InternationalBudgetTop City Vacations

Where to Travel in May

By , April 26th, 2017

Maybe you’ve been contemplating a big trip over the summer, but with already a quarter of the year gone, the travel budget is shrinking by the day. Before high season starts taking off in many of North America’s hit destinations, may be you’re simply due for a trip this month!

We’ve bugged our trivago hotel data nerds for their insights into destinations where the month of May is a clear choice for hotel savings. That’s right, pack your bags and read on! Carpe mensis!

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Your Cozumel Getaway

Weather Forecast: High 88°F ~ Low 77°F  

Adding to the all-star line-up of Quintana Roo vacation spots, Cozumel punches high above its cruise port reputation. Praised the world over for its dazzling reefs, this is a destination where the adventurous traveler can take full advantage of the island’s ruggedness. Scooter around the east side of the island, take a boat out to the prismatic reefs or simply settle into a bestseller with the waves as your soundtrack. For savings that don’t skimp on fulfilling your Mexican getaway dream, check our picks below…

Transiting via Cancun airport? We’ve got a few resorts ideas in the area that promise fun for the entire family or some privacy for just you two!

What to do in Cozumel in May?


Calm times ahead this May in Cozumel. Pleasing temperatures in this tropical Caribbean-facing climate are at their best before the suction of summer humidity consumes the island. On the foot traffic side, May sits comfortably between the Spring Break hoards and ahead of school letting out again meaning that those beach chairs are yours to conquer day-in and day-out. Why else is May the month to experience Cozumel? We sought the advice of the Cozumel Tourism Board for what visitors can’t miss this month…

Drift through the Reefs

[caption id="attachment_48186" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Cozumel diving scuba snorkel sea turtle Photo by amanderson2 CC BY[/caption]

As the second largest coral reef in the world, the Great Mesoamerican Reef is a real treat for everyone from experienced divers to first-time snorkelers. Calm currents are a breeze for propelling yourself as you explore the reefs while also helping with visibility levels — making spotting sea turtles at the Santa Rosa Reef and the stingrays at Dzul-Ha all the easier!

Join the feria at El Cedral

[caption id="attachment_48409" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Feria del Cedral Cozumel fiesta Photo courtesy of the Cozumel & Riviera Maya Tourism Board[/caption]

April 26 – May 3. Celebrating the safe passage of the 21 founding families of Cozumel who fled the mainland during The Caste War of 1848, the Feria del Cedral promises traditional dress, live music, and no shortage of local treats to sample.

How Much to Budget


Once you’ve made it to the Riviera Maya plan to set aside roughly $522 over 48 hours for two in Cozumel.

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Horchata: $0.50

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Taxi to Downtown: $4.51

Passenger ferry from Playa del Carmen: $3.71

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One night in a 3-star Hotel  – May: $151

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Dive Trip including tanks and equipment rental: from $70

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Your Branson Getaway

Weather Forecast: High 83°F ~ Low 51°F  

A top-of-mind family destination for Midwesterners, Branson doesn’t appear to be slowing down with new attractions and shows being added to its offerings every year.

Away from the buzz of the Strip, settle into some R&R out by Table Rock Lake which stretches across the Ozarks. For the extended stay feel, family-friendly amenities and a touch of refinement, we’ve picked three local accommodations that fit each of those bills respectively…

trivago tip: Memorial Weekend in Branson? Budget travelers may want to reconsider. Hotel prices for Saturday May 27th are nearly double the nightly average for the rest of the month.

What to do in Branson in May?


Spring sweeps over Branson in a magical way: dogwoods burst alive, shorts and skirts start making an appearance at Silver Dollar City (at least among park visitors) and a gamut of special events and shows figure into the city’s calendar. With the help of the Branson CVB we picked two activities that will make your May trip extra memorable…

Get your “Bluegrass & BBQ” on!

[caption id="attachment_48187" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau Silver Dollar City BBQ Bluegrass grill Photo by Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau CC BY[/caption]

May 4 – 29. Could there be anything more perfect than enjoying a day of ballads with some honest Midwest BBQ? Don’t miss a very special performance by Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder at Silver Dollar City on May 28th. Bluegrass talent from across the country will take to the Red Gold Heritage Hall stage where you’ll also find the likes of kabobs, corn on the cob, skillet apple pie and the irresistible challenge of All-You-Can-Eat Ribs.

Greet the Ozarks

[caption id="attachment_48188" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau boating outdoors wakeboarding Photo by Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau CC BY[/caption]

A quick drive away from the bustle of Branson, visitors can find a full range of outdoor activities that showcase the beauty and variety of terrain around the Ozarks. Cycling between the falls and creeks of Dogwood Canyon, and hiking the trails of Mark Twain National Forest are but two of your options. Check ExploreBranson.com’s list of trip ideas for more outward bound inspiration.

How Much to Budget


Once you’re on the ground in Southwest Missouri, plan to set aside roughly $616 over 48 hours as a couple in Branson.

Copper Run Distillery’s Ozark Mountain Moonshine: $6

Gray Line Airport Shuttle: $14 per person

One night in a 3-star Hotel  – May: $110

Raiding the Country Vault – Mainstage seating: $44

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Your Vail Getaway

Weather Forecast: High 66°F ~ Low 23°F  

Affectionately known as “mud season”, the in-between period where winter melts and blooms into summer is the cheapest time of the year for accommodations in Vail. Similarly, area restaurants and spas are happy to offer limited time offers to visitors coming in May to test drive new menus and packages before the summer crowd comes to town.

What to do in Vail in May?


Many wouldn’t consider it so, but Vail is a four-season destination. With the snow gone, Vail in May is already looking ahead to summer activities. The Vail Whitewater Race Series comes to town with time trials (and after parties) happening for each Tuesday of May starting on the 9th. If you prefer to get a bit more hands-on and in the rough, read on…

Making a Splash on your Raft

[caption id="attachment_48227" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Rafting Vail Colorado Whitewater Photo by Jim Kelly CC BY[/caption]

Representation of all five classes of Whitewater Rafting difficulty, newbies and families looking for a gentle Class I float don’t need to look any further than Vail Village’s Whitewater Park. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a rugged Class Vs for experts to maneuver can be found in Gore Canyon or Pine Creek. Link yourself up with one of Vail’s rafting tour operators and best to fasten those sunny Gs to a croakie for the ride!

Charging down by Mountain Bike

[caption id="attachment_48228" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Mountain Biking Vail Trail family Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts, by Jack Affleck[/caption]

If you’re looking for some alpine-induced adrenaline this Spring, mountain bike trails criss-cross Vail promising some hair-raising vistas. Bring your mountain bike rental with you up on the gondola before weaving your way through the green circles, blue squares and black diamonds (for experienced freeride bikers).

 

How Much to Budget


For an off-peak visit up in the Rockies, plan to set aside roughly $968 over 48 hours as a couple in Vail.

Mulled Wine: $8

Shuttle from Denver International: $42 per person

One night in a 3-star Hotel  – May: $215

Mountain Bike Day Rental: $20

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Learn more in our Travel Advice Calendars


If you can’t make it to our “Where to Travel in May” destinations this month, try them out later this year with the help of our Travel Advice Calendar or subscribe to our “Where to Travel” mailer to be the first to learn of our destination picks.

*Feature photo courtesy of Vail Resorts, by Jack Affleck

trivago hotel price data was accurate on the date of publishing. For the most up-to-date info and media requests, visit our Press Page.