Maybe you’ve been contemplating a big trip over the summer, but with already a quarter of the year gone, the travel budget is shrinking by the day. Before high season starts taking off in many of North America’s hit destinations, may be you’re simply due for a trip this month!
We’ve bugged our trivago hotel data nerds for their insights into destinations where the month of May is a clear choice for hotel savings. That’s right, pack your bags and read on! Carpe mensis!
Your Cozumel Getaway
Weather Forecast: High 88°F ~ Low 77°F
Adding to the all-star line-up of Quintana Roo vacation spots, Cozumel punches high above its cruise port reputation. Praised the world over for its dazzling reefs, this is a destination where the adventurous traveler can take full advantage of the island’s ruggedness. Scooter around the east side of the island, take a boat out to the prismatic reefs or simply settle into a bestseller with the waves as your soundtrack. For savings that don’t skimp on fulfilling your Mexican getaway dream, check our picks below…
Occidental Cozumel ★★★★
Photos via trivago
For the full escape experience, request a mangrove-facing room at the Occidental Cozumel. This five-star resort delivers on its luxe promise with three pools, six restaurants , five bars, and of course, direct beach access. The hotel also offers night diving for the chance to drift in the glow of bio luminescent plankton as you float with nocturnal sea creatures like lobsters, octopuses and eels.
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El Cozumeleño Beach Resort ★★★★★
Photos via trivago
On the north coast of Cozumel, you may be able to spot El Cozumeleño on the plane ride in. Oceanview rooms offer balconies to enjoy an unobstructed sunset in full privacy. Nightly live entertainment and mini golf keep guests busy on land while crystal-clear snorkelling among stingrays and barracudas is available for you to dive in directly from the beach. trivago users rave of the attentive service that puts this resort above the rest.
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Coral Princess Golf & Dive Resort ★★★★
Photos via trivago
Expansive rooms and quality beach frontage keep guests coming back to this four-star resort. Work on your scuba certification on-site being guided by the folks at PADI-certified Pepe Scuba. Or for those looking to swing it out, hit the links at the Cozumel Country Club which offers a full 18-hole Par 72 course designed by Steve Nicklaus. Then unwind at the spa with its full menu of massages, aromatherapy, detox, and skin care procedures.
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What to do in Cozumel in May?
Calm times ahead this May in Cozumel. Pleasing temperatures in this tropical Caribbean-facing climate are at their best before the suction of summer humidity consumes the island. On the foot traffic side, May sits comfortably between the Spring Break hoards and ahead of school letting out again meaning that those beach chairs are yours to conquer day-in and day-out. Why else is May the month to experience Cozumel? We sought the advice of the Cozumel Tourism Board for what visitors can’t miss this month…
Drift through the Reefs
[caption id="attachment_48186" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Photo by amanderson2 CC BY[/caption]
As the second largest coral reef in the world, the Great Mesoamerican Reef is a real treat for everyone from experienced divers to first-time snorkelers. Calm currents are a breeze for propelling yourself as you explore the reefs while also helping with visibility levels — making spotting sea turtles at the Santa Rosa Reef and the stingrays at Dzul-Ha all the easier!
Join the feria at El Cedral
[caption id="attachment_48409" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Photo courtesy of the Cozumel & Riviera Maya Tourism Board[/caption]
April 26 – May 3. Celebrating the safe passage of the 21 founding families of Cozumel who fled the mainland during The Caste War of 1848, the Feria del Cedral promises traditional dress, live music, and no shortage of local treats to sample.
How Much to Budget
Once you’ve made it to the Riviera Maya plan to set aside roughly $522 over 48 hours for two in Cozumel.
Horchata: $0.50
Taxi to Downtown: $4.51
Passenger ferry from Playa del Carmen: $3.71
One night in a 3-star Hotel – May: $151
Dive Trip including tanks and equipment rental: from $70
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Your Branson Getaway
Weather Forecast: High 83°F ~ Low 51°F
A top-of-mind family destination for Midwesterners, Branson doesn’t appear to be slowing down with new attractions and shows being added to its offerings every year.
