It’s May…Let’s Go Somewhere!

May has to be one of the best months to travel no matter where you go in the world. The weather is warming up, the days are long, the sun is shining, and the flowers are out. Plus – it’s part of the shoulder season so crowds are still fairly low around the world.

Here’s a few destinations that are perfect in May.

Victoria, BC

The Pacific Northwest’s oldest city is the definition of charming. With a dedication to sustainability and a location along the coast, it manages to blend history and modernity with a ease other destinations would envy. 

Why Go Now: Victoria starts coming alive in May as the weather begins to warm and the days become longer and sunnier. Not to mention all the spring flowers in full bloom. Skip the car and rent a bike to get around.

Where to Stay: Fairmont Empress truly is fit for an empress. Be sure to grab an Empress Drink during one of their Sunset Sips.

The Oldest in Canada: Did you know Victoria is home to the oldest Chinatown in the country? Be sure to walk around Fan Tan Alley and check out all the different businesses and restaurants that call this place home.

Where to Eat: In Chinatown, enjoy some of the crispy bites at Loy Sing Meat Market. Finest at Sea takes advantage of Victoria’s location by the sea, and 10 Acres Bistro is a true farm-to-table restaurant. For a drink, head over to Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse.

The Coolest Souvenir: Head over to The Puzzle Lab to pick up one of their Victoria-themed heirloom puzzles. All artwork is done by local Canadian artists and each puzzle is made using birch or maple plywood. Challenge yourself and get one of their “spiciest” puzzles. 

Stop and Smell the Flowers: Stroll around the expansive Butchart Gardens for an absolute wonderland of colors and smells. Check here to see what’s in bloom in May.

For more, check out our episode, “Victoria, British Columbia.”

Nice, France

Does anywhere evoke old school European glamor like the French Riviera? With its pastel colored facade, bluer than blue ocean, and iconic blue and white striped umbrellas, Nice is still as charming as it was when film stars flocked to its beaches.

Why Go Now: The French Riviera is practically synonymous with summer, but what if I told you it’s just as warm and sunny in May without all the crowds? Just avoid the Grand Prix Monaco and Cannes Film Festival, and it’ll almost feel like you have the whole place to yourself. 

What to Eat: Pick up treats at the Cours Saleya Market and bring them to the beach for a little picnic. For sit down lunches or dinners, pick any number of Vieux Nice’s restaurants. Dine inside if you want to avoid smokers.

Views from Above: Head to Castle Nice for the best views of Nice. Don’t let the name confuse you – it’s not a castle but a park and there’s a free elevator to the top if you want to skip the stairs.

Do a Day Trip or Two: Take advantage of the French Riviera’s train line and visit some nearby villages while you’re here. Menton and Villefranche-sur-Mer 

Art & Culture: Head over to the Cimiez neighborhood to visit the Matisse Museum. It’s located in a 17th century villa and is one of the largest Henri Matisse collections in the world. He’s also buried in the nearby Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez cemetery.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul, South Korea is considered one of the greatest success stories of the 20th and 21st Centuries. From architecture to dining traditions, you’ll find the ancient juxtaposed with the modern, and in Seoul, it just works. Seoul thrives on rituals and traditions, all while embracing its place in a fast-changing world.

Why Go Now? Prime azalea and rose season. The weather is also perfect – warm without the humidity that begins in June.

What to Eat: So many options. From barbecue to KFC (that’s Korean Fried Chicken) and vegetarian temple cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

How to Feel Like a Local: Noraebang, baby! These Korean-style private karaoke rooms are hugely popular throughout the country, no matter your age. Finding a noraebang in Seoul is like finding a Starbucks in Manhattan… they’re friggin’ everywhere. Rooms are rented by the hour, and the neighborhoods with universities offer the most.

Where to Stay: Money to burn? Drop your bags at the Shilla. On a budget? Why not try a traditional Hanok Guesthouse, which is basically Korea’s answer to a B&B.

Hope You Bought Your Allergy Medicine: Seoul truly explodes with springtime flowers. Visit the Garden of Morning Calm for their spring flower festival.

Mingle with the Locals: The first week of May marks the Lotus Lantern Festival, or Yeon Deung Hoe, an annual celebration dating back over 1,200 years. It’s the lead up to Buddha’s birthday, and includes an impressive parade with over 100,000 lanterns. While you’re here don’t miss the lanterns up at Jogyesa Temple.

Jet Lag Cure: Move over, Seattle! Seoul’s coffee scene is one of the most notable in the world. The Hongdae and Mangwon neighborhoods teem with an incredible shop for every and anyone..,

Want more tips? Check out my favorite places in Seoul here.

Nashville, Tennessee

Hello, Music City! Great weather, interesting history, and lots of live music make this destination fabulous for a spring trip.

