Are you going to be in the US in May? Are you looking for a memorable Memorial Day getaway? If so, why not consider beating the super-sized summer crowds and consider visiting one of the U.S. National Parks? Here to assist you with your decision-making, are the 15 best U.S. National Parks to visit in May.

The 15 Best U.S. National Parks to Visit in May 

1. Yosemite National Park, California

Both May and September are the best months to visit this park, except if you have kids, they’re already back in school in September. Temperatures are usually warm, with highs in the 70s and 80s depending on the time of the month. While it can be busy, it’s nothing like the crowds you encounter in the summer.

This is arguably the best time to see Yosemite’s numerous waterfalls because the rivers that feed them are roaring. You simply must see Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls too. You can already see wildflowers at the lower elevations as well.

Visit the Giant Sequoias via Mariposa Grove Road. Get there early though as these trees are very popular. If you enjoy hiking, don’t visit too early in May though as the winter snow may still have some roads or trails closed. Check on conditions before you go. 

15 Breathtaking Things to do in Yosemite National Park

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Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

This park is located at a comparatively higher elevation. Thus, the best season to see this place starts in May. Temperatures are not higher than 63 degrees Fahrenheit and since the facilities here are just starting to open, it’s not yet too busy.

Famous for its rugged, rust rock columns, a.k.a. Hoodoos, this park has a unique landscape. Visit the various viewpoints along the rim and don’t miss Bryce Point, Inspiration Point, Sunrise Point, and Sunset Point. Check them out at different times of the day to notice how the light influences their appearance.

It is a comparatively small national park so you can easily combine a visit here with a visit to popular Zion National Park. Be sure to go hiking in Bryce Canyon. Not only is it a bit warmer than the rim but there are also fewer visitors.

The 11 Top-Rated Hikes In Bryce Canyon National Park

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Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Most people visit this park in the summer or the early fall. In May, the weather is mild and the temperature never goes higher than 71 degrees Fahrenheit. One disadvantage to visiting in May is that the ranger-led tours to the well-known cliff dwellings here are only available during the park’s peak season.

Nevertheless, some of the tours do run in May and the tour of the famous Cliff Palace is available at the end of the month. Additionally, there are fewer people there in May than in the summer. Drive the scenic road, enjoy the overlooks, and check out the Wetherill Mesa area. 

Wetherill Mesa Road opens at the start of the month so you can bike or hike the popular five-mile Long House Loop. Tour Balcony House too. If you visit later in the month, you can take the ranger-led tour of Long House as well. 

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Joshua Tree National Park, California

In May the average high temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit. While veteran visitors can confirm it can sometimes be a bit hotter, it is actually a dry heat so it doesn’t feel as bad. Weather-wise, the shoulder season is best for outdoor activities.

Once June hits, the temperatures climb a bit too high to really enjoy this place. Hence, the beginning of May is the best time to visit. Spring is also not a bad time to visit but the most popular areas are busy and campsites in and even near the park are often booked to the limit.  

Avoid weekends if at all possible, get there early, and feel free to wander off the beaten path. Enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and even stargazing. Don’t miss Cholla Cactus Garden either. It’s a short, enjoyable walk full of cacti and other plants.

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 Arches National Park, Utah

The weather here in May is usually perfect for a visit. It’s generally not too hot yet as the temperature never breaks 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, you can enjoy the striking scenery and everything this place has to offer without the summer heat.  

Mind you, May can still be one of the busiest times of the year even without the summer tourists. Some say the visitor numbers have actually been higher in May but let’s remember that school is still in session so just avoid weekends. Also, keep in mind that arriving early is also a good idea since the main road here, Arches Scenic Drive can get congested and like any other place, the parking lots closest to the most popular attractions and hiking trailheads will fill up first. Mind you, some enjoyable hiking trails here are rated easy and off-road tours are also available.

11 Amazing Things to do in Arches National Park

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Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

This national park offers exercise and relaxation. You can go hiking and then head for the historic bathhouses and soak in the hot spring water. May is a great time to visit too because it doesn’t get hotter than 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once you’ve had your fill of hiking you can also dine and even shop in town where the park is located. This is possibly one of the more luxurious national park visits, all things considered. Even if it gets a tad humid, there’s plenty to do here both outside and inside.  

