From luxury self-drives in southern Europe to whale watching in Canada, May is an excellent time to escape on holiday before the summer crowds arrive. Our specialists have picked out their favourites below.
Italy and Spain are ideal May destinations, with Tuscany enjoying highs of 21ºC, ideal for road trips and exploring Florence. In Spain, Andalucia basks in sunshine, while Portugal's Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve all benefit from the same Iberian heat, and self-drives are a little quieter thanks to avoiding peak tourist season. Over in Scandinavia and the Nordics, the arrival of spring sees Norway's fjordland bloom in wildflowers, rushing rivers and spectacular waterfalls.
May is an excellent time to head on a USA road trip. with fewer crowds in across its world-famous cities and majestic national parks. It's also a great time to spot whales in eastern Canada while the western Rockies lend themselves perfectly to a luxury rail journey.
Explore our North America holidaysWhile the south of Africa's temperatures begin to rise in May, the humidity in destinations such as Botswana remains low, making it an excellent time to head on a safari. Luxury safari lodges abound, alongside superb dining and expert guides as you go in search of the Big Five.
Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia enjoy endless sunshine during May, with Bali particularly pleasant. The latter is the perfect destination for a honeymoon, combining culture with the region's superb beaches. Japan is also an excellent choice, with the chance to catch the end of cherry blossom season in the north.
Prior to the rainy season, May is a great time to head to the Caribbean for a luxury hotel stay and it's often quieter post-Easter. Barbados and St. Lucia are our top picks.
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