Picking your next holiday destination can be difficult. Still, there are better ways than spinning a large globe, closing your eyes, and slamming your finger down - this will likely result in you holidaying in the middle of the Atlantic.
With April coming to an end, this post will focus on the month of May.
May is a wonderful time to travel abroad. Europe awakens from its winter slumber, tables and vino glasses start appearing across its cobbled sidewalk, the beaches and coastal towns of the Caribbean and Mediterranean begin to hum, while the tropical rainfalls of Southeast Asia depart.
Here are some of the finest destinations to visit this May.
Bahamas, Caribbean
The Tiffany-blue waters and golden beaches are reason enough for some people to visit the Bahamas, but there is more to this place than the photogenic coastline. The country's many islands and cays are home to national parks, walking trails, and some of the finest diving spots in the world.
One of the most extensive reefs in the world, the Andros Barrier Reef, can be found in the Bahamas. Below the surface, you will find shipwrecks, the most famous being Theo's Wreck, a sunken 80m freighter off the coast of Grand Bahama. You will discover various wildlife such as seahorses, rays, and turtles among the wreckage. Braver divers can also head to Tiger Beach, an hour's boat ride from West End in Grand Bahama, to dive alongside tiger sharks.
After a day under the water, unwind at one of the many cocktail bars, places, craft brewpubs and nightclubs populated throughout the island. We suggest you head to the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. Sip on a signature Pineapple Passion cocktail beneath the chandeliered ceiling of the Sea Glass bar, or order a flight of locally produced beer at the Pirate Republic. Swap the drinking for dancing at the 9,000sqft Aura nightclub for the night's end.
May is a perfect time to visit the Bahamas, with the hordes of people wanting to escape the dismal wintery weather gone, and the freshly departed spring breakers. There's nothing to do but pick out one of the lounge chairs on the pristine Cabbage Beach and pluck fruits from the Gladstone Road Farmers Market, which is open till the end of the month. You might even splash about with a sow at Pig Beach.
Nepal
Nepal is a land of friendly and engaging people, where deities mingle among mortals, and you can find magnificent temples, monasteries, and historical monuments at almost every turn.
Nepal may look small on the world map, yet its topography is highly diverse, from its highest mountain (Mt. Everest) to its deepest gorge (Kali Gandaki Gorge). You can see why this seemingly tiny country is a paradise for adventure junkies.
Nepal has become synonymous with mountain trekking. Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang, Manaslu, and Mustang are some of the most alluring trekking destinations. Aside from trekking, you can also try a wide range of adrenaline-inducing activities, including mountain biking, rock-climbing, white water rafting, skiing, bungee jumping, sky diving, hot air ballooning, paragliding, etc.
The people across Nepal are exceedingly warm and welcoming. Believing guests are Gods; they always try to make visitors feel at home by serving warm tea and offering you help when needed.
May is also a period of celebration across Nepal. Celebrated in the Upper Mustang area of Nepal, the Tiji Festival is an auspicious occasion that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Tiji Festival is one of the few occasions in Nepal that let visitors take a sneak peek into the lives of rural Nepal and celebrate with the locals. If you plan your visit in May, make sure you schedule a visit to this festival.
With breathtaking views, welcoming people, and myriad adventures, Nepal has something for every traveller.
Byron Bay, Australia
Byron Bay is not what it used to be. It was once just a small town on the north coast of New South Wales known for sand-mining, cedar-cutting, abattoirs, and whaling. Now Byron Bay is a magnet for backpackers, surfers, and thousands of others coming to enjoy Byron.
If there's one thing Byron is known for, it's surfing. Whether an amateur or a seasoned surfing enthusiast, Byron Bay is a must-visit destination. The most reliable conditions for surfing occur during the Australian winter, making May the perfect time to visit.
Byron Bay is also the epicentre of wellness. The rolling hinterland is sprinkled with retreats and lodges, each nestled in stunning bushland surrounds. Byron Bay has everything you need for a rejuvenating holiday, whether you're aching for a therapeutic massage, a full day of spa pampering, an endless meditation session, or a week-long yoga camp.
If you're dreaming of spending your holiday by the beach, Byron is the place to be. The sunsets are also a sight to behold. Main Beach in downtown Byron Bay is the hub of activity every evening, with groups of friends gathering together with a picnic blanket to sit and watch the sunset. The sky's reflection on the ocean is spectacular on low-cloud and clear days. During your stay at Byron Beach, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping orange, pink and red tones year-round throughout your stay. Every day, a different vista will find you, whether you are perched at the top of coastal cliffs, nestled into a beach cove, or parked on the rolling hillsides.
With its stunning natural attractions and eclectic community, Byron Bay is one of the world's most famous coastal towns and quickly becoming one of the most popular. You'll be captivated by gorgeous beaches, breathtaking hinterland rainforest, spectacular coastal trails, incredible marine life and a bustling food scene.
Lima, Peru
Steeped in history, Peru's capital city of Lima is enveloped by beautiful colonial vestiges bestowed upon the city by the Spanish. Once known as the City of Kings, Lima is now a sprawling metropolis flanked by picturesque hills and valleys and pristine beaches that outline the Pacific Ocean. There's no shortage of things to do and see in Lima.
Standing in the colossal square of Plaza de Armas and revel in the colonial-style architecture, you will feel the history of the City of Kings and be transported to the past. To the plaza's east resides the Palacio Arzobispal, which has ornate Moorish-style balconies unique to Peruvian architecture. To the northeast is Palacio de Gobierno, a grandiose Baroque-style building that serves as the residence for Peru's president.
