Since it isn't the summer vacation season yet, you'll find that flights and accommodation tend to be more affordable, and crowds at your destination are smaller. These are some of the best places to travel in May for plenty of adventure, rest, and relaxation to detox from those long winter months.

La Paz, Mexico (not to be confused with the one in Bolivia), is the perfect blend of the natural wonders of Baja California at its best. Otherworldly and laid-back all in one, intimate city vibes meet unmissable culture, food, and plenty of outdoor fun at this destination. Meet this part of Mexico’s Baja California Sur, and you’ll be planning your return before you know it. La Paz is one of the best destinations for holidays in May, because you’ll be in the sweet spot where the winter crowds have gone, and the summer crowds (along with the intense heat) haven’t arrived yet. 

La Paz’s crown jewel is Balandra Bay. Located 30 minutes north of downtown La Paz, Playa Balandra is made up of seven small beaches with low tide throughout the day. The turquoise waters stay shallow and calm by the beach, allowing for relaxing ocean dips for swimmers of all levels.

The area was officially named a Natural Protected Area in 2008 to help keep this natural wonder thriving. You can visit these beaches during the day, but note that they cap at 450 visitors per day. You can enter Balandra during two time slots throughout the day—from 8:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00. There’s also a small entrance fee of 125 pesos, and buses run from the Malecon approximately every two hours from 9:00 on. The areas around the beach are rocky, so bring some grippy shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and plenty of water and snacks.

Looking for a place to stay on a budget? Casa Esterito is centrally located and offers a hearty free breakfast. For more of a splurge, B&B Casa Juarez is a few blocks away from the Malecon and features an outdoor pool and plenty of facilities to help travellers make the most of their stay.

Let the desert heat brush off those last bits of winter blues with a May getaway to Palm Springs. When daydreaming of sunny California, images of surfers, sunsets over the Pacific, burritos, and green juices may come to mind. But while we all love those Cali waves and ocean views, the Golden State has so much more to offer travellers.

Less than two hours away from Los Angeles or San Diego, Palm Springs provides the perfect base for a Southern California road trip. From inspiring views to outdoor escapes, you’ll find a ton of things to do. Get to know the city by taking a drive to admire the stylish mid-20th century architecture along Palm Avenue, and pay a visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum before indulging in relaxation at one of the hot springs or spas nearby.

Visit in the middle of May, and you’ll be able to catch the Joshua Tree Music Festival. Joshua Tree is less than an hour's drive from Palm Springs, so you can rent a car to catch the festival and even visit the national park. May is a much better time for these mini road trips compared to the peak summer months in the California desert, since the weather is generally a little cooler. Drive out earlier in the day and dine on a patio in the evening, when temperatures typically range in the mid-20s.

Looking for a place to stay? Book a couple of nights at the Avance Hotel, a quaint spot in the centre of town where you can relax poolside without paying a hefty price tag. Find a flight deal to LA or San Diego from Canada (and maybe stay a few days), and then rent a car and drive to Palm Springs. Or, book a direct flight to Palm Springs from Vancouver or Calgary to arrive at this palm tree-lined paradise in no time.

It’s pretty hard to find a traveller who doesn’t have Mykonos on their bucket list. With luxury shopping, endless quaint streets to wander, and beaches to relax at during the day, and Greek seaside dining and nightlife in the evening, everything about Mykonos is a vibe.

Take advantage of the shoulder season in Greece and plan a May vacation in Mykonos. With daytime temperatures in the mid 20s and evening temperatures hovering around 16 degrees, you'll melt away the thoughts of Canadian winters.

A weeklong trip to Mykonos is the perfect length to enjoy the best the island has to offer. Spend your days exploring the cobblestone streets of Chora, where just about every corner is postcard-perfect. With so many to choose from, it can take a few days to sample each beach in Mykonos and find your favourite. Start at Platys Gialos and Elia Beach along the southern coast, where you can bask under the sun and take in the views of Mount Pallas in the distance.

The easiest way to get to Mykonos is to fly into Athens and take a ferry from the Piraeus or Rafina, both of which offer daily trips to the island. Piraeus is closer to the city, but Rafina is closer to the airport if you want to head to the island directly after your flight. If you can spend a few days in Athens, the spring months are a great time to visit the Acropolis and other historic attractions. Get the Hellenic Heritage pass for one-time access to seven major sights over a five-day period.

For a luxury stay in Mykonos, check in at the Semeli Hotel Mykonos. This award-winning hotel features comfortable rooms overlooking the ocean, a spa, and a poolside lounge area. For travellers on a budget, enjoy a unique, cost-effective experience at MyCocoon Hostel, where guests stay in capsule-style accommodations in a central location.

More destinations that are hot in May

Need some more travel inspo and warm-weather recommendations? Check out these other hot destinations in May and see if there’s a flight deal for you.

Start planning your May vacation

May offers a combination of warm weather, manageable crowds, and competitive pricing across many of the world’s most desirable destinations. Whether you're exploring coastal Mexico, relaxing in the California desert, or wandering through the streets of Greek islands, travel before peak summer for a more relaxed, immersive experience.