May is an excellent month for travel, offering favourable weather conditions, fewer crowds, and the onset of summer festivities in many parts of the world. For Indian travellers, it presents an ideal opportunity to explore international destinations during school vacations and before the peak tourist season begins. Whether you are planning a family holiday, a solo adventure, or a romantic getaway, ensuring you have international travel insurance is crucial for a secure and hassle-free trip.
Securing international travel insurance is essential to protect against unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage. This ensures peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your holiday. This guide explores the best countries to visit in May, providing insights into costs, crowds, visa requirements, and the importance of travel insurance.
Top 10 countries to visit in May
Here are ten of the best countries to visit in May, with a focus on their unique attractions and what makes them special this time of year.
Japan: By May, Japan transitions from cherry blossom season to lush greenery. Tokyo’s vibrant city life, Kyoto’s historic temples, and the stunning landscapes of Hokkaido are all delightful. The pleasant weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking in national parks or exploring gardens.
Italy: Italy in May is beautiful with warm weather and blooming flowers. Explore Rome’s ancient ruins, Venice’s enchanting canals, and Tuscany’s picturesque countryside. The Amalfi Coast is also spectacular, with less crowded beaches and stunning coastal views.
France: France in May is alive with spring colours. Paris’s parks and gardens are in full bloom, and the French Riviera offers warm, sunny days. The Loire Valley, with its magnificent châteaux, and Provence, with its lavender fields starting to bloom, are ideal for a picturesque getaway.
Greece: Greece enjoys perfect weather in May, before the intense summer heat and tourist crowds. Athens’ historical sites, the idyllic islands like Santorini and Mykonos, and the scenic landscapes of Crete are all wonderful. May’s mild temperatures are ideal for exploring both cities and beaches.
Spain: Spain is vibrant in May, with numerous festivals and pleasant weather. Barcelona’s architecture, Madrid’s museums, and Andalusia’s Moorish heritage sites are captivating. The Costa del Sol offers lovely beaches, and the countryside is lush and green.
Portugal: Portugal’s temperate climate in May is perfect for exploring Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods, Porto’s wine cellars, and the stunning beaches of the Algarve. The Douro Valley is also beautiful this time of year, with its terraced vineyards and scenic river cruises.
Turkey: Turkey in May offers warm weather and blooming landscapes. Istanbul’s rich history, Cappadocia’s unique rock formations, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus are captivating. The Turquoise Coast is also perfect for relaxing by the sea or exploring by boat.
Netherlands: May is tulip season in the Netherlands, with Keukenhof Gardens showcasing a dazzling array of flowers. Amsterdam’s canals and museums are less crowded, and the countryside, dotted with windmills and blooming fields, is stunning. The weather is generally mild and ideal for cycling.
United Kingdom: The UK in May is lush and green, with many gardens and parks in full bloom. London’s cultural attractions, the historic charm of Edinburgh, and the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District and Cotswolds are all beautiful. The weather is generally mild, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Canada: Canada in May offers a mix of spring and early summer activities. Vancouver and Toronto have mild weather and vibrant city life, while the Rockies and national parks like Banff and Jasper begin to open up for hiking and exploring. The scenery is breath-taking, with blooming flowers and snow-capped mountains.
Top holiday destinations in May
When planning a holiday in May, considering cost, crowds, and visa requirements is essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some of the best holiday places in May, along with insights into these factors:
Thailand:
- Cost: Moderate; affordable accommodations and food options.
- Crowds: Moderate to high; popular tourist destinations can get crowded.
- Visa requirements: Visa-free for many countries for short stays; check specific requirements based on nationality.
Mexico:
- Cost: Moderate; favourable exchange rates and budget-friendly options.
- Crowds: Moderate; popular tourist spots like Cancun may have more visitors.
- Visa requirements: Visa-free for many countries for short stays; check specific requirements based on nationality.
Italy:
- Cost: Moderate to high; accommodation and dining can be expensive in major cities.
- Crowds: Moderate; May sees fewer tourists compared to peak summer months.
- Visa requirements: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens; check specific requirements based on nationality.
Spain:
- Cost: Moderate; varies by region, with coastal areas often pricier.
- Crowds: Moderate; popular cities like Barcelona can get crowded, but May is generally less busy than peak summer.
- Visa requirements: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens; check specific requirements based on nationality.
Greece:
- Cost: Moderate; affordable options available, especially on the islands.
- Crowds: Moderate; May marks the beginning of the tourist season, but it's still quieter compared to peak summer.
- Visa requirements: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens; check specific requirements based on nationality.
Portugal:
- Cost: Moderate; Lisbon and Porto are generally affordable compared to other Western European cities.
- Crowds: Moderate; May is a pleasant time to visit before the peak summer crowds arrive.
- Visa requirements: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens; check specific requirements based on nationality.
Vietnam:
- Cost: Low to moderate; Vietnam offers excellent value for money.
- Crowds: Moderate; May falls outside of peak tourist season, but popular destinations like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can still be busy.
- Visa requirements: Visa required for most nationalities; check specific requirements based on nationality.
Croatia:
- Cost: Moderate; coastal areas can be more expensive, but inland regions offer better value.
- Crowds: Moderate; May is before the peak summer season, so it's generally less crowded.
- Visa Requirements: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens; check specific requirements based on nationality.
Costa Rica:
- Cost: Moderate; mid-range accommodations and dining options available.
- Crowds: Moderate; May falls within the shoulder season, so it's less crowded than peak tourist months.
- Visa Requirements: Visa-free for many countries for short stays; check specific requirements based on nationality.
Australia:
- Cost: Moderate to high; Australia can be expensive, but there are budget-friendly options available.
- Crowds: Low to moderate; May is outside of peak tourist season, so popular attractions may be less crowded.
- Visa requirements: Visa required for most nationalities; check specific requirements based on nationality.
Each of these destinations offers unique experiences and attractions in May, with varying costs, crowd levels, and visa requirements. By considering these factors, travellers can make informed decisions to ensure a memorable and hassle-free holiday. Always check visa requirements and travel advisories before planning your trip.
Explore: Schengen visa for Indians
Which countries require travel insurance for visa application?
Following are the countries that require travel insurance for visa application:
- Schengen Area (Europe): France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, and other Schengen countries require travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000. It is mandatory for a Schengen visa application. This insurance should cover medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
- Australia: While travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended due to high medical costs.
- Canada: Travel insurance is not mandatory but is strongly advised, especially for medical coverage.
- Japan: Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended for medical emergencies and trip protection.
- Thailand: Not mandatory, but advisable to cover medical emergencies, especially given the active lifestyle and tropical conditions.
Read about travel insurance for Schengen visa.
