Budget Travel: Cheapest Places to Visit in May

Cusco offers access to ancient sites and a unique culture in the Andes. May marks the beginning of the dry season, making it one of the best times to walk the city streets without constant rain. Prices for food and local transport remain low compared to North American or European cities. You can find affordable hostels and local markets serving hearty meals for just a few dollars. Keep in mind that altitude sickness is a real issue for many visitors here. Give yourself at least two days to adjust to the thin air before planning strenuous hikes.

Stonehenge is a major site in England that is best visited when the weather is mild. May provides long daylight hours without the intense summer crowds that arrive in late June. This is not a cheap day out if you plan to visit the main visitor center. Tickets are expensive and transport from London adds a significant cost to your trip. Most people find that two hours is enough time to see the stones and the museum. If you are looking to save money, do not expect bargain prices near this site.

May is the start of the dry season, so you have a high chance of clear skies for your visit to the citadel. It is the best time to see the ruins before the winter crowds peak. Getting here is rarely cheap. You must factor in the cost of the train from Cusco and the required entry tickets which often sell out months in advance. Do not assume you can just walk up to the gate. You need to book your entry time online well before your travel dates to ensure you get in.

The Shard offers a view over London from the tallest building in Western Europe. Visiting in May usually means clearer visibility than in the winter months. This is an expensive attraction. Tickets are priced high and there is no way to avoid this cost if you want to reach the viewing platforms. Many locals skip this for cheaper alternatives like the Sky Garden. Check other options if you want a view of the city without the premium price tag.

The Itaipu Dam is a massive hydroelectric project on the border of Brazil and Paraguay. It is an impressive sight and May offers comfortable temperatures for touring the facility. Costs are very low in this region. You can find affordable accommodation in nearby Foz do Iguaçu and travel between the two countries easily. Be prepared for long security lines to enter the dam site. It is a working power plant, so you must follow strict schedules for all guided tours.

Uluru is a massive sandstone monolith in the center of Australia. May is perfect because the daytime temperatures are mild, unlike the extreme summer heat. Australia is an expensive destination. The cost of flights into the remote desert and the price of accommodation near the park can be very high. Food supplies are limited and expensive in the resort areas. Most budget travelers stock up on groceries in a larger city before flying into the region.

Cappadocia is famous for its rock formations and cave dwellings. May is a great time to visit because the spring flowers are blooming and the heat is not yet oppressive. Turkey offers great value for money for international travelers. You can stay in unique cave hotels for a fraction of what a standard hotel costs in Europe. Balloon rides are the most popular activity here, but they are expensive. If you are on a tight budget, you can enjoy the same views from the ground for free.

Rome is full of history and food. May is one of the few months where the weather is warm but not yet hot enough to make walking the city uncomfortable. Rome is not a cheap city. Prices for dining near the major sites are inflated, so look for restaurants in neighborhoods like Trastevere for better value. Expect huge crowds at the Vatican and the Colosseum. Even in May, you must book tickets weeks ahead to avoid standing in lines for half the day.

The Acropolis sits high above Athens. May is ideal because you avoid the intense summer sun that beats down on the marble surfaces of the Parthenon. Greece is generally affordable compared to the rest of Western Europe. You can find cheap street food like gyros that make eating out very budget friendly. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. The ancient stones are worn smooth by millions of feet and they become very slippery even when dry.

Tokyo Skytree is a massive tower that gives you a view of the entire Kanto region. May is one of the clearest months for viewing the city skyline. Japan has become more affordable for tourists due to currency exchange rates. However, the tower entry fee remains a fixed, high cost for a single activity. Weekends are very crowded. Visit on a weekday morning to save time and enjoy a more relaxed experience at the top.