The bathhouses of Hot Springs have been a must-visit place since the 1800s. In fact, the Buckstaff Baths have been open for more than a century! Where else can you relax and soak up the history, right?

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Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Regular readers know that while your rovin’ writer hiked the world-famous Grand Canyon rim to rim in the summer, there is no doubt it would have been easier in the month of May. In fact, the comparatively mild spring weather of May is a great time to visit this park (and other state attractions) as it is generally not hotter than 71 degrees Fahrenheit. At night it might get cold in the canyon so do your hiking during the day.  

If you do any of the lengthier hikes, be aware that during the day it’s warmer in the canyon than at the rim, so carry enough water and dress appropriately. If you plan on checking out the North Rim, visit there in the last half of May in case of a road closure. Then again, the most iconic viewpoints are found at the South Rim.  

The 15 Best Grand Canyon Viewpoints on the South Rim

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Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

The best time to see North America’s tallest sand dunes is in May. If you visit earlier, there could be an afternoon storm, the winds are higher and it might still snow. In the summer, the temperature of the sand can soar to a sizzling 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

In May this park doesn’t get hotter than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Mind you, this place is actually a great location for stargazing and hiking. It’s also home to a surprisingly diverse landscape. 

So after you go sand-sledding or sandboarding, explore the forests, grasslands, wetlands, and alpine lakes. (Note that if you’re only planning on visiting the alpine lakes, summer, though more crowded is better weather-wise.) Visit in late May and you can enjoy Medano Creek’s “surge flow” and float down the waves on flat inflatables. Be aware though that the end of May and the start of June are the most popular times to do this so at least avoid the weekend!  

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Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands is a great nature destination to see in the month of May. It is often less busy than other national parks in Utah and in May it’s no hotter than 78 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t spend too much time in the lower areas though, it may even be a little cooler.

If you plan on hiking the more challenging trails or doing off-roading in this huge park, you should be especially aware of current weather conditions and plan accordingly. The most popular section of this park is the awesome Island in the Sky district. It is comparatively compact and has paved roads and stunning overlooks. Be sure to see the massive Mesa Arch too! If you like road trips you can even visit Arches National Park on the same trip.

The 15 Best Hikes in Canyonlands National Park

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Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

The temperature in this unique, popular park is never higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit in May. More importantly, the winters are cold and snowy and summer not only means higher temperatures but, believe it or not, it’s monsoon season. Here you will discover ancient, colorful towering trees that are more than 200 million years old.

The lovely landscape of the rainbow-colored Painted Desert is also impressive. There are many things to do here including biking, hiking, and taking ranger-led tours. You can even drive around and enjoy an outlook or two.

Be sure to see Puerco Pueblo. It features the remains of an ancient 12th and 13th-century village. Stop in at the historic Painted Desert Inn which is now a museum. Check out the intriguing Newspaper Rock petroglyphs and Hopi murals as well.  

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Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

Veteran visitors can confirm that Spring is the best time to see this park. More specifically, see it in the month of May. Indeed, spending on the elevation, it can be very hot in certain sections but in the month of May the temperature peaks at 67 degrees Fahrenheit.

The main activity here is arguably hiking. The mild yet sunny days are perfect for exploring the park and even hiking all the way up Guadalupe Peak, if you’re up for it. It is the highest peak in the entire state with an elevation of 8,751 feet.

If you’d prefer something less challenging, consider the various hiking trails that follow the park’s canyons.  Remember though that the temperatures are warmer at lower elevations. Yes, May is admittedly one of the busiest, most popular months here, but it is rarely busy if you’re actually hiking in the Guadalupe Mountains.

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Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Capitol Reef National Park, another one of the state’s “Mighty 5” national parks, is another great place to be in May. The temperature peaks at 73 degrees Fahrenheit so the weather is sunny and mild. May is one of the busiest months here, but it is also not crowded either because it is one of the state’s lesser-visited national parks.

There are a lot of pretty wildflowers here in May and the rivers are rushing with water too. Still, it’s very large and includes three distinctly different sections. They are the Fruita Historic District, the North District (also called Cathedral Valley), and the South District (also known as Waterpocket).