Away from the buzz of the Strip, settle into some R&R out by Table Rock Lake which stretches across the Ozarks. For the extended stay feel, family-friendly amenities and a touch of refinement, we’ve picked three local accommodations that fit each of those bills respectively…
Cliffs Resort Table Rock Lake ★★★
Photos via trivago
Wrap up your day around Silver Dollar City and Branson hanging out on your private balcony taking in the view of Table Rock Lake. A fully-equipped condo setup includes stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer and jetted tubs; all that you need for a long-term stay near Branson. The Cliffs offer common grills right by the property’s infinity and a kids pool, perfect for a self-catering BBQ dinner.
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Grand Country Inn ★★★
Photos via trivago
For the young family getaway crowd, the answer is simple when it comes to value accommodations with the Grand Country Inn. All rooms can sleep up to six and include kitchenettes, access to the Inn’s water park (lazy river, geysers, tipping buckets and all) and a kids clubhouse in select rooms. The Grand Country Fun spot has no shortage of indoor fun including a LaserMaze, indoor go-karts, three mini golf courses, bowling, bumper cars and more.
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Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center ★★★★
Photos via trivago
Well-appointed furnishings, granite countertops and comfy beds are only befitting of a lakeside Chateau. A world away from the busyness of the Strip, take your pick between a view of Table Rock Lake or the Ozark Mountains. Indoor and outdoor pools are at your disposal in addition to a multitude of on-site dining possibilities. A Memorial Day BBQ with live music will warm up the crowd ahead of the fireworks on the lake starting at dusk.
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trivago tip: Memorial Weekend in Branson? Budget travelers may want to reconsider. Hotel prices for Saturday May 27th are nearly double the nightly average for the rest of the month.
What to do in Branson in May?
Spring sweeps over Branson in a magical way: dogwoods burst alive, shorts and skirts start making an appearance at Silver Dollar City (at least among park visitors) and a gamut of special events and shows figure into the city’s calendar. With the help of the Branson CVB we picked two activities that will make your May trip extra memorable…
Get your “Bluegrass & BBQ” on!
[caption id="attachment_48187" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Photo by Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau CC BY[/caption]
May 4 – 29. Could there be anything more perfect than enjoying a day of ballads with some honest Midwest BBQ? Don’t miss a very special performance by Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder at Silver Dollar City on May 28th. Bluegrass talent from across the country will take to the Red Gold Heritage Hall stage where you’ll also find the likes of kabobs, corn on the cob, skillet apple pie and the irresistible challenge of All-You-Can-Eat Ribs.
Greet the Ozarks
[caption id="attachment_48188" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Photo by Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau CC BY[/caption]
A quick drive away from the bustle of Branson, visitors can find a full range of outdoor activities that showcase the beauty and variety of terrain around the Ozarks. Cycling between the falls and creeks of Dogwood Canyon, and hiking the trails of Mark Twain National Forest are but two of your options. Check ExploreBranson.com’s list of trip ideas for more outward bound inspiration.
How Much to Budget
Once you’re on the ground in Southwest Missouri, plan to set aside roughly $616 over 48 hours as a couple in Branson.
Copper Run Distillery’s Ozark Mountain Moonshine: $6
Gray Line Airport Shuttle: $14 per person
One night in a 3-star Hotel – May: $110
Raiding the Country Vault – Mainstage seating: $44
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Your Vail Getaway
Weather Forecast: High 66°F ~ Low 23°F
Affectionately known as “mud season”, the in-between period where winter melts and blooms into summer is the cheapest time of the year for accommodations in Vail. Similarly, area restaurants and spas are happy to offer limited time offers to visitors coming in May to test drive new menus and packages before the summer crowd comes to town.
The Arrabelle At Vail Square ★★★★
Photos via trivago
Set right on Vail Square, The Arrabelle brings a bit of Alpine ski station ambiance to Colorado. Pet-friendly, full service and dressed to the nines, the resort has a full menu of amenities to take advantage of this May not limited to the rooftop hot tubs, state-of-the-art fitness center and RockResorts Spa.
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Vail Cascade Condominiums ★★★★
Photos via trivago
Benefiting from full access to neighboring Hotel Talisa’s amenities (pools, hot tubs, Aria Athletic Club & Spa, private tennis court), the multi-bedroom units here are certainly not short on space for your Mayventure. Settle into your “home away from home” with all of the condominium amenities necessary for a night in, albeit with the plus of daily housekeeping.
