Suggested itineraries in May

May is one of the best months to go on holiday, and for those looking for some pre-summer sun, we can suggest a number of inspiring destinations that offer superb springtime weather. Read below of where we suggest to go on holiday in May, and if you are travelling with children, we also have some recommendations on where to travel for May half-term.

Indonesia in May is one of the best times of year to visit, which coincides with the start of the dry season; dry, sunny days but as peak season is still a couple of months away you will find fewer tourists at the beaches and temples. Beat the crowds to Bali and enjoy the lush, bright green countryside of Ubud or head to the pale sands of the south coast beaches. We recommend going beyond Bali and combining three of Indonesia's main islands, and immersing yourself in the cultural gems of Bali, Lombok and Java. If you are travelling with the family then why not try something slightly different on a family diving holiday from Lombok to Komodo, home to an abundance of marine flora and fauna, and of course they are home to the indigenous Komodo Dragon.

By May spring has sprung in Bhutan and in late spring the famous rhododendrons bloom spectacularly, flooding the valleys with colour. This is the season just before the monsoon and is the prime time for wildlife lovers to visit. Bhutan also has direct flights to Bangkok, and not many holidays take you from summit to sea. Experience both the majesty of Bhutan’s mountains and the stunning tropical beaches of Thailand on this unique combination itinerary. In another Himalayan kingdom, by May the snow has started to melt in Northern India, making Ladakh accessible again. It’s a pleasant time of year to travel and a great opportunity to trek the epic plateaus and see the snow-caps on the lofty Himalayan mountain ranges.

May is also a good month to visit Japan, when temperatures in the capital Tokyo are mild, the gardens are in full bloom and the mountains are green. From the Imperial Palace gardens to the zen-inspired grounds of ancient temples, Japan is an ideal destination for lovers of beautiful gardens and the Kenrokuen gardens in Kanazawa are considered amongst the most beautiful in Japan. Explore them on our unique itinerary which explores the gardens, temples and customs of Japan. Japan also offers endless fun for big kids and little kids alike. Our family adventure in Japan itinerary encapsulates all that is weird and wonderful about Japanese entertainment, from themed roller coasters and adventure parks, to futuristic hi-tech karaoke booths.