Top Destinations for May

A sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago layered with 7,000 years of history. Malta delivers honey-colored fortified cities, some of the oldest temples on Earth, crystal-clear swimming holes, and a food scene that blends Italian and North African flavors.

An Incan citadel perched above the clouds, surrounded by vertiginous green peaks and wrapped in mystery. Machu Picchu is one of those rare places that exceeds the hype — arrive by train or trek the Inca Trail for the full experience.

Pastel villages clinging to cliffs above the Mediterranean, connected by winding coastal roads with breathtaking views. The Amalfi Coast is Italy distilled: incredible food, dramatic scenery, and a pace of life that demands you slow down.

Terraced rice paddies, ancient temples, world-class surf breaks, and a wellness scene that draws digital nomads from around the globe. Bali balances spiritual tranquility with vibrant nightlife and incredible value for money.

A volcanic archipelago in the mid-Atlantic that feels like a secret Europe forgot to commercialize. The Azores deliver emerald crater lakes, natural hot springs, whale watching off the coast, and some of the freshest dairy you will ever taste.

The heart of French Polynesia, where jagged volcanic peaks plunge into a lagoon so blue it looks digitally enhanced. Tahiti pairs black-sand beaches and waterfall hikes with Polynesian culture, pearl farms, and some of the best surfing in the South Pacific.

The ancient Inca capital sits high in the Andes, surrounded by ruins, rainbow-draped mountains, and the gateway to Machu Picchu. Cusco rewards altitude-adjusted travelers with cobblestone plazas, Peruvian fusion cuisine, and a living history you can feel in the stonework.

A Caribbean island with genuine personality. Barbados pairs gorgeous west-coast beaches with a proud culinary tradition, rum heritage, and a surf-friendly east coast. More character than a typical resort island.