Where to go in May on holiday
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Get close to nature on a self drive safari
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May is often seen as an odd time to go on holiday, but savvy travellers know that it can be one of the best times to get away. Experiencing the quiet before the storm of summer of visitors often means shorter queues, comfortable temperatures and lower prices. Here’s our guide to where to go on in May.
Best May holidays for… cities
Short haul: Berlin, Germany
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Music buffs should seek out the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra - led by conductor Simon Rattle, it is one of the best in the world. Those interested in the arts will be spoilt for choice as the city has many museums, one of the best being The Neue Nationalgalerie, which houses a great collection of modern art. May is also a wonderful time for foodies to visit as it is Spargelzeit (asparagus season). Menus will pay homage to the white variety of asparagus that grows in Germany, and the markets will be piled high.
Long haul: Cape Town, South Africa
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May is towards the tail end of the high season when temperatures start to dip slightly (as do prices!) but the weather is still balmy and this is a great time to see the vineyards in bloom, or to go whale-watching.
Best May holidays for… beaches
Short haul: Bodrum, Turkey
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Bodrum is also home to some of Turkey’s most chic restaurants, catering to owners of the million pound yachts bobbing about in the bay, but there are eateries to suit all tastes (and budgets!). Go now to beat the summer crowds and grab pride of place on the beach.
Long haul: Trancoso, Brazil
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The pace here is slow. Do as the locals do and sit in the beautiful quadrado, which forms the focal point of village life – make sure to investigate the converted huts on its perimeter which now house restaurants and artists’ workshops and boutiques. Pay a visit to Igreja de São João Batista, the second oldest church in Brazil. After lunch, make your way down to the beach to swim off lunch, or just sit and watch the waves gently lap the shore.
Best May holidays for… outdoors
Short haul: Reykjavik, Iceland
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A trip to Iceland is perfect for those seeking an outdoor holiday, and there are lots of tour operators that can put together a personalised itinerary so that you can explore this bewilderingly beautiful country at your own pace.
Long haul: Namibia
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Head to one of the wonderful national parks – Etosha National Park, a park almost the size of Switzerland, is home to a plethora of wildlife, including elephants, antelope, lions and rhinos. The desert is another must-see. Visit the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and go quad biking along the various trails.
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