Where to travel in May

Cusco sits high in the Andes and May marks the start of the dry season. You will find sunny days and crisp, cold nights. This city serves as the gateway to ancient ruins and the Sacred Valley. It was a major political center for the Inca Empire. You should allow at least three days to acclimatize to the altitude before starting strenuous activity. Many visitors experience headaches or fatigue early in the trip.

Stonehenge consists of massive standing stones arranged in a ring. It is located in the English countryside. May offers longer daylight hours and generally drier weather than the winter months. It is easier to walk around the site without dealing with heavy mud. Be aware that you cannot touch or walk among the stones. You must view them from a designated perimeter path.

Uluru is a massive sandstone formation in the Northern Territory. It is sacred to the Aṉangu people. May is the start of the cooler season in the desert. You avoid the extreme heat of summer, which makes walking the base trails much safer. It is remote. You will need to fly into a nearby regional airport or drive for many hours from the nearest city.

This hydroelectric dam sits on the Paraná River between Brazil and Paraguay. It is a massive structure that generates vast amounts of power. May is a comfortable month to visit the surrounding area. The humidity is lower than in the summer, making guided tours of the facility more enjoyable. You can take a bus tour of the dam, but you must book in advance. The site is quite spread out and requires vehicle transport.

Machu Picchu is a mountain-top site built around 1450. It served as an estate for the emperor Pachacuti. May brings stable, dry weather and clear views of the surrounding peaks. It is one of the best months to visit before the peak vacation period in June and July. Getting here is expensive. You must take a train to the base and then a bus or hike up the mountain to the entrance.

The Shard is a 95-storey skyscraper in London. It is a pyramid-shaped building designed by Renzo Piano. In May, the weather in London is unpredictable but often clear enough for long-distance views. You can see across the city from the top floors. Entry to the viewing deck is pricey. It is best to check the weather forecast on the morning of your visit to ensure fog does not ruin the view.

Cappadocia is a historical region known for its unique rock landscapes and underground cities. It has been settled for thousands of years. May offers mild temperatures perfect for hiking between the valleys. The spring flowers are in bloom during this time. Most people stay in cave hotels. These can be damp and dark if you choose the wrong room, so check photos carefully before booking.

Seychelles consists of 115 islands located off the east coast of Africa. It is known for its beaches and marine life. May is a transition month with calm winds and high visibility for snorkeling. The water is warm and generally very still. Inter-island travel is the biggest cost. You will spend a significant amount of your budget on ferries or short domestic flights.

Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus, linking Europe and Asia. It is a massive city with deep historical roots. May is arguably the best month to visit. The air is warm, the tulips are blooming in the parks, and you can walk for hours without the sweltering heat of August. Traffic is the main drawback. Moving across the city by taxi can take hours, so rely on the ferries and trams instead.

Lisbon is one of Europe's oldest capitals. It is built on steep hills along the Tagus River. May brings consistent sunshine and pleasant temperatures. You can explore the city streets comfortably before the summer heat settles in. Be prepared for constant walking on steep, slippery stone pavements. Lisbon is very hard on the legs and requires sturdy footwear.