This is usually a pleasant month the whole world over. Winter hasn't yet hit the southern hemisphere, while the north finally delivers on its spring promise and the weather is consistently better. The Mediterranean warms up enough to get in the water without too much fuss and flowers bloom in abundance. To help you choose your May travels, you'll find below some great destinations and some extra suggestions to provide a little inspiration.
Unforgettable Journeys
Silk Road - China
Follow the legendary trading route between East and West. Capture the romance of travel on the road from Xian, ancient capital of China, through harsh deserts and high mountains, to the West.
West Coast – Scotland
Through a landscape that has inspired poets and painters. The West Coast's legendary beauty is perfectly matched with great hospitality, and this trip lets the visitor enjoy a bit of both.
Smoky Mountains – USA
Not quite a journey, more an unforgettable BBQ experience. Build up your appetite walking in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, and dine on Sevierville's award-winning BBQ while listening to Bluegrass.
River Shannon - Ireland
Cruise the longest stretch of navigable waterway in Ireland. A gentle cruise is the best way to appreciate the country and its incredibly beautiful landscape, slower pace of life, and pubs.
Kokoda Trail – Papua New Guinea
A tough trek in the rainforest. Linking the north and south coasts of Papua New Guinea, this trek goes via mountains, dense rainforest, and friendly villages.
Natural Wonders
Colorado Plateau – USA
Drive through the amazing Colorado Plateau landscapes. Take a camper van through the National Parks of the Southwest— see Bryce Canyon and the big one, the Grand Canyon.
Rhodopes – Bulgaria
A wild and unspoiled corner of Europe waits to be explored. The Rhodope Mountains are most famous for their raptors—eagles, vultures and buzzards—but spring sees their wildflowers bloom too.
Victoria Falls – Zambia and Zimbabwe
A wild and unspoiled corner of Europe waits to be explored. The Rhodope Mountains are most famous for their raptors—eagles, vultures and buzzards—but spring sees their wildflowers bloom too.
Vancouver Island – Canada
Watch whales galore in the Pacific Rim National Park. May is a good time for spotting migrating gray whales with their young—also killer and Minke whales—off the West Coast.
New Forest – England
Ancient forest with a wide variety of plants and animals. As well as native ponies in this pretty forest, plenty of wildlife— especially hawks, reptiles, dragonflies, deer, and wildflowers.
Active Adventures
La Paz – Bolivia
High-altitude holiday that will literally take your breath away. Hike around La Paz—the highest capital in the world—and Lake Titicaca, taking in traditional culture, markets, and Inca ruins.
North Island – New Zealand
Head north from Auckland and learn to surf in style. The waves are consistent, the climate subtropical, and the beaches unspoiled. Best of all, you're unlikely to meet any sharks.
Umbria – Italy
Cycle through beautiful and historic hill towns and country. Less well known—and quieter— than Tuscany, Umbria, the "green heart of Italy" is stunningly pretty, and has even better food and wine.
Atlas Mountains – Morocco
Hike among the wildflower trails of the high mountains. Not overly strenuous, this involves hiking through wonderful mountain scenery and camping out in Bedouin-style tents.
Peak District – England
Breath-taking landscapes offer great rock climbing and caving. The limestone karst geology provides perfect opportunities for caving and climbing amid some of the UK's best natural scenery.
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When to Go
