6 overseas destinations you have to visit in May
Planning a May break? These places will be just about perfect.
1. Tuscany, Italy
It’s easy to fall in love with Tuscany. It’s full of ancient cities, fascinating museums, gorgeous country houses, rolling vineyards and picture postcard villages. May is ideal as the weather is warm but the summer crowds are yet to arrive. Stroll through the streets of Florence, one of the world’s great cities, or through the winding alleyways of the towns of the Cinque Terre. Don't miss the beautiful beaches of the Maremma region, set on the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea.
2. Shanghai, China
The weather in Shanghai can be tricky, with lots of rain and melting humidity, but in May you should get it right. The city bridges history with striking modernity and the shining towers create one of the most amazing skylines in the world. It’s a great city for shopping with everything from the top luxury designers to quirky vintage stores and bustling markets. Then there’s the food – you’ll be able to eat a different kind of delicious dumpling every day of the week.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is always beautiful and in May the city really sparkles. It’s full of flowers as the gardens and hanging baskets burst into spring bloom, along with the famous magnolia trees. It’s also a great time for festivals with the Spring Music Festival and the Czech Beer Festival to satisfy both your cultural needs and a powerful thirst. The days are warm and long, perfect for exploring the city on foot.
4. The Bahamas
Get yourself to the Caribbean in May! The weather is perfect (and not too hot) and there’s zero chance of a hurricane wrecking your holiday plans. Humidity is low, there’s almost no mosquitoes and the water is pleasantly warm. The Bahamas is dotted with some truly spectacular beaches, including the aptly named Pink Sands. There are more than 700 islands for you to hop around, ranging from tiny deserted specks to ultra luxe resorts.
5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
You can't get a more classic American holiday spot than Cape Cod – it’s even been a favourite of multiple presidents. It can get incredibly crowded in summer, so visit in May for deserted beaches and cheaper room rates. Soak up the rich maritime history of the region, play a round of golf, swim in the sea and eat your fill of lobster rolls. There are also a few wineries, breweries and distilleries where you can sample the best local drops.
6. Peru
The end of the rainy season has left the forests and valleys of Peru lush and green, so it’s a gorgeous time to visit. The big crowds don’t arrive til June, so you’ll be able to walk around the country’s most famous site, Machu Picchu, with a little more freedom. If you’re very fit, it’s also the best time to walk the famous Inca Trail. Peru is emerging as one of the hottest new food destinations, so make sure you try out some of the innovative restaurants in Lima.
Have you ever been to these destinations?