For those who prefer something a little more active, rent a bike from one of the many rental companies and enjoy a bike along the Miraflores boardwalk. The boardwalk runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean, providing miles of stunning views. You could also take a boat ride to the unspoiled Palomino Islands just off the coast of Lima. You will have the opportunity to swim with friendly sea lions in sun-kissed yet icy seas in wet suits. You will be able to watch giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
May is the perfect time to visit Lima as the weather shifts from warm and humid to a cooler, more comfortable temperature.
Munich, Germany
With its cosmopolitan lifestyle, Alpine tradition, and world-famous beer halls, Munich encapsulates the best of Bavaria. The compact city centre is easy to navigate and perfect for short breaks, but there are plenty of things to do if you prefer a more extended stay.
You can't talk about Munich without first discussing its gargantuan beer halls, packed with long communal tables and drunken revellers swigging steins of German ale. You can find these traditional halls on every corner in Munich – Löwenbräukeller is particularly rowdy and has a nice mix of tourists and locals. Most serve up traditional German food like wurst and pretzels. They also like to drink beer al fresco in Munich - the English Garden has a big one, but we recommend the magical Zum Flacher on the River Isar with its in-house band.
If you can't wait till October to get dressed into your Lederhosen and celebrate Oktoberfest, May brings Fruhlingfest to Munich. Think of it as Oktoberfest's little sister. Expect the same risky mix of fairground rides and beer-filled steins but smaller and less lairy crowds.
But there is more to Munich than steins of beer. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and glistening mountains, Munich has plenty to lure you away from the beer garden.
If it's entertainment you are after, why not pay a visit to Schuhbecks Teatro, where you can enjoy a first-class meal and watch a cabaret-cum-circus unfold before your eyes. This is an opulent delight with its silk-draped walls and Swarovski chandeliers hanging overhead.
Another attraction is the city's palaces and castles—the first La Residenz is the largest city palace in Germany. The Antiquarium is a sight to behold, with endless classical statues and frescoes covering its large Renaissance structure. Once the home of Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria, today it is open to visitors for its architecture, room decorations, and displays from the former royal collections. If you have the time, you should venture out of the city and visit Neuschwanstein Castle, which you might recognise as the inspiration for the famous Walt Disney one. Built by Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, in 1864, it occupies one of the most breathtaking positions in the world.
The best time to visit Munich is from March to May: winter's crowds have long since departed, and summer's peak season has yet to hit.
Catalonia, Spain
Catalonia spans 360 miles along the Mediterranean coast and is home to Romanesque art, medieval mountain monasteries, Art Nouveau masterpieces and Roman ruins. Its cuisine is as varied as its landscape, and traditions run deep. One day you could be hiking through the Pyrenees; the next, enjoying fresh seafood in a quaint coastal town.
Catalonia has its own distinctive cuisine heavily influenced by neighbouring France and Italy; Catalan cuisine is truly Mediterranean, stemming from both the land and sea. Whether you're eating pa amb tomàquet or enjoying the fresh crunch of Catalonia's famous spring onions, Catalan food is unique and has its own original story. Wash down these delectable delights with a glass of sparkling Cava. Home to more than 300 wineries, Catalonia is an oenophile's dream. From the terraces of Priorat to the Empordà coast to the mountains of Lleida, you can enjoy a glass of Italian wine pretty much anywhere. If you're looking to visit several vineyards in a day, the Catalunya Bus Turistic route through the Penedès region is one of Catalonia's best wine tours.
Catalonia is renowned for its contribution to the world of art, with some of the world's preeminent artistic minds having once called Catalonia home. Architect Antoni Gaudí, composer Pau Casals and painters Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró just to name a few. One of the best ways to retrace their steps is to follow the Landscape of Geniuses Route in Tarragona. Beginning in Reus, where Antoni Gaudí was born, it continues to El Vendrell, the birthplace of composer Pau Casals, and on to the coastal vistas of Mont-roig del Camp that inspired Joan Miró's surrealist paintings. The tour concludes in the hilltop village of Horta de Sant Joan, which appears in several of Pablo Picasso's works. North in Costa Brava, the Dalí Theater Museum is a must-see. Designed by the artist, the building is as avant-garde as the works it houses.
The best time to visit Catalonia is when the wildflowers and fragrant herbs carpet the landscapes from May to early June. You'll miss the summer's fierce heat and holidaying crowds, with the weather ideal for walking, cycling and sightseeing.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
There is a lot to love about Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's modern and exotic capital. Many people visit this magnificent city because they are attracted by its fabulous shopping, world-class cuisine, pristine beaches, flourishing economy, and pulsating nightlife.
Kuala Lumpur has undergone so much development since its zenith as one of the significant areas for tin mining during the Industrial Revolution. With its colourful inhabitants of every race and religion adding their flair to the city, Kuala Lumpur has become the world's melting pot and a metropolis like no other.
Malaysians are generally not known for sleeping early, so an evening in Kuala Lumpur will bring the term nightlife a whole new meaning. Changkat is a popular spot catering to tourists worldwide for a night of revelry and exotic foods, while the cheaper alternatives in the rest of the city are popular among locals who don't want to retire too early. Stop by the Indian Mamaks, famous for being open 24 hours a day, for a refreshing yet straightforward meal of roti chanai and a glass of teh tarik after partying or catching up on a live football match.
May to July remains the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur as the area remains dry during these months, and the skies are bluer than ever.
ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS!
Now that we have discussed some of the best places to visit this May, all you need to do is pick! And all without using a globe!
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