May Travel Inspo: Where to Go and What to Do

May in Greece is what dreams are made of. The islands are awake, the water’s warming up, and the crowds are still manageable. You get all the postcard-perfect sunsets and fresh seafood without fighting for a spot on the beach or waiting an hour for a table.

On trips like Greek Island Getaway: Crete & Santorini or The Greek Islands, you’ll hit spots like Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens when they’re at their best. The Acropolis isn’t swarming with tour groups yet, and you can actually wander through the white-washed streets of Paros without getting stuck in a human traffic jam. Plus, the Mediterranean vibes are unmatched—think long lunches, late-night dinners, and that golden-hour glow that makes every photo look like it belongs in a magazine.

Why May? The weather’s warm enough for beach days (hello, clear blue Aegean Sea) but not so scorching that you’re melting by noon. And since peak season doesn’t kick off until June, you’re getting the Greece experience without the peak-season prices or crowds.

Portugal in May is Portugal at its best. Lisbon’s buzzing, Porto’s charming, and the Algarve’s beaches are calling your name. The temps are hovering in the low 70s, which is perfect for exploring without sweating through your outfit.

Whether you’re on a trip like Portugal: Lagos Beaches, Vibrant Nightlife & Local Markets or Portugal Getaway, May gives you the best of both worlds—city exploration and beach time. You can spend your mornings wandering through Lisbon’s colorful neighborhoods (Alfama, we’re looking at you), your afternoons sipping wine in Porto’s riverside cafés, and your evenings watching the sunset from Lagos’ dramatic cliffs.

And let’s talk about the food. Fresh seafood, pastel de nata, and yes, tinned fish that’ll change your whole perspective on canned goods. May is also prime time for outdoor dining, so you can enjoy all those ocean views and cobblestone patios without freezing or frying. If you've been scrolling through photos of Japan's cherry blossoms and thinking "I need to see that," April is the time. While peak bloom varies by region and year, early April typically catches the tail end of sakura season in Tokyo and Kyoto, with northern regions blooming throughout the month.

May in Iceland is when things get interesting. The days are getting longer (we’re talking nearly 20 hours of daylight by the end of the month), the weather’s milder, and you can explore without the summer crowds or winter ice. It’s that sweet spot where you get the best of both seasons.

Trips like Iceland Summer Escape showcase the country’s otherworldly landscapes—waterfalls, geysers, black-sand beaches, and those famous geothermal pools. May means you can hike to waterfalls without battling snow, soak in hot springs under the midnight sun, and explore the Golden Circle without freezing. Plus, you might even catch the Northern Lights if you’re lucky, since they’re still visible in early May.

The extra daylight also means you can pack more into each day. Sunrise at 4 a.m., sunset at midnight—you do the math. It’s perfect for adventurers who want to see everything without feeling rushed.

Italy in May is the move. Rome, Florence, Venice—they’re all incredible, but they’re also tourist magnets. May gives you a chance to see them before the summer crowds turn every piazza into a packed concert venue.

On trips like Venice, Florence & Rome or Italy Food Tour: Florence to Rome Feast, you’ll hit the highlights (Colosseum, Uffizi, gondolas) without the lines wrapping around the block. You can wander through Florence’s streets, grab gelato, and actually find a spot to sit and people-watch.

And the food? May means fresh produce is hitting the markets, so your pasta, pizza, and everything in between tastes even better. Plus, outdoor dining season is in full swing, which means you’re eating al fresco with views for days.

Okay, so you missed the cherry blossoms—they’re usually done by late April. But May in Japan is still incredible. The weather’s mild, the crowds thin out after Golden Week (early May), and you get to experience the country without the peak-season chaos.

Trips like Highlights of Japan take you through Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, Kyoto’s ancient temples, and everything in between. You’ll ride the bullet train, eat your way through izakayas and ramen shops, and soak in onsens without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. May also means you can explore outdoor spots like Mount Fuji or Arashiyama’s bamboo groves in perfect weather—not too hot, not too cold.

Plus, late May brings fresh greenery and early summer festivals, so you’re still getting that cultural immersion without the tourist overload.

May in Thailand sits right before monsoon season kicks in, which means you’re getting warm weather, fewer tourists, and better deals. It’s hot, sure, but if you’re chasing beaches, night markets, and that full-moon-party energy, May delivers.

On trips like Thailand Getaway or North Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Rai, you’ll hit spots like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi. You’ll explore temples, eat street food that’ll ruin Thai takrout back home, and spend your days on beaches that look like screensavers. May also means you’re avoiding the peak tourist season (November to February), so you get a more authentic, less crowded experience.

And let’s be real—Thailand’s night markets, floating markets, and beach bars are unmatched. May gives you the freedom to explore without the crowds, which means more time soaking it all in and less time waiting in line.

May is at the start of Costa Rica’s "green season," which is basically code for fewer tourists and lush, vibrant landscapes. Yes, it might rain in the afternoons, but that just means cooler temps, greener jungles, and way better deals.

Trips like Costa Rica Adventure or Costa Rica & Panama Adventure take you through rainforests, beaches, and volcanoes. You’ll zip-line through the canopy, spot sloths and toucans, and soak in natural hot springs—all while the country’s at its most beautiful.

The afternoon rain showers? They’re usually short and sweet, which means you can plan your mornings for adventure and your afternoons for chilling. Plus, the rain keeps the crowds away, so you get a more intimate, authentic experience.

May in Egypt and Jordan is ideal—warm enough to enjoy the desert, but not so hot that you’re melting at the Pyramids. You’re also beating the peak summer heat, which makes exploring ancient sites way more enjoyable.

Trips like Egypt & Jordan: Pyramids to Petra take you through some of the world’s most iconic landmarks—the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Petra, the Dead Sea. May’s weather makes it perfect for wandering through temples, floating in the Dead Sea, and exploring Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes.

Plus, May falls outside peak tourist season, so you’re getting a more authentic experience. The kind where the history shines and you have the time and space you need to soak it all in.