Where to travel in May

May signals the transition from spring to summer across the northern hemisphere, making it the perfect time to embrace the beauty of the natural world and explore at your own pace with warm weather with fewer crowds.

At Pelorus, our specialist travel designers create bespoke journeys shaped around individuals interests and travel style, curating extraordinary experiences for those seeking something different in the month of May.

Best places to travel in May

Greece

Trace the story of the ancient world in Greece in May, this month brings warm days and lighter crowds, making this an ideal time to explore the classical wonders of Greece. Begin in Athens with an expert guide at the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum, bringing the legacy of ancient Greece vividly to life. Continue to Crete to discover the legendary Palace of Knossos, before setting sail along the coast of Elounda in style with Pelorus Yachting. Conclude your journey in the Peloponnese, where mythical theaters, temples and citadels stand among dramatic landscapes. Along the way, experience the flavors of Greece in an authentic cooking class. Whether drawn by ancient history or the rhythm of island life, Greece offers something for everyone.

USA

From red-rock canyons to steaming geothermal wonders, the American West in May is nothing short of extraordinary. Set out on an epic road trip through the picturesque landscapes of Colorado and Utah, where exhilaration awaits at every turn. Enjoy horseback adventures through mountain trails, conquer dramatic rock faces with expert guides, and navigate rugged desert terrain on thrilling 4x4 backcountry excursions. Explore iconic Yellowstone National Park, where nature’s raw power is on full display. With a private guide, witness world-famous geysers erupt and gain insight into the vast volcanic caldera that drives one of the planet’s most dynamic ecosystems. Embrace the region’s cowboy culture in Jackson Hole, riding across wide-open plains in the spirit of the true Wild West. Tackle roaring rapids through towering river canyons, go behind the science with expert naturalist guides, and join a leading wolf conservationist for a privileged look at the recovery of one of North America’s most iconic apex predators.

A small wooden boat rests on a sandy beach surrounded by clear turquoise waters under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

French Polynesia

In May, as humidity lifts and the islands slip into one of their most quietly beautiful seasons, French Polynesia feels like a paradise. Tahiti boasts a collection of exceptional properties, from overwater bungalows suspended above turquoise lagoons to secluded hillside retreats with sweeping views across the Pacific. For those drawn to the water, discover the Tuamotu Archipelago with Pelorus Yachting, a vast chain of low-lying atolls scattered across the South Pacific, ranking among the world’s most spectacular sailing destinations. Here, cathedral-like passes teem with sharks, rays and technicolor reef life, while remote anchorages promise complete seclusion. Visit a Polynesian pearl farm and snorkel for oysters with local farmers, dive pristine reefs, paddleboard through glassy lagoons, and gain rare insight into the vital coral conservation efforts working to protect one of the planet’s most fragile and extraordinary marine ecosystems.

Mongolia

Discover Mongolia’s extraordinary natural beauty in May, when the Altai Mountains burst into a kaleidoscope of wildflowers. Venture deep into Mongolia’s uncharted frontier with expert guides, exploring vast, untouched landscapes while experiencing the rhythms of traditional nomadic life. Ride on horseback and hike through high mountain passes and blooming alpine meadows before settling into a traditional ger hosted by a Kazakh Mongolian family. Witness the mesmerizing skill of the eagle hunters and track wildlife alongside one of Mongolia’s leading snow leopard conservationists. Board a private airplane to Zavkhan and witness endless dunes from above. In the heartland of Mongolia, enjoy dinner beneath star-filled skies with the country’s only astronaut before concluding your adventure with a private Naadam Festival celebrating Mongolia’s iconic traditions of wrestling, horse racing and archery, offering an extraordinary window into one of the world’s last great nomadic cultures.

Coast of Ireland

Ireland

Experience Ireland's vibrant green landscapes and milder weather in May. Kayak through glassy bays with marine biologists, dive among towering kelp forests, or fly by helicopter to remote, uninhabited islands. Surf wild Atlantic swells far from the crowds. Retreat to exclusive castle stays and private manor houses for clay pigeon shooting, candlelit cellar dinners and behind-the-scenes access to historic estates. In Dublin, follow in the footsteps of the Guinness family and discover Ireland’s vibrant history and charming culture. Venture from Dublin to Galway and out to the hidden western isles, immersing yourself in music, storytelling and a living heritage that shapes every encounter.

River safari in Zambia

Zambia

Discover Zambia’s wild beauty in May as the country enters the start of the dry season. Landscapes remain lush from the summer rains, wildlife begins gathering along rivers, and some of Zambia’s most exclusive camps reopen, offering a rare opportunity to experience these remote wilderness areas with very few others around. Take to the skies above Victoria Falls with Pelorus Aviation, soaring over the immense curtain of water before sweeping low through a dramatic gorge to a secluded sandbank along the Zambezi River for a private picnic. Continue to South Luangwa National Park, the birthplace of the walking safari, where expert guides lead you through the bush on foot for an immersive wildlife experience. Enhance this with a night of fly camping under the stars, sleeping out in the heart of the African bush. With camps reopening and animals returning to the Luangwa River, May offers exceptional sightings in beautifully green surroundings at the start of the safari season.

Where will summer take you?

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