1. Ireland
While it’s probably more accurate to describe May as being the Emerald Isle’s least-rainy, rather than sunniest, month, it’s still the pick of the calendar. Discover the beauty of the lakes of County Roscommon, admire the sandstone hills and river valleys of County Cork, or just try to pinpoint the exact location of the craic in Dublin.
2. Galápagos Islands
The endlessly intriguing wildlife in the Galápagos is in full display this month. Head to the wonderful beaches at Tortuga Bay to see giant tortoises in the lowlands, nesting birds, and whales passing nearby.
3. New York
Freezing in winter, painfully hot in summer, it’s not until the spring that New York really pulls its finger out. Pay a visit to Brooklyn’s fantastic botanic gardens for a spot of fragrant pleasure in the heart of the metropolis.
4. Italy
Anyone who has traipsed around the streets of Rome or Milan in the height of summer knows that even the most beautiful of cities can be tainted by over-exposure. The coastal paths of the Cinque Terre or the Amalfi can be equally packed – so go now. The weather is warm, and the towns geared up for visitors, but you won’t feel like a canned sardine.
