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Group Of Young Travelers Taking Selfie At Sunset In Greece

Best places to visit in May

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Wanna have a May to remember? There’s no need to wait for peak travel season to explore some of the world’s most picturesque travel destinations. Whether you’re after one of the best beach holiday or a European city break, we’ve summoned our travel experts to spill the tea on the best places to visit in May.

And when you travel with Contiki, we’ll sort everything from local transport to accommodation. Your job? Just rock up and get ready to make memories with an awesome group of 18-35s.

May holiday deals

Best of South Korea

1 Countries

Best of Baltics

3 Countries

Greek Island Hopping

1 Countries

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Best May destinations

Name: Best of South Korea
Brand: Contiki
Price: 2205 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9

South Korea

Large group of friends with a traditional building at the background in Latvia

Baltics

Greece

Peru

South Korea in May

Enjoy a specially-curated combo of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Choose your own adventure (two options for two vibes)

The weather is sunny, dry and warm. Average temperature: 10°C (50°F) - 23°C (75°F)

A group of people in the middle of a road with buildings around them in South Korea.

Ever wanted the opportunity to say “Yeah, I went there before it was TikTok famous”? Well, now’s your chance. South Korea might not be as popular as Japan or Thailand, but it ain’t far behind.

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in May, South Korea brings a blend of old and new – think K-Pop merged with ancient Korean culture. At the end of the Cherry Blossom season, you can expect fewer crowds, ideal temperatures and long, sunny days too. There really is no better time to see South Korea in action than in May.

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Things to do in South Korea

Three Friends In A Baseball Game in South Korea.

Watch a live baseball game

Baseball fans, where you at? Baseball is HUGE in South Korea, so it’s only right to take this opportunity to revel in the electric atmosphere of a live baseball game during your visit.

Take a K-Pop dance class

There’s a reason why K-Pop put South Korea on the map - and this is your chance to experience it firsthand. Whether you’re a natural or cursed with two left feet, everyone’s welcome here – so come join your Contiki fam for an energetic K-Pop dance class.

Smiling woman observing landscape in South Korea.

Young People Dancing Kpop In A Studio

Explore the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on a peace tour

Baltics (Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia) in May

Long sunny days for exploring the cities.

Visit the beautiful old towns at their most tranquil.

The weather is mild and dry. Average temperature: 7°C (44°F) - 18°C (64°F)

Aerial view of the old town Tallinn, Estonia

Ready to experience some of Europe’s hidden gems? From Estonia’s elegant capital all the way to lavish Latvia – this is your pit stop tour of the best European cities to visit in May. (Think: Scandi vibes but one-third of the price.)

With surprises around every corner, May is the perfect time to soak up the European sunshine before the crowds come flooding in for the summer, and immerse yourself in the rich history, beautiful spring flora and mouth watering food that the Baltics have to offer.

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Things to do in Baltics

Explore Tallinn on two wheels

This May holiday is all about chill vibes. So take Tallinn by bike on a three-hour tour, wind whipping through your hair, exploring the cobbled streets, and stopping to peruse artisanal souvenirs, before arriving at the beach for some pristine views. Because you’re on holiday – why rush, right?

Trakai Castle, Trakai Island Castle, Lithuania, sunny day

See the fairytale-like Trakai Castle

If you’re the kind of person who dreams of running through castle corridors in a billowing ball gown, this one’s for you. No trip to Lithuania is complete without a visit to the fairytale-like Trakai Castle on Lake Galve. It’s so picturesque, it doesn’t seem real!

Taste Estonian delicacies in Tartu

An artsy tour accompanied by Estonian nibbles? Don’t mind if we do! Take a street art guided tour around Tartu’s cosy and colourful ‘Soup Town’ as you explore one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods and tuck into some mouth-watering Estonian delicacies.

Greece in May

Perfect temperatures for hiking among the lush flora.

See a calmer side of the most iconic islands.

The weather is warm, sunny and dry. Average temperature: 18°C (64°F) - 24°C (75°F)

Greece is without fail one of the best holiday spots in May. With the warm sea breezes, balmy outdoor evenings and oh-so-instagrammable islands, it’s a no-brainer!

Whether you’re checking out the nightlife, making the most of the great outdoors or relaxing with a good book in the toasty sunshine, the Greek islands just have something for everyone. And with Contiki, you hardly need to lift a finger – we’ll sort out your stays and transport, so all you have to do is show up and have a blast.

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Things to do in Greece

Man looking at blue sea from hill sunny day in Greece.

Visit the black sand beaches of Santorini

Trust us when we say: you’ll wanna fill your Insta highlights with this one. The striking black sands of Santorini are hard to match – with the volcanic rocks and ash offering a stark contrast against the azure sea. Added bonus: in May you can enjoy a quick dip in the Aegean without contending with swarms of tourists.

Friends enjoying dinner at a restaurant warm weather in Greece.

Eat the best Mezze in Psiri, Athens

If you consider yourself a foodie, you’ll love the bustling neighbourhood of Psiri. From moussaka (aubergine, mince and bechamel) to spanakopita (spinach and feta in a crisp filo pastry) and syrup-soaked baklava - here you’ll find the most authentic Greek food surrounded by live music and a buzzing atmosphere.

A young man enjoys the beautiful view over the mountains in Greece.

Take a hike in Zagori

Calling all wide-eyed explorers - the imposing hills, epic caves and stone villages of Zagori await. Beating the scorching summer, a trip in May to Greece offers the perfect opportunity to strap on your boots and get hiking for some of the most spectacular views and sights.

Peru in May

Explore Machu Picchu with a Local Guide.

Best time of year to see Condors in the Colca Canyon.

The weather is sunny days and bright blue skies. Average temperature: 18°C (64°F) - 25°C (77°F)

Three people taking a selfie with a landmark as background in Peru

There are tons of great May holiday ideas, but there’s something about a Peruvian trip in May that goes unmatched. It's Autumn, which is the perfect time to explore the rugged Andean terrain and cloud forests. Climb the Sun Gate and watch Machu Picchu appear through the mist, or embark on a hike following in the footsteps of the Incas - whatever you choose, epic Peruvian memories are sure to be made!

Experience it all IRL with Contiki. All you’ve gotta do is show up, and we’ll take care of all the planning and navigation.

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Things to do in Peru

People talking to each other surrounded by nature and green mountains in Peru

Enter the magical world of Machu Picchu

Nothing captures Peru’s spirit like Machu Picchu. Witness the sun rise over the iconic terraced fields of this Incan citadel. Visit the Temple of the Sun. And ofc, take that iconic Insta snap on the lofty heights of the Huayna Picchu peak – basically, tick off that bucket list! It’s nothing short of a life-defining experience.

A group of young people smiling and talking while sitting on a bench in Peru.

Visit charming Cusco and hike Rainbow Mountain

Once the Incan capital, Cusco’s cobbled streets and ancient walls are alive with history. Hike up the spellbinding Rainbow Mountain (it’s around 6-8 hours to the summit) that looks particularly beautiful in May-time. And then spend a well-earned relaxing eve back in town with a pisco sour in hand.

Two people looking at rocky mountains in Peru.

Enjoy panoramic views at Cruz del Cóndor, Colca Canyon

Fancy catching a glimpse of one of the world’s deepest canyons? Stop at Cruz del Cóndor for panoramic views. It’s a staggering 3287m above ground, but will still have your jaw hitting the floor. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot the King of the Andes – otherwise known as the Andean Condor – with its mega 3-metre wingspan.