Where to go in May

Apr 14, 2010 12:51:27 AM

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Planning to go tripping in May? In an extract from the January 2010 issue of Lonely Planet Magazine, we’ve got the best places to head for - and the best place to avoid!

1. Ireland

While it’s probably more accurate to describe May as being the Emerald Isle’s least-rainy, rather than sunniest, month, it’s still the pick of the calendar. Discover the beauty of the lakes of County Roscommon, admire the sandstone hills and river valleys of County Cork, or just try to pinpoint the exact location of the craic in Dublin.

2. Galápagos Islands

The endlessly intriguing wildlife in the Galápagos is in full display this month. Head to the wonderful beaches at Tortuga Bay to see giant tortoises in the lowlands, nesting birds, and whales passing nearby.

3. New York

Freezing in winter, painfully hot in summer, it’s not until the spring that New York really pulls its finger out. Pay a visit to Brooklyn’s fantastic botanic gardens for a spot of fragrant pleasure in the heart of the metropolis.

4. Italy

Anyone who has traipsed around the streets of Rome or Milan in the height of summer knows that even the most beautiful of cities can be tainted by over-exposure. The coastal paths of the Cinque Terre or the Amalfi can be equally packed – so go now. The weather is warm, and the towns geared up for visitors, but you won’t feel like a canned sardine.

Avoid! – India

Unless your express intention is to see the monsoon in all its glory, it is better to wait until September before travelling to India.

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Comments

21 April 2010 11:41PM irisa99 Report this comment
Hi,
I completely agree this is the best time to visit Italian art cities. They'll be less crowder, and you can enjoy the authentic local life!
22 April 2010 1:40AM shipibo Report this comment
India ""AVOID in may"" hard to agree.......... great time for the himalayes especially the openings of the char dham in uttaranchal
22 April 2010 10:00PM soul_traveller Report this comment
Yea I agree with shipibo. North India namely: Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Uttarakhand are wonderful in May and summer months. Only issue you might face is the heavy domestic tourist traffic as May-June are summer holidays for kids and families travel to cooler climes from all over. This doesnt hold good for Ladakh and upper reaches of Himachal and Uttarakhand which are untouched by tourism. So Go right ahead and enjoy the majestic Himalayas. May is a great time to go!
27 April 2010 12:32PM kingtoth Report this comment
Travel in Ireland for seniors just got easier with the free senior rail passes. Check them out.
27 April 2010 7:39PM diehardkedar Report this comment
Monsoon in India starts post mid-june. May is a great month to travel anywhere in the Himalays and is definitely not a time to AVOID India!
24 June 2010 12:23AM samira_mdm Report this comment
May is perfect for Italy indeed. The huge crowds are still away from the attractions, the weather is just perfect for all types of outdoor activities and the prices are relatively low, as for mid season. Go Italy! http://www.bestourism.com/items/di/93?title=Italy-&b=1