Why Go Now? It’s right before the humidity skyrockets, and school lets out. I call that a win-win.

What to Eat: You’d be remiss to skip Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack—the birthplace of the local culinary gem. Don’t have time to queue up for fried chicken? Hattie B’s also does a great hot chicken and offers multiple locations.

Where to Stay: Channel your inner country superstar at the Aertson Hotel, a super-stylish Kimpton hotel in the heart of Music Row.

Live Music Alert: So many honkytonks, so little time. For the best all-around experience, hit up Robert’s Western World on South Broadway, known for its live music, divey vibe, and the best fried bologna sandwich you’ll ever eat.

Where to Shop: Third Man Records, Jack White’s record store. Listen to records, or record your own in the refurbished 1947 Voice-o-Graph machine that records up to 2 minutes of audio and dispenses a one-of-a-kind 6″ phonograph. Bring the sound of Nashville home with one of their in-store recordings, featuring both legends (Jerry Lee Lewis) and indie stars (Jenny and Johnny).

Touristy Thing You Can’t Miss: The Ryman Auditorium, aka the Mother Church of Country Music. Take a self-guided tour, or opt for a guided backstage tour which includes access to dressing rooms and the stage.

Tour with a Side of Trash: Though the Country Music Hall of Fame and RCA’s Studio B tour get a lot of press, the NashTrash tour is by far the most fun. The Jugg sisters’ Big Pink Bus doubles as a city tour and comedy show on wheels. It’s a rowdy, very risqué, one-of-a-kind musical-comedy extravaganza– all things I admittedly love, but I know isn’t for everyone.

Want more insight on Nashville? Go here.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

A summer vacation in Nantucket sounds delightful to just about everyone. And because of that, crowds swell– 10,000 people live here year-round, but the populations is about five times that in the summer. Personally, I think there’s a lot a reasons to visit on shoulder season (aka spring or fall).

Why Go Now: If the kids are still in school, you can experience Nantucket’s greatness without the chaos. Stroll down quiet beaches, visit Sankaty Head Lighthouse, and tour Nantucket on bicycle without having to constantly shout “on your left!”

Where to Stay: Drop your bags at a charming B&B, like the Brass Lantern [link]. Because it’s not quite high season, you’ll find rooms for non-bank-breaking prices.

Where to Eat: Start the day out right at the Downyflake, known for their awesome breakfasts and doughnuts. 167 Raw boasts a lovely raw bar and food truck (they sell beautiful seafood as well). If you can score dinner at Nautilus, go! It’s a favorite spot for Asian-inspired eats and lovely cocktails, and typically packed during the season.

So Fresh and So Clean: Nantucket’s oldest and largest family-owned farm, Bartlett’s Farm adds some turf to the island’s surf. Seven generations of Bartletts have farmed this land. Visit their market for super-fresh produce, meat, cheese, wine, prepared foods and gifts.

Throwback Time: Star in your own Normal Rockwell painting at the Nantucket Pharmacy’s old school soda fountain. Malts, ice cream, need I say more?

On the Water: With all that ocean breeze, you’ll inevitably itch to get out on the sea. Book an excursion with Shearwater. This local company does sunset and cocktail cruises, as well as clamming excursions, seal and whale watching.

Want more on Nantucket? Go here.

Bologna, Italy

I’ve only been to Bologna once, but it left a huge impression. It allowed me to experience Italian everyday life, relaxing in cafes as the sound of locals chatting in Italian, clinking espresso cups with tiny spoons, washed over me.

Why Go Now? May offers some of the best weather—not so hot you crave a pool, not so cold you’re bundling up with a thousand scarves, and not too rainy.

What to Eat: Bologna is the home of many iconic Italian eats, including mortadella, tagliatelle, ragù, tortellini and fritto misto. Sample many of these dishes at Ristorante Da Cesari, which still has Italian grandmas rolling out fresh tortelloni daily. 

Where to Stay: For something that’s nice but budget-friendly, Hotel Metropolitan checks all the boxes. Stylish common areas, simple but yummy breakfast, clean and modern rooms, and just a few steps off Via dell’Indipendenza, you’re the in heart of it all.

See Stuff, Save Money: If you love visiting lots of museums and historic sites, look into the Bologna Welcome Card. For 25 euros, you can score entry to many museums and churches, plus access to walking tours and more.

Modern Italian Art: When you think Italian art, great painters like Davinci probably come to mind. However, the contemporary art collection at MAMbo is a nice change of pace. You’ll find Italian abstract art from the 1950s, as well as temporary exhibits from artist like the Argeninean-Israeli Mika Rottenberg.

Access to Italian Greats (Without the Chaos): Bologna is so close to many of Italy’s most notable destinations. Staying here puts you within an easy train ride of Florence, Venice, Milan and more.

Read more about Bologna here.

Like this post? Save it on Pinterest!