Photo: Exclusive Aerials/Shutterstock
Where to Travel in May for Festivals, Beach Days, and Shoulder-Season Deals
It’s always a long stretch between holidays in the US after Presidents’ Day. The three-month gap has everyone counting down to the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day. It also happens to be one of the best times of the year to get out of town.
From music festivals and food events to beach days and low-season deals, May packs in plenty of reasons to travel, with built-in excuses to celebrate, from Cinco de Mayo to Star Wars Day.
If you haven’t booked a trip yet, we’ve rounded up the best places to go in May.
Already have plans? Let me know. Just reply to this email and tell me where you’re headed, and I’ll share where I’m headed in May, too.
-Kelsey Wilking, newsletter editor
G U I D E
How to Get Around Chicago Like a Car-Less Local
Renting a car can be such a hassle (and expensive). Here’s how to navigate the city like a local, from trains to buses to bikes.
D E A L S
Travel Offers Worth Booking
No affiliate links. Just solid finds.
Photo: The Meritage Resort and Spa
Holland America: Save up to 30% off cruise fares for their Anniversary Sale
Intrepid Travel: Take 15% off select Short Break trips to destinations like Paris, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Prague.
Sandos Resorts, Mexico: Save up to 40% on all-inclusive stays, plus an extra 10% off with loyalty signup and $500 in resort credit.
Ecoventura, Galápagos Islands: Save 10% on select April 2027 departures aboard one of the region’s most sustainable expedition fleets.
The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa: Save up to 25% on select spring and summer weekends. Enjoy on-site wine tasting, an underground cave spa, vineyard views, poolside cabanas, and more.
F O O D
The 11 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Albuquerque Right Now
Photo: Sawmill Market
From inventive fusion dishes to cocktails inside a convenience store speakeasy, these are the most exciting places to eat and drink in Albuquerque right now.
T R A V E L
These Cliffside Pools in Greece Offer the World's Most Picturesque Swim
Photo: Constantinos Iliopoulos /Shutterstock
Perched above the sea with panoramic views, these cliffside pools deliver one of the most unforgettable swimming experiences in the Greek islands.
S T A Y S
The Coolest New Hotels that Opened In March
Photo: The Lake Como Edition
Not all “new” hotels are built from scratch. Many of the most interesting openings are reimagined spaces, from a former department store in London to a historic performance hall in Kyoto. If you’re planning a trip this summer, these are the stays worth bookmarking now.
Where to Stay
Travel Well
The Matador Editorial Team