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Tivoli Lodge Vail ★★★★
Photos via trivago
Wake up in the Austrian Alps (or at least in a hotel that could play the part of a chalet in Tyrol) rolling out of bed at the Tivoli Lodge Vail. Run by Bob and Diane Lazier, the couple has been a part of Vail’s growth ever since the resort’s first ski season. Today the couple welcome guests both first-timers and decades-long loyal visitors (and their four-legged friends) to their lodge open year-round.
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What to do in Vail in May?
Many wouldn’t consider it so, but Vail is a four-season destination. With the snow gone, Vail in May is already looking ahead to summer activities. The Vail Whitewater Race Series comes to town with time trials (and after parties) happening for each Tuesday of May starting on the 9th. If you prefer to get a bit more hands-on and in the rough, read on…
Making a Splash on your Raft
[caption id="attachment_48227" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Photo by Jim Kelly CC BY[/caption]
Representation of all five classes of Whitewater Rafting difficulty, newbies and families looking for a gentle Class I float don’t need to look any further than Vail Village’s Whitewater Park. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a rugged Class Vs for experts to maneuver can be found in Gore Canyon or Pine Creek. Link yourself up with one of Vail’s rafting tour operators and best to fasten those sunny Gs to a croakie for the ride!
Charging down by Mountain Bike
[caption id="attachment_48228" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts, by Jack Affleck[/caption]
If you’re looking for some alpine-induced adrenaline this Spring, mountain bike trails criss-cross Vail promising some hair-raising vistas. Bring your mountain bike rental with you up on the gondola before weaving your way through the green circles, blue squares and black diamonds (for experienced freeride bikers).
How Much to Budget
For an off-peak visit up in the Rockies, plan to set aside roughly $968 over 48 hours as a couple in Vail.
Mulled Wine: $8
Shuttle from Denver International: $42 per person
One night in a 3-star Hotel – May: $215
Mountain Bike Day Rental: $20
[button text="Find May deals from $129" href="https://www.trivago.com/?iPathId=34351&bDispMoreFilter=false&aDateRange%5Barr%5D=2017-05-30&aDateRange%5Bdep%5D=2017-05-31&aCategoryRange=0%2C1%2C2%2C3%2C4%2C5&iRoomType=7&sOrderBy=relevance%20desc&aPartner=&aOverallLiking=5%2C4%2C3&iOffset=0&iLimit=25&iIncludeAll=0&bTopDealsOnly=false&iViewType=0&aPriceRange%5Bfrom%5D=10747&aPriceRange%5Bto%5D=19412&aGeoCode%5Blng%5D=-106.382339&aGeoCode%5Blat%5D=39.644093&bIsSeoPage=false&aHotelTestClassifier=&bSharedRooms=false&bIsSitemap=false&rp=&cpt=3435103&iFilterTab=0&"] [button text="Find May deals from C$155" href="https://www.trivago.ca/?iPathId=34351&bDispMoreFilter=false&aDateRange%5Barr%5D=2017-05-30&aDateRange%5Bdep%5D=2017-05-31&aCategoryRange=0%2C1%2C2%2C3%2C4%2C5&iRoomType=7&sOrderBy=relevance%20desc&aPartner=&aOverallLiking=5%2C4%2C3&iOffset=0&iLimit=25&iIncludeAll=0&bTopDealsOnly=false&iViewType=0&aPriceRange%5Bfrom%5D=10747&aPriceRange%5Bto%5D=17863&aGeoCode%5Blng%5D=-106.382339&aGeoCode%5Blat%5D=39.644093&bIsSeoPage=false&aHotelTestClassifier=&bSharedRooms=false&bIsSitemap=false&rp=&cpt=3435103%2C200700&iFilterTab=0&"]
Learn more in our Travel Advice Calendars
If you can’t make it to our “Where to Travel in May” destinations this month, try them out later this year with the help of our Travel Advice Calendar or subscribe to our “Where to Travel” mailer to be the first to learn of our destination picks.