Why May is the perfect time to jet away

The clocks have sprung forward and we’re finally waving goodbye to the winter months but that doesn’t mean that we can bank on the British weather on giving us the sunshine we’ve all been longing for. For a guaranteed pre-summer vitamin D fix, perhaps a cheap last minute holiday in May is just what you’re looking for.

Along with toasty temperatures hovering in the 20’s and above, by travelling at this time of year during the ‘shoulder season’ you’ll beat the crowds and be able to bag a bargain. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed family adventure or a romantic getaway for two, we’ve put together a guide on the best places to visit in May. Not only that, we’ve included a range of exclusive May holiday deals to get you there for less.

May holidays for families

With the kids off school for a week, the May half term holidays are the perfect time to jet off with the family and spend some quality time together before the real summer rush starts. There’s plenty of European gems within easy reach that are ideal for families at this time of year. While the weather will certainly be starting to heat up, temperatures shouldn’t be too hot for the little ones. And the best part of all is, there’s some free kids places still available on First Choice and TUI holidays throughout May too. Here’s where to find them…

Menorca

Avg. temperature in May – 22 degrees

Flight time – Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes

Part of the tropical Balearic trio, Menorca may be the sleepier island of the three yet it has so much to offer families. Along with its line-up of child-friendly hotels, it’s got tons of activity-packed locations. Take Cala Galdana for example, through its border of pine trees you’ll find a horseshoe-shaped sweep of sand with restaurants and watersports aplenty. Or there’s Son Bou — another of its Blue Flag beaches.

For something a little more adventurous than the beach, there’s two wild waterparks to try — Aquarock in Cala’n Bosch and Aqua Park in Cala’n Forcat. Which family members will be brave enough to ride the kamikaze slide? Don’t forget about the Menorcan capital, Mahon. Here you’ll find street performers that’ll entertain the kids and some impressive architecture to check out too.

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Montenegro

Avg. temperature in May – 20 degrees

Flight time – Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes

It may be one of Europe’s more under-the-radar locations, however Montenegro is a fantastic place to head to for a cheap family holiday. Sprinkled with spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches and hiding some magnificent gems, this Balkan beauty has plenty of things for families to do.

Head to Becici Beach and you’ll find a shallow, sandy bay for the little ones, along with an endless list of water sport activities and ice-cream parlours. Opt for the old town of Budva and get clued up on history whilst exploring the islands impressive 15th century sights. Or there’s the Medieval town of Kotor where the whole clan can admire the mighty fjord-like mountains and lakes.

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Canary Islands

Avg. temperature in May – 24 degrees

Flight time – Approx. 4 hours

The Canary Islands are one of the best places for a family holiday in May, particularly if you’re a bunch that loves an action-packed adventure. Thanks to their range of hotels and villas, lively beach resorts and days out to remember, you really are spoilt for choice, and with our last minute holidays to the Canary Islands you are sure to find your perfect holiday.

Accommodation wise, expect rooms big enough to be a bungalow, lagoon-sized swimming pools and some even with their very own waterpark. As for days out, you could ride a camel on Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, come face to face with African animals at Oasis Park in Fuerteventura, whizz down the waterslides at Siam Park in Tenerife or head out on a whale watching adventure in Lanzarote. The quiet Canary, La Palma has plenty up its sleeve too including a black sand beach and volcano walking trail.

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May holidays for couples

Do you and your other half fancy jetting away on a romantic escape before the school’s-out crew arrive? Just imagine — no responsibilities, no kids and no rushing to beat the crowds at that attraction on your bucket list. Couples holidays in May allow you to get that well-deserved down time that you’ve been longing for. There’s plenty of options when it comes to warm weather destinations from short-haul hotspots to far-flung favourites. Plus, with May having two bank holidays, if you time it right you could save on your annual leave days! Here’s where you can grab the best May holiday deals.

Greece

Avg. temperature in May – 22 degrees

Flight time – Approx. 3 hours 45 minutes

Holidaying in Greece during May means you can soak up the centuries-old sights and spread yourself out on its sugar-white beaches while the crowds are few. For the ultimate couples’ escape, head to the pretty whitewashed town of Santorini — often named one of the best holiday destinations for couples. Here you’ll witness Greece at its traditional best. From clip-clopping up to ancient Thira on a donkey, unwinding on the volcanic dark sandy sweep at Kamari Beach to watching the spectacular sunset over the Aegean — you and your partner can enjoy some adults-only bliss.

If you’re a couple that likes to party, you’ll be pleased to know that Greece is also home to some of the best nightlife in the Mediterranean. The resorts, Kos and Zante are particularly well-known for their buzzing after-dark scene. And that’s not all they’ve got to offer. Both have spectacular shorelines and quiet hideaways too, so you can get the best of both worlds.

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Turkey

Avg. temperature in May – 27 degrees

Flight time – Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes

Trips to Turkey are tempting all year round thanks to its constant sunny climes, however head there in May and you can enjoy a tropical 27 degrees’ with fewer crowds and you’ll get a much more authentic experience too.

Turkey is a fantastic destination for a cultured couple getaway. Shop at its spice-laden bazaars, step back in time at its ancient ruins or tuck into some Turkish delights with the locals. We’re talking meze plates, doner kebabs and freshly baked pitta bread — mmm! There’s plenty of beaches for kicking back on too, in fact the Antalya region itself has a 400-mile stretch of white sands. If you’d rather sea than sand, then embark on a turtle watching boat trip where you may even get a glimpse of the rare loggerhead sea turtles.

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Mexico

Avg. temperature in May – 27 degrees (Although rainy season runs from May to September, don’t let that put you off! Showers tend to be short and sharp bursts in the late afternoon, so there’s plenty of time to soak up the sun throughout the rest of the day)

Flight time – Approx. 11 hours

 

If the two of you fancy a long-haul leap across the ocean for an exotic escape, look no further than a holiday to Mexico. Serving up a winning combination of tropical beaches, ancient Mayan ruins with some of the most luxurious All Inclusive couple resorts, this Caribbean charmer has everything you could possibly want for your romantic holiday.

If spectacular scenery is what you’re looking for, the beaches on Mexico’s Pacific Coast are backed by stunning green mountains. Here you’ll also find a fantastic restaurant scene, beachside hotels and a promenade perfect for romantic strolls. For something a little more active, there’s the Sierra Madre where you can zip-line or abseil through the mountains. As for the party goers, Cancun and celebrity hotspot Los Cabos are well worth checking out for their legendary after-dark scene.

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With our range of exclusive May deals, your summer holiday could be earlier than you expected this year. With temperatures heating up, fewer crowds and huge savings to be made, why wait all the way until summer?

How much will you save on a holiday in May? Start your search here.