May is one of the best months for shoulder-season travel, offering a perfect balance of comfortable weather, fewer crowds, cheaper flights, and blooming natural beauty. The good thing is that there are many places to visit, whether as a couple or solo, each with unique gems and ambiance. Yet the caveat about May is that it’s fast approaching, so you better make a decision and start packing up.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a budget-friendly solo trip, or an immersive nature experience, this list has you covered. Keep reading to explore the best places to travel to in May.
Where to travel in May for couples: top 5 destinations
#1. Bruges, Belgium – The best place to travel to for a fairytale May romance
Bruges is a picturesque city with canals, cobbled streets, and centuries-old buildings. Despite its relatively small size, there’s no shortage of exciting places to discover. For one, you can stroll across the city and simply savor the city’s aesthetic, but why not take it up a notch? Boat rides are already available in May, with fresh and rejuvenating water breezes you will never forget.
The spring flowers are still in bloom, the weather is mild, and you can enjoy the city’s beauty without the peak summer crowds, as many May images from depositphotos.com showcase. This makes Bruges one of the best places to travel in May 2025.
#2. Chefchaouen, Morocco – A hidden blue oasis for sweethearts
Morocco’s Chefchaouen is another charming town you can’t miss out on visiting. Chefchaouen is set in the Rif Mountains and features a maze of narrow blue-painted streets. For a fraction of the cost compared to overcrowded, touristy places, you can feel the wonder of the medina’s vibrant alleyways, have a mint tea on a rooftop terrace, and immerse yourself in pleasing town sounds. Up for a light hike? See the Spanish Mosque and be astonished by the panoramic sunset views.
#3. Bar Harbor, Maine, USA – A coastal getaway with breathtaking scenery
If you’re based in the US and wonder where to travel to in May conveniently, Bar Harbor in Maine could be your go-to place. The town is the gateway to Acadia National Park, where you can experience multiple adventure activities in the open. Hike the easy yet stunning paths, enjoy a scenic drive, and take various cruises in the Gulf of Maine.
May is the perfect time to enjoy the town and national park before they become full of tourists rushing to see everything.
#4. Ljubljana, Slovenia – A fairytale European capital for couples
Slovenia’s capital is among the most underrated romantic cities in the EU. It features charming architecture, a laid-back riverfront, and nearly effortless access to nature. Ljubljana is one of the most forward-thinking capitals, where you can freely walk or ride a bicycle along the most prominent city parts. Don’t forget to see Ljubljana Castle; its style is impressive.
The city comes alive with outdoor festivals, thanks to its location and proactive youth, including students. The mild temperatures make it an ideal place to travel in May.
#5. Paraty, Brazil – A colonial gem with a tropical twist
Paraty is a beautifully preserved Portuguese colonial town on Brazil’s Costa Verde, surrounded by lush mountains and pristine beaches. If you’re heavily into getting active, this place is your best option to achieve that. Among other things, you can go island-hopping on a schooner and explore waterfalls in the Atlantic rainforest.
May is the perfect time before the Brazilian winter, with warm but comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
3 cheapest places to travel in May for solo travelers
#1. Belgrade, Serbia – A budget-friendly Balkan gem
Belgrade is a cheap capital offering a mix of history, culture, and nightlife. It allures solo travelers with its vibrant places, like-minded individuals, and plenty of amazing activities. You’re highly encouraged to explore the famous Kalemegdan Fortress and enjoy the vibrant cafe culture along the Danube River. It’s also a good spot to continue your Balkan exploration.
#2. Luang Prabang, Laos – A tranquil and affordable cultural retreat
Luang Prabang is a UNESCO-listed town with stunning temples, waterfalls, and a peaceful riverside setting. Don’t be overwhelmed by its size and distances between appealing places—you can easily rent a bike to explore temples, visit falls, and even feast your eyes on Buddhist monk rituals. This Southeast Asian city is excellent to visit in May, as the weather is warm but not too humid, and it’s also very affordable.
#3. Chernivtsi, Ukraine – A hidden architectural treasure in Eastern Europe
If you’re curious about where to travel when strapped for cash in May, look no further than Chernivtsi in Ukraine. Chernivtsi is a picturesque city with grand Austro-Hungarian architecture. As you reach Chernivtsi, the city is your oyster. You can stroll through the awe-inspiring Chernivtsi University (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also called Ukraine’s Hogwarts), explore the historic downtown with its colorful buildings and charming cafes, and visit the local book market.
The city is in full bloom with spring flowers, and its weather is refreshing. Chernivtsi is a much quieter alternative to more touristy and pricier European destinations.
3 awe-inspiring places for nature lovers
#1. Lofoten Islands, Norway – A dreamy arctic landscape
Norway is hands down one of the best countries to visit for May’s adventures. Lofoten Islands are a combination of towering mountains, fishing villages, and dramatic fjords—all of which create a mesmerizing setting for those after nature’s gifts.
As you prepare for exploration, hike the Reinebringen trail, kayak through fjords, and experience the midnight sun. May is among the best months to visit Norway because of the long daylight hours and fewer visitors.
#2. Aysén Region, Chile – A wild and remote South American wonderland
Aysén Region is a lesser-visited part of Patagonia. It is bursting with glaciers, rivers, and untamed wilderness—any hiker’s haven. Put a pin on the following places, but don’t be limited by Marble Caves, Patagonia National Park, and Carretera Austral. May provides eye-popping color palettes and pleasing temperatures for comfortable exploration.
#3. Tasmania, Australia – A nature lover’s paradise
Tasmania is an island full of mountains, forests, and breathtaking coastlines. Since reaching the place requires effort and resources, try to engage in as many activities as possible, such as visiting Cradle Mountain, Maria Island and its unique wombat inhabitants, and the Bay of Fires. May marks the beginning of an exceptional season with vibrant foliage and fewer tourists.
Recap
This list of the best places to travel to in May is by no means complete, and you’re free to go anywhere your inner explorer tells you, even if it’s not included in the article. The mentioned destinations are hand-picked for you to visit during May. They provide fewer tourists and charge less, which is a win-win situation. Whether traveling as a couple or solo, make your journey unforgettable, such that your memories are heartfelt, joyous, and the perfect finale of an incredible adventure.
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