The 10 Best Places to Travel in May

Take advantage of the low tourist season as Australia begins to cool down, with average temperatures being a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius. Besides the beautiful beaches, great surfing conditions and stunning wildlife, Australia's largest city will come alive with the return of its largest festival, Vivid Sydney, a celebration of art, technology and innovation. Catch the stellar 3D light projections that will light up the city, enjoy the city's best eats at a night market or go celeb spotting for your faves from The White Lotus (yes, we mean Jennifer Coolidge).

Speaking of celebrity sightings... If a glamorous luxury getaway is just what you're after this May, then get ready to say bonjour to Cannes. This picturesque city located on the French Riviera is known for its beautiful beaches, luxury shopping, entertainment and nightlife, and of course, The Cannes Film Festival. This year's edition of the world renowned arts fest will take place during the last two weeks of the month for anyone lucky enough to snag an invite to the prestigious event. Even if you can't get a ticket to the invite-only event, travellers can enjoy the buzz and enchantment of the month while spotting celebrities around town.

If you're ready for the summer beach weather to come early, visit this scenic region in the south of Portugal to see some of the most stunning landscapes and blue waters. Flights to Portugal are typically reasonable from Canadian destinations year-round, making it a pocket-friendly getaway for you to enjoy this May. The Algarve region is just a few short hours by train, bus or car from the capital city, Lisbon, so if you're after a slower-paced holiday with picturesque views, the freshest seafood and relaxed and friendly locals, look no further.

My TikTok algorithm has me convinced: if you're looking for a solo vacation for a total glow-up, Bali is the spot to go.  You'll have the opportunity to relax on the beach or at wellness retreats, get with plenty of outdoor sport activities and get an incredible summer tan. The city offers incredible wildlife sightings like the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a plethora of yoga, meditation and wellness retreats to tap into your inner zen and adventurous outdoor activities from snorkelling to hiking volcanoes. Sign us up!

And on the opposite side of the spectrum, if you're seeking a fun group vacation with your friends, May is an ideal time to book a trip to the sin city. Fans of electronic music will be flocking to Electric Daisy Carnival for the three-day dance music festival taking place from May 19-21. If that's not your thing, you can still enjoy the temptations of the city with resort pool parties, world-class casinos, some of the world's best drag shows (because drag is good!), and other small musical acts like Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Kali Uchis and more).

For a hot last-minute vacation deal, get ready to pack your bags and head to sunny Mexico. Cinco de Mayo will take place in early May, but don't expect extravagant celebrations (actually, the largest festivities of the day take place outside of Mexico). Instead, you can look forward to idyllic temperatures and little rainfall, boat or ATV adventures and shimmering nightlife during this off-peak month.

If you're a plant lover, then May is already an exciting month for you, when nature shines her brightest, coming alive for the spring months and spreading colour throughout the landscape. One place to really marvel in the wonders of nature is the island-state of Singapore. The Gardens by the Bay is one of the world's premier nature parks, sure to be a hit for those interested in botany. Singapore is also home to a unique blend of cultural activities due to its mix of Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and Western cultures (that also make it a world-class foodie destination). Overall, if you're looking for a fantastically clean and sophisticated city to travel to, Singapore should be on your must-visit list.

If you're looking for an underrated European destination this May, consider a trip to Hungary. Like many places on this list, the city sees fewer crowds during the month, but still has pleasant temperatures for touring around town. Enjoy a soak in the thermal baths at the impressive Széchenyi spa, try some a pint during Budapest Beer Week, or appreciate the architecture in the city during Budapest 100, an event that celebrates all buildings turning a century old throughout the city.

Sometimes, a vacation deal is so hot, you can't afford not to go. Flights to Costa Rica are at their lowest now, with plenty of deals from cities across Canada (we recommend checking out YYZ Deals for the best discounts from your city). Liberia, a city in the north of Costa Rica, is a great base while you enjoy the nearby wonders of nature, from waterfalls to active volcanoes. Wildlife can be more active in the early spring months, so expect to make friends with some monkeys and nesting sea turtles.

OK, so this might require a fairly costly, long-haul flight to get there, but visiting Tanzania in May gives travellers the bucket-list opportunity to witness The Great Migration. It's the best time of year to spot African wildlife as millions of animals make their annual journey. Don't miss a safari at Sergenti National Park, a UNESCO protected site, as it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. May is also an ideal month to visit since weather is pleasant but moderate and there are fewer mosquitoes to contend with.