The weather can be different in each area. You can take one of the scenic drives but why not explore this place being active outdoors? Here you can go biking, hiking, canyoneering, fishing, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Be sure you see Cassidy Arch too!

The 15 Best Things to Do In Capitol Reef National Park

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Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

May is a great time to visit this park. While the temperature can climb as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the climate is moderate and, to be honest, if you’re only going to visit the popular Mammoth Cave itself, the weather isn’t a major issue. This is actually the longest underground cave system known to man.

Here you can explore over 400 miles of passageways. You can choose from several different tours. They range from a good hour to two and a half hours. Most are rated easy, and family-friendly and should be reserved in advance to avoid a lengthy wait.  Of course, while the caves here are the main attraction, there are a number of different things to do and see here.  You can go biking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and more!  

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii  

Travel to your wanderin’ wordsmith’s birth state. There on the Big Island, you will find this wonderful national park. Travel there in May and you will discover the weather gets no warmer than 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

Yes, this is a year-round travel destination, but late spring is actually the best time to visit if you’d like a vacation that includes a blend of beach time, nature, and culture. While the eruption of the Kilauea volcano in 2018 forever impacted the scenery, the park is still one of the planet’s most special travel destinations. Cruise Crater Rim Drive and don’t miss Nāhuku a.k.a. The Thurston Lava Tube. 

Check out the steam vents and smell the unforgettable sulfur gas near Kilauea’s crater. Go whale-watching, snorkeling, and swimming. Take an island-hopping tour, see Haleakalā National Park, and visit all the other islands’ attractions as well.

The Most Breathtaking Places To Visit In Hawaii

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Zion National Park, Utah

Last but not least on our list is Zion. Temperatures here never go higher than 84 degrees Fahrenheit in May. Indeed, it’s dry and sunny and the weather is cooler at higher elevations. The majority of the hiking trails here are open, and you can enjoy them without the summer crowds and scorching heat.

Nevertheless, always check the park’s official website. Even if the weather is fine, sometimes trails are closed due to construction efforts or even flooding. In May the Virgin River has high water levels so it’s also a great time to check out the waterfalls.  

Unfortunately, May is also the start of the peak season, so while all facilities are generally open, the park can still be quite busy even if school is still in session. Avoid weekends if you can; especially Memorial Day weekend. Start your day as early as possible too!

13 Super Things To Do In Zion National Park

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The month of May includes that time prior to the Labor Day holiday which marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Flowers are in bloom, temperatures are warmer, and the days seem longer. Most importantly, it also means you can beat the summer crowds, and the blazing heat, and get great deals on everything from accommodations to rental cars. To help you get a great headstart on your vacation, here are the 15 best places to travel in May.

The 15 Best Places to Travel in May

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

Hiking the Inca Trail to famous Machu Picchu is on many travel bucket lists. May is the perfect time to do it too. The rainy season is over, and the popular tourist season doesn’t begin until June. Additionally, traveling here in May means that along with the stunning views of verdant valleys, you also enjoy cooler temperatures, which means your hiking conditions are as close to perfect as they’re going to get.  

Pack layers though, as it will be cooler at night. In fact, you need to book this trip well in advance to reserve your accommodations and get the required hiking permits. Fewer hikers will be out on the trails in May anyway so that should help. Remember, Machu Picchu is a very popular UNESCO World Heritage site and everything about this ancient Incan city and the surrounding area is unforgettable.

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Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA

Travel back through the mists of time to this quaint, charming place. Take a ferry from Michigan’s Mackinaw City or even St. Ignace. Indeed, May is one of the best times to see Mackinac Island.

In May, the island is beautifully blooming. You can explore the area and enjoy the lovely landscape free of all the tourists who descend upon this pretty place during the summer. Be prepared to walk more than you might usually though as cars are not permitted here.  

Don’t want to walk everywhere? No problem. You can also travel by bicycle, horse, and carriage.

In fact, if you’d rather not hike, the trails in Mackinac Island State Park can be visited via horseback. Visit the historic Grand Hotel, a once-popular getaway for the rich and famous, kick back by Lake Huron, and take in the scent of the lilac trees too.

