valley. If you decide to stay in London, we recommend visiting the British Museum, the oldest and one of the largest museums in the world.

Keep in mind that in May it is quite cool there, daytime temperatures in London can be from +7°C to +17°C. Local street food worth trying includes British steak pies, fish and chips and various puddings. There are food markets on weekends, but you'll have to queue to get something tasty.

Where to stay in England:

• Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage hostel in London — $27-$199/night;
• The Dilly Hotel in the city center — $309-$683/night;
• Lancrigg Hotel in the heart of the Lake District mountains — $205/night.

You can connect to the mobile Internet through a virtual eSIM card in England on the website of the international provider Yesim.

Read also: Packing travel checklist

USA

The USA is a huge country, and if you don't know where to go on vacation in May, choose Hawaii. This is an incredibly diverse archipelago. There are jungles, deep gorges, waterfalls, active volcanoes, black sand beaches, coffee plantations and many more places to see. In spring, Jacaranda trees bloom in Hawaii, painting the islands in lilac color. The air temperature here averages up to +27°C and the water warms up to +25°C. Another advantage of Hawaii is an abundance of exotic fruits and fresh seafood.

The weather in May is also perfect for traveling to ranches of Texas, desert lands of Arizona or Atlanta. Vacation prices in the U.S are also more moderate at this time than in the summer.

Where to stay in Hawaii:

• Waikiki Beachside Hostel in Honolulu — $47-$63/night;
• Kalama Terrace Apartments P309 in Kihei — $190/night;
• Kauai Shores Hotel in Kapaa — $294-$439/night.

By installing the convenient Yesim.app on your smartphone, you will always be connected anywhere in the United States.

Egypt

Egypt, a captivating country in North Africa, offers numerous attractions for travelers seeking a vacation in May. If you are considering visiting Egypt during this time, you should know that May in Egypt is characterized by warm, sunny days with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F). This pleasant weather allows you to explore ancient sites and enjoy outdoor activities comfortably.

Egypt is renowned for its rich history, with iconic landmarks such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the ancient city of Luxor. In addition, you can visit the breathtaking temples of Abu Simbel, wander through the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo, or relax by the Red Sea's picturesque beaches.

Egyptian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, featuring dishes like koshari, molokhia, and ful medames. Fresh seafood from the Red Sea and the Nile River is also a must-try.

Immerse yourself in Egypt's vibrant culture by attending local festivals, participating in traditional activities, or learning more about the country's rich history through guided tours and museum visits.

Where to stay in Egypt include:

• The Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino, offering a range of rooms and suites in the heart of the city.
• Steigenberger Alcazar Hotel in Luxor, situated near the famous Luxor Temple.
• Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the Nile River and close proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Philae Temple.

Egypt is an ideal destination for a vacation in May, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and warm weather. With a variety of accommodation options and mobile connectivity solutions, you can make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories in this fascinating country.

To stay connected during your travels in Egypt, consider the convenience of Yesim.app. This operator will help you stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues while exploring the wonders of this ancient land.

UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for tourists seeking a mix of modern architecture, cultural experiences, and beautiful beaches. If you're considering visiting the UAE in May, here are some reasons to entice you: May in the UAE is characterized by a hot and humid climate, with temperatures averaging around 40°C (104°F) in the daytime. While it can be quite warm, the evenings tend to cool down, making it comfortable for outdoor activities and nightlife.

The UAE is home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago in the shape of a palm tree. Other highlights include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers globally.

With its long coastline, the UAE boasts numerous beautiful beaches, such as Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach in Dubai, and Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi. These pristine beaches offer a perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The UAE is also known for its desert landscapes, which offer a variety of activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional Bedouin-style camping experiences.

The UAE is a melting pot of cultures, and its diverse dining scene reflects this. From authentic Emirati cuisine to international favorites, you'll find a wide array of dining options. The country also has a vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, lounges, and clubs to choose from.

Where to stay in the UAE:

• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, an iconic luxury hotel in Dubai, offering unparalleled views and world-class amenities.
• Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, situated on the Palm Jumeirah and offering easy access to the beach and waterpark.
• Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, a luxurious hotel with a private beach and a range of upscale facilities.

The UAE offers a unique blend of modern attractions, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. With its warm weather in May, you can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the country's vibrant offerings. Be sure to choose from the numerous accommodation options and stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues using reliable connectivity solutions.

To stay connected during your travels in the UAE, you can indeed consider purchasing a prepaid eSIM by Yesim, which offers a convenient and hassle-free way to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues while exploring the country.

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