Where to Travel in May

See our picks for where to go this month.

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May is the perfect time to travel — it’s shoulder season in most places (fewer tourists, lower prices) and the weather is warming up! Take your first beach weekend of the season or plan a big fat Greek vacation, island hopping without the crowds.

And don't miss our picks for Things to Do in May and May's Must-Dos.

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Photo by: Thomas Barwick

Thomas Barwick

You've been dreaming of summer all year long, and it's finally here. Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer. Pack your new suit and plenty of sunscreen for your first beach weekend of the season. Where to go? Lucky you; we've done the work for you! Check out Travel's Best Beach Awards 2015, which include best party beach, romantic beach, family beach and more. One of these is bound to be a drive away from you.

Cannes

Cannes

A broad view of Cannes prior to the annual film festival in France.

Photo by: Francois Durand / Getty Images

Francois Durand / Getty Images

Looking for a glamourous getaway? Head to the sun-drenched and star-filled Côte d'Azur for the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. This annual film festival brings Hollywood’s elite to the picturesque French seaside town every year in May. Take advantage of the picture-perfect beaches, chic resorts and plenty of celeb-spotting opportunities. And if you want to escape the paparazzi, head to the nearby beautiful beaches of Nice, Monte Carlo and Saint-Tropez.
Kentucky, Kentucky Derby

Kentucky, Kentucky Derby

Every first Saturday in May, Louisville, KY, is home to the “Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports.” The Kentucky Derby marks the annual stakes race for 3-year-old thoroughbreds, which race around a 1 1/4-mile track. The tradition began in May 1875, when the first Derby was held before a crowd of 10,000 people.

Photo by: kentuckytourism.com

kentuckytourism.com

Pack your fanciest hat and dash on over to Louisville, KY, for the first leg of the US Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing at the Kentucky Derby. Every year on the first Saturday of May, more than 150,000 spectators visit Churchill Downs for this historic event, which has been a tradition since 1875. If you miss this race, don’t fret — there’s still plenty of horse-racing action to catch throughout May. The Triple Crown tears through Baltimore on the third Saturday in May at the annual Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.

 'USA, South Carolina, Charleston, Edmondston-Alston House'

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'USA, South Carolina, Charleston, Edmondston-Alston House'

Photo by: Doris De Witt

Doris De Witt

Can’t decide between a cityscape and a beach getaway? Head south to the charming city of Charleston to get a mix of both. Enjoy the mouthwatering cuisine, perfect weather, beautiful beaches and warm hospitality. Tour Battery Park to see gorgeous Southern mansions, stroll along King Street to check out eclectic shopping, and visit the picturesque plantations for a glimpse into the pre-Civil War South.

Golf Course by Palms and Mountains

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Golf Course by Palms and Mountains

Photo by: Thinkstock

Thinkstock

Take a trip to this desert oasis to bask in warm weather and retro Hollywood-cool style. See how the stars lived with a tour of Frank Sinatra's estate or Elvis Presley’s honeymoon hideaway. And once you’ve had your fill of Hollywood nostalgia, take a short drive to the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Mount San Jacinto State Park and Joshua Tree National Park.

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Photo by: ThinkStock

ThinkStock

May is one the best times to visit this Mediterranean hot spot, when it sees less crowded beaches and ancient ruins, lower prices and perfect weather. Marvel at ancient wonders including the Acropolis and the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Then, soak up Greek culture with a tour of the islands, from stunning Santorini to sparsely populated Cyclades. And don’t miss the chance to taste all the Greek specialties, from souvlaki to fresh seafood.

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