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Nantucket, Massachusetts, USA 

“There once was a man from Nantucket” who said put this place on your bucket… list, that is. It features pristine beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and rather immaculate hotels. Yes, this historic place is a bit costly as a weekend getaway, but that’s why it is reportedly an “iconic” summer travel destination for the established East Coast elite.”  

You’ll find it just 30 miles from popular Cape Cod. Ah, but if you venture here in the merry month of May, you enjoy the charm free of summer vacationers and at lower prices too. There is little rain and the temperatures are mild so you won’t get too hot to play outdoors. Build a sandcastle and stroll across the beautiful beaches. Dine at a diverse selection of delectable restaurants, and don’t forget to go check out the well-known Great Point Lighthouse either!

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Nepal, South Asia

If you’re going to Nepal, it is best to go in May. The weather in Nepal in May is great for both sightseeing and hiking. In May you get here before the summer tourists, and the June rains up in the popular Himalayan Mountains and the sky is a pretty shade of blue.

Mind you, other adventurers may have the same idea so plan your trip well in advance to reserve your hiking tours and your lodgings. You have several different choices when it comes to hikes in Nepal. The hike to the Mount Everest base camp, which includes seeing some of the Buddhist monasteries and Sherpa villages, is the most popular. Another popular trek is the Annapurna Circuit hike, which will provide you with striking views of the area and the chance to check out some of the country’s diverse culture along the way.

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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA

Much like other locations on this list, visiting the world-famous Yellowstone National Park is best visited in May for two significant reasons. First, you beat the summer tourist crowds, and second, if you plan on doing any hiking at all, the temperature there in May is perfect. It’s not too cold and it’s not too hot.

Yellowstone National Park is on many a traveler’s bucket list, and thus having an edge such as visiting in May is especially helpful. May is when winter is coming to a close and the hiking trails are once more open to visitors. Just remember that Memorial Day weekend is the obvious exception here! Otherwise, you can enjoy the verdant forests, peaceful streams, local wildlife, waterfalls, Yellowstone Lake, Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful and other great geysers, and more crowd-free.  

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Tanzania, East Africa

Visiting Tanzania in May leaves you open to the close of the rainy season. Still, if you want the best chance to see the incredible Serengeti wildebeest migration, this is definitely the best time to visit. The good news is that more recently the late-season rains have been tapering off so even if it does rain, it will not rain all day.

Mind you, specific migration patterns are influenced by the rainfall, which is different every year, so you will have to do your homework prior to actually booking your visit. As a rule, the wildebeest move north through the Moru Kopjes, so plan to stay somewhere within that area. Remember too, that there are a number of other assorted attractions to see as well such as the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar and majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.

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Italy, Europe

Two specific regions that are simply ideal to visit in May are Tuscany and Sicily. Yes, Tuscany is gorgeous all year, but in May the countryside scenery is quite picturesque. Even the houses in town have window sills adorned with bright, colorful flowers. Take in the view of the red roses and poppies in the surrounding green fields.

Sicily’s countryside is also blanketed with wonderful wildflowers in May. The weather is already comfortable and it will be easier to enjoy the various village festivals and outdoor theaters without fighting the crowds. Let’s not forget the food either!

In early May you can wear short sleeves during the day but bring a jacket for the evening. As May comes to a close, you may notice the temperature starting to rise and tourists starting to arrive. You’ll also see higher rates at the hotels and even for plane tickets. 

14 Things You Need To Know Before You Travel To Italy

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Nashville, Tennessee, USA

May in Nashville is “the shoulder season.” Temperatures range from the high 50s to the upper 70s. It’s an enjoyable atmosphere for country music fans to shop and stroll along the well-known Music Mile.

See the full-scale replica of the famous Athens Parthenon in Centennial Park. Walk across the historic and well-known John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. It can be both scenic and peaceful.

If it rains, fret not. Head into the former home of the popular Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium. Explore the renowned Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the interesting Tennessee State Museum as well.

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Ottawa, Canada

Visit Ottawa in May. The summer tourists have yet to arrive and winter is over. The spring flowers are in bloom too making it a beautiful time to visit as well.  

Additionally, you can get some noteworthy deals on both plane tickets and accommodations in May. There is also the colorful Canadian Tulip Festival, highlighted by over one million tulips. Mind you, it also is known to draw over half a million attendees too.

