Where to go in May
The best places to explore at this time of year
The best places to explore at this time of year
The Goldilocks month when conditions conspire toward perfection. Botswana's Okavango Delta begins its miraculous transformation as floodwaters arrive, creating a watery paradise for thirsty wildlife. Peru dazzles with emerald landscapes minus June's crowds, while Indonesia steps into the spotlight with flawless beach days.
May is the moment Peru comes into its own. The skies are clear, the trails are dry, and the landscapes are a beautiful, emerald-green as they emerge from the rainy season. Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley feel vibrant and full of life, but without the heavy crowds of June and July. It’s also a fantastic time to trek the Inca Trail or explore the charming streets of Cusco in near-perfect weather.
May marks the start of the dry season, and the wildlife viewing gets seriously good in Botswana. Although it’s called the ‘dry season’, the floodwaters begin to arrive in the Okavango Delta, drawing wildlife from across the Kalahari and transforming the landscape into a watery wonderland. The winding channels and lagoons fill with water and it’s the perfect time to try a mokoro (canoe) safari. Plus, the weather is crisp and dry, and the camps and lodges are relatively peaceful before the peak season crowds arrive.
May is another beautiful month across spindly Vietnam. The central coast is dazzling, with sunny beach days in Hoi An and Hue, and, importantly, minimal rainfall. In the north, Sapa’s rice terraces are vivid green and perfect for trekking as it’s a little cooler, while Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta are still dry before the summer heat kicks in.
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11 nights from $23,479 per person
12 nights from $13,980 per person
11 nights from $14,982 per person
10 nights from $18,038 per person
9 nights from $8,906 per person
13 nights from $8,779 per person
Namibrand, Namibia
