The busy summer travel season unofficially begins in May, so airfare and hotel prices are expected to increase. However, not all hope is lost for people hoping to save some money on travel in May. Some destinations have below-average monthly prices. The key is booking without hesitation before it’s too late.
According to Squaremouth, a leading travel insurance marketplace, more than 77% of travelers are heading abroad this summer, with an average trip costing families $9,000 compared to $7,000 for domestic trips.
While the majority of summer travelers take trips between June and August, May is a good month to find cheaper flights and summer travel deals before the expensive summer season begins.
Here are the best places to travel to this May for less than $650 round-trip.
San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose, Costa Rica is the cheapest destination to travel to this May. Costa Rica’s capital city is home to world-class museums, stunning architecture, hiking adventures on top of majestic volcanoes, and, of course, its famous food market, San José Central Market. There’s truly something for everyone.
Other top things to do in San Jose include visiting Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall, taking a coffee tour in one of the top coffee-producing countries in the world, and taking a day on an ATV jungle adventure.
Round-trip flights to Costa Rica are priced below $200 on Skyscanner this May. Travelers leaving Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Detroit, Dallas, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and New Orleans can snag this deal on Skyscanner.
The cheapest flights leave Houston. Use May 7 through May 14 as your travel dates for a round-trip flight for less than $150.
Honolulu, Hawaii
From the beautiful beaches to the optimal weather year-round, first-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, Honolulu has a lot to offer for people who are looking for a blend of tropical and cosmopolitan vibes.
This May, there are a ton of festivals and activities to explore in Honolulu. Stargazers can revel in the stargazing shows taking place on May 8 and May 22. The Rayjah Music Festival is a two-day festival taking place on May 10 and May 11.
According to Skyscanner, round-trip flights to Honolulu are nearly 15% off average prices for May.
Of course, travelers leaving the West Coast, including San Francisco, Oakland, and San Diego can find a round-trip ticket for less than $400 round-trip. Flights from Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, and Miami are less than $550 round-trip.
One of the cheapest flights leaves from Los Angeles. Use May 15 through May 23 as your travel dates for a round-trip flight for less than $275 on Skyscanner.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
With more than 20 million travelers each year, Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. It’s a beautiful, multi-cultural city filled with the kind of beauty that’s out of the pages of books. It’s also easy to get around, whether on foot or a bike.
May is one of the last times you can visit Amsterdam and enjoy it before the summer travel gets in full swing until the end of August. Visiting Keukenhof in May is a must. It’s a seasonal tulip and bulb park full of colorful flowers. Exploring the museums and galleries should also be a priority because Amsterdam is home to various world-famous museums, including the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
Airlines usually hike up the prices for Amsterdam in May. However, according to Skyscanner, there’s still time to save money on a flight, as prices are 10% cheaper than average monthly prices.
Flights from Boston, Washington, D.C., Miami, New Orleans, and Atlanta are running for $575 round-trip and below.
The cheapest option departs New York Stewart International Airport (SWF). Use May 26 through May 31 as your travel dates for a round-trip flight for less than $450 on PLAY Airlines.
Istanbul, Turkey
May is a great time to visit Istanbul, one of the most fascinating cities in Europe and Asia since Istanbul straddles both continents.
Istanbul is an exciting destination to explore, and there’s no shortage of things to do. With any vacation, relaxation should be a priority. Istanbul is the perfect place for taking a much-needed break, and travelers can do this by simply visiting a Turkish Hammam or Turkish bath. It’s an ancient therapeutic tradition that involves sweating out the body’s impurities before being exfoliated, washed, and massaged.
You also don’t want to miss a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in the world. Here, you can find silk, jewelry, spices, home items, and more.
According to Skyscanner, flights from Miami, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles cost less than $650 round-trip. This is 12% less than average prices for May.
People leaving New York City will find the cheapest option. Use May 19 through May 29 as your travel dates in Skyscanner for a round-trip ticket priced less than $620.
Madrid, Spain
As the cold temperatures become a thing of the past by May, now is the perfect time to visit the capital of Spain. The list of fun activities in May seems endless, allowing you to make the most of your visit. While the summer crowds are starting to come in, it’s not too crowded to the point you can’t enjoy it just yet.
One popular attraction that’s worth the visit is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art” is another option that’s home to an impressive art collection from the Gothic period to the 20th century.
Prepare to eat your heart out in Madrid. From various tapas dishes to paella and callos a la madrileña, diving into Spain’s culinary culture should be at the top of your itinerary. Booking a bike and food tour is a great way to wander through Madrid. You can explore the hidden gems in the city with a local and indulge in local flavors. Madrid Tapas & Markets Bike Tour is a three-hour tour travelers can book for the evening.
This May, round-trip flights from New York City, Washington, D.C., and Miami are less than $500 round-trip.
Boston is the cheapest option. Use May 14 through May 22 as your travel dates for a round-trip flight for less than $450.
