May Vacation Ideas

If you're like me—always chasing that perfect time of year when everything feels fresh and exciting—then May is your golden window. After 25 years of travel writing, I’ve come to love this sweet spot between spring and summer. The flowers are blooming, the weather is just right, and you’ll often beat the heavy tourist crowds. These May vacation ideas are the kinds of getaways I always recommend when friends ask me, “When’s the best time to go?”

Highlights:

• Visit Washington, D.C. – I’ve strolled through garden-filled paths and along the National Mall in peak bloom. You’ll love the sunshine and scenery.
• Hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – I’ve hit the trails in May when wildflowers spill across the hillsides. Trust me, it’s a hiker’s dream.
• Explore Paris or Lisbon – I always suggest Europe this time of year. You’ll get all the charm and beauty with fewer crowds and milder temps.
• Relax on beaches in Charleston or the Florida Keys – I’ve unwound on both coasts in May, and the weather couldn’t be better. You’ll love the warm sand and cool breezes.
• Attend festivals like the Kentucky Derby or Bayou Boogaloo – These are the kind of high-energy, joyful events that I always tell people to experience at least once.

Best May Vacation Ideas: