The month of May is the time when summer is making strides. As a result, many countries, especially those in South-East Asia become off-limits due to the combination of the monsoon season and the heat. However, the rest of the world is still wide open for exploration and adventure. More often than not, as the tourist season winds down, many popular areas become less crowded. Here are some of the best places to visit in May.
Kenya
The month of May is the low season in Kenya; therefore, there aren’t many tourists whom one will have to jostle with for space. Another reason to visit Kenya at this time is its landscape that provides you ample opportunities for spotting animals. If that isn’t enough for you, then what may lure your interest is the fact that it is also the birthing season and therefore, it is quite possible for you to see some baby animals.
What to do
Do what everyone tends to do in Kenya. Go for a safari! The Masai Mara National Reserve is usually jam-packed with tourists during the high season; however, in May, the crowd is comparatively lesser.
Greece
There are thousands of reasons to visit Greece, regardless of the time of the year. However, the temperature in the month of May generally hover between 15° C and 25° C, which is almost perfect for traveling. The islands are especially great at this time of the year due to the awesome combination of the mild weather and the calm Mediterranean Sea.
What to do
If you are more into the history of Greece, then a trip to the capital city of Athens should definitely be in your itinerary. If not, then head on over to Santorini, Crete or any one of the other islands. Once there, sit back, relax, and revel the beauty of the place.
Scotland
Scotland is a country famous for scotch, bagpipes, and kilts. However, it also has a very rich history and a stunning landscape. In May, the weather is quite pleasant, making it the best time to explore all that the country has to offer, including some of the finest whiskeys in the world.
What to do
There are a number of castles in Scotland that are quite famous for their rich histories, such as Eilean Donan, Edinburgh Castle, Ballindalloch Castle, Banffshire Culzean Castle, Ayrshire Castle, Aberdeenshire Stirling Castle, Stirlingshire Urquhart Castle, and many more . If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, then you can also indulge in a number of outdoor activities such as cycling, fishing, and golfing.
Caribbean
There is never a bad time to visit the Caribbean (except maybe the hurricane season). The month of May is the beginning of the off season and hence, it is a good time to visit the region and not worry about the hustle and bustle and the over-the-top prices that are typical of the Caribbean.
What to do
Pick any of the various island nations in the Caribbean. And, mind it, you will not go wrong. Be it the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, or any other island. You are guaranteed more or less beautiful weather where you can soak up the Sun in peace.
Japan
May is one of the best times to visit Japan as its famous Sakura or cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It is so popular that the first week of May is called the Golden Week. The weather is also quite mild, making this month one of the best times to visit the country.
What to do
Head on over to the Goryokaku Fort Park in Hakodate City, Hokkaido, to get the best views of the cherry blossoms at the 150-year old western-styled fort that has been converted into a park. It is a star-shaped historic site. After taking a leisurely stroll in the Goryokaku Park, you can also go to the Goryokaku Tower Observatory that brings in a panoramic view of the fort. Once you are done with it, check out the geisha or odori dance performances that are held almost in every city.
Image Credit : Key45, Pedro Szekely, David Spinks, Joi Ito,