What’s more, this is but the first of a number of different outdoor festivals. Besides seeing the rather impressive spring flowers, other suggested activities in Ottawa include walking on Parliament Hill and a boat trip along the popular  Rideau Canal. May is warm, but not hot.

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Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca is, perhaps, most famous to fans of the 1945 classic film of the same name. The month of May is definitely one of the best months in which to see this place and, indeed, any other city in Morocco. After all, it can be horribly hot in the summer and sweltering temperatures can make it difficult to visit the mosques and markets.

In May, however, the temperatures are reported to be “more conducive” to outdoor activities in this lively, cruise ship port. Casablanca is actually Morocco’s largest city so it should not be surprising that there is much to see and do here. Visit the historic section of the city, the Old Medina, as the serene Hassan II Mosque, which is arguably the city’s “most iconic landmark.”

If you’re interested in seeing a number of different cities in Morocco, set up a base here and take side trips to such places as Marrakesh and Fes. May is also the best time to take a camel trek through the famous Sahara Desert. It’s way too hot to do it in the summer!

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Miami, Florida, USA

OK, Miami pretty much has visitors all year long, barring natural disasters. Still, the weather in May is super. Plus, by May, the spring break college crowds have gone back to school and the summer tourists have not arrived yet at least. So, the beaches aren’t empty but they sure aren’t as crazy.

In May the temperatures are generally summerlike, but the heat has not yet peaked so spending the day on sunny South Beach is quite comfortable. Not big on beaches? Fret not!

You can take an exciting airboat ride through popular Everglades National Park and check out the merchandise at the 150+ shops at the Bayside Marketplace. Don’t forget to sample the city’s diverse, delicious food scene and dine at one of the numerous outdoor eateries by the ocean.

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Greece, Europe

Some travel bloggers say that such popular Greek travel destinations as Santorini, Crete, and Athens are at their best in the month of May. Indeed, it’s actually the shoulder season, so airfare and hotel rates are cheaper than during the summer tourist season. Of course, the biggest reason for visiting in the month of May is that the crowds are significantly smaller, and thus lines to get into the different tourist attractions are actually shorter. The shorter lines could actually save you several hours and give you more time to do something else.  

Yes, you risk a little inclement weather but the gamble is worth it. Fewer visitors also means it’s easier to navigate the old sections of the various cities and the marketplaces too. Indeed, the latter can be crowded with locals even during the less busy low season. Finally, fewer tourists translates to shopaholics having more of an advantage when it comes time to bargain for souvenirs at the local markets.

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The Bahamas

Again, this is one of those great year-round vacation destinations. Still, there are some definite advantages to traveling here in the month of May. The weather is moderate, the humidity is low, there’s little chance of a hurricane, and the mosquitos are not yet in full force.

It’s hot but it is not so hot that it is genuinely uncomfortable. In fact, the weather during the month of May is said to be perfect for sailing. Book a charter boat for a sunset cruise or bring your own vessel.  

The water is relatively warm too so you can go swimming and snorkeling as well. The tourist numbers are low both on excursions and on the beach. Last but not necessarily least, fewer tourists in May means a drop in hotel rates and more availability and even better prices on flights to the Bahamas.

15 Best Things To Do In The Bahamas

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The French Riviera, France

Visiting the famed French Riviera in spring is “tres romantique.” Ah, but this region of France is not without its glitz and glamor either. Indeed, May is when the celebrities and social elite make their way here to attend the world-famous Cannes Film Festival.  

During this 12-day celebration, you can see numerous private yachts sailing around the harbor here. You can also find unique offerings in the local boutiques and restaurants. Mind you, hotels will raise their prices ironically to attract the elite. On the other hand, this also means you might just bump into someone rich and/or famous on the beach.

May is also when the famous Monte Carlo Formula 1 Grand Prix is run. On a realistic note, while May is the most lively, exciting time to visit, these events are not free. If you’re on a budget or not interested in either of these big events, you can always hit the popular Metropole Shopping Mall and go window shopping.

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

The vibrant life of this city is said to be “in full swing” in May. Additionally, the temperatures are a little cooler. If you book your visit after the big tourist rush for the well-known Carnival celebrations, you can even score better hotel prices.

