Cheapest Places to Visit in May: Real Budget Guide

Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago north of the Canary Islands. May is one of the best times to visit because the weather is warm enough for walking but the summer crowds have not arrived. Your money goes further here than in mainland Europe. Local cafes serve cheap espresso and garlic bread for a few euros. Guesthouses outside the capital of Funchal offer excellent value. Public transport is limited to slow local buses. You will probably need to rent a car to reach the best hiking trails, which adds to your daily budget.

Lisbon sits on the River Tagus and is one of the oldest cities in Europe. May brings excellent weather with plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures for walking the steep streets. While Portugal used to be a bargain, Lisbon is now quite expensive. Central hotel rooms in May cost almost as much as those in Paris or Rome. To save money, eat lunch away from tourist squares. Look for the daily menu specials, called prato do dia, which often include main dishes, bread, and a drink for under ten euros.

Lake Como is a deep glacial lake in northern Italy at the foot of the Alps. May is a lovely time to see the lakeside gardens in bloom before the heavy summer humidity sets in. This is not a budget destination. Even in May, ferry tickets between the towns add up quickly, and basic lakeside meals are highly priced. If you want to visit cheaply, stay in the city of Lecco instead of Bellagio or Varenna. Lecco has cheaper hostels and supermarkets where you can buy picnic supplies.

The Isle of Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. May is historically one of the driest months here, and it falls just before the biting midges become a major nuisance. Getting here is expensive because there is no direct train or budget flight. You must drive from Glasgow or Inverness, which means paying for fuel and car rental. Accommodation on the island is scarce and expensive. If you do not book months ahead, you might end up paying premium rates for basic bed and breakfasts.

The Acropolis is the ancient citadel overlooking Athens. May is the sweet spot to visit because the afternoon heat is still bearable, and you can walk up the hill without melting. Athens itself remains one of the more affordable European capitals. You can find cheap souvlaki on every corner for a few euros, and budget apartments are plentiful. The Acropolis entry ticket is expensive, and there are no discounts for budget travelers in May. Combine it with a multi site ticket if you plan to see other ruins.

Ha Long Bay in northeastern Vietnam is famous for its thousands of limestone islands. May is hot and humid, but it is one of the cheapest times to visit because it sits between the peak tourist seasons. Your money goes incredibly far here. A full day boat tour, including lunch, can cost less than a single meal in Europe. The main drawback is the water quality. The bay suffers from pollution, and you will often see plastic trash floating near the boats, which disappoints many visitors.

This national forest park in Hunan Province, China, features massive sandstone pillars. May has comfortable temperatures, though you should expect occasional rain and fog. While food and local hotels are very cheap, the park itself is not. The multi day entry ticket is expensive, and you must pay extra for cable cars and elevators inside. These extra rides are almost mandatory unless you want to climb thousands of steep stone steps. Budget extra funds for these internal transit costs.

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan, located in the Sumida district. May is a great time to visit Tokyo because the spring humidity is low and the cherry blossom crowds have departed. While flights to Japan are expensive, Tokyo itself offers great budget value right now. The weak yen makes dining out and shopping much cheaper than in previous years. Ticket prices for the Skytree observation decks are high. You can save money by skipping the highest deck and only buying a ticket for the main observation floor.

Marina Bay Sands is a massive luxury resort in Singapore. May is hot and sticky, but it is a good month to visit before the summer holiday crowds arrive. This is one of the most expensive places on earth. Staying at the hotel costs hundreds of dollars per night, and even a drink at the rooftop bar is priced like a full meal elsewhere. You can experience the area for free by walking around the waterfront. Avoid eating inside the resort mall, as the food courts there are twice the price of local hawker centers.

The Great Wall of China is a massive network of ancient fortifications. May offers clear skies and comfortable hiking temperatures before the intense summer heat begins. Visiting the wall is very affordable if you avoid organized tour groups. Taking public buses from Beijing to sections like Mutianyu costs only a few dollars. The wall can be physically demanding. Some sections are incredibly steep with uneven steps, so you need decent fitness to enjoy the walk without paying for expensive cable cars.