The weather is great for the beach but you will not have to deal with the sweltering temperatures prevalent during the Brazilian summer season, which starts in December and runs through February. The weather here in May is also more comfortable for sightseeing outdoors at such places as the Tijuca Rainforest and Sugar Loaf Mountain. After all, the best way to explore the various neighborhoods in this well-known city is on foot.

Putting feet on the street is a great way to get a real feel for the local culture and the local cuisine as well. If you aren’t crazy about exploring on your own, you can always book a walking tour. But who wants to do too much walking when it’s too hot? In May, you can walk until your feet fall off!

The post The 15 Best Places to Travel in May appeared first on Add to Bucketlist , Vacation Deals.

It’s the month of May! Europeans have been celebrating for centuries. While some traditions may have changed over time, they all give folks cause to party. Here then, are 10 ways European countries celebrate May. 

Beltane, Scotland, Isle of Man, Ireland

The ancient Gaelic festival of Beltane celebrates the coming of summer. The main element of the event is bonfires. They’re said to protect both people and livestock who pass between them. Celtic Reconstructionists, modern-day pagans, and Wiccans keep the fires burning today.

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Protomagia, Greece

The name “May” is named after the mythological Greek figure Maia. She was a Pleiades nymph frequently connected to nurturing. An important part of the original version of this celebration is hanging floral wreaths. They are usually hung on the door of one’s home.

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Vappu, Finland 

Officially, Vappu is for celebrating the famous feast day of Saint Walpurga. In the cities though, both April 30th and May 1st become big party days for a few different reasons including the end of the college school year, the official Christian feast day, the celebration of workers’ rights, and the pagan celebration of spring. Thus, on April 30th drinking sima or mead, eating, and graduates putting their caps on statues. The next day, as many deal with hangovers, there are picnics where revelers enjoy doughnuts and rink more mead. 

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Maias. Portugal

From late April through early May, the Portuguese shrub known as the broom is rife with blooming yellow flowers. Traditionally, they are gathered and placed upon cars, windows, doors, and even farming equipment before April 30th at midnight. This is done to fend off witches, evil spirits, and even Satan himself.

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Calendimaggio. Italy

Calendimaggio is rooted in ancient traditions and honors the annual return of spring. Residents of Assisi, Italy, however, go all out with a Renaissance Fair-like party. This is partially because in the 1300s. The city’s upper and lower sections fought for control. Today residents of both areas team up the very first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the month of May to party, play games, and show off their medieval costumes. 

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May Day. England

Many places in England have their own specific May Day traditions. (For example, there’s the May Day Run wherein thousands of motorcyclists travel from Locksbottom to Hastings.) The Maypole is perhaps the most common. Statesman Oliver Cromwell, banned them until some time in 1660 when King Charles II had a 131-foot tall Maypole erected on the famous Strand in London. They remain a mainstay of the celebration to this day.

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Walpurgisnacht, Germany

Legend has it that every April 30th, Mount Brocken serves as the site for an infamous Witches Sabbath. In hopes of keeping those witches and evil spirits away, people decided to gather to build bonfires and make lots of noise to frighten them away. Today the tradition is more of a pre-Halloween thing than it is about fending off witches and the bonfires are used simply to celebrate. 

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Arminden, Romania

Arminden has changed over the years to include Christian connotations. (The name itself refers to Jeremiah’s Day). In truth, it is rooted in various pagan traditions. Some also refer to the day as “Mugwort Day” as a way to tie in the yearly harvesting of the herb. People put the herb in their drinks and even wear it on their clothing. It is traditionally believed that this will ward off bad luck and physical harm. 

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Las Mayas, Spain

Las Mayas is somewhat different than the other celebrations. Most noticeably, it is quite still. In the first week of May, residents choose a young lady to be the year’s Maya. She is adorned with a floral crown and jewelry. She stands before an altar silent and still for a few hours as the locals present their offerings during the event. 

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Májka, Czech Republic

May 1 in the CR is dedicated to the romantic poet Karel Hynek Mácha, During the course of his life, Mácha was largely unappreciated. Since his death, he has gained some import here. His most famous piece is reportedly the dramatic poem titled “Máj” (or May in English). Traditionally, couples now travel to his statue in Prague to leave flowers at the base of his statue.

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