Cheap Places to Visit in May 2024 with Great Weather:
May is a fantastic time to travel, but finding a budget-friendly destination can feel like searching for a hidden treasure. Take it easy my dear explorer, I have a solution for you. Today’s article is your guide to finding breathtaking sights that are cheap & budget-friendly. From the historical sights of European cities to the sunny beaches of Asia, we’ve got a world of exciting and safe places waiting to be explored.
Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
Dalai Lama
1) Budapest, Hungary:
Budapest offers a vibrant history as well as an abundance of attractions that are suitable for those traveling on a budget. The city of Budapest is a wondrous place to visit during May. Cool off and enjoy the sunshine with a variety of bright spring colors. The flight and hotel rates in Budapest are lower than what you would expect from another capital city of Europe.
Free Fun Activities:
Budapest is renowned for its tremendous choice of free events. Visit the Buda Castle district including its enchanting Matthias church and the Fisherman’s Bastion for impressive panoramic views. Walking along the UNESCO-listed Danube River, you will enjoy the city’s ambient environment. And if you want to shop, go window shopping (or haggle) at the Central Market Hall.
Weather Conditions:
- Average high: 21°C (70°F)
- Average low: 11°C (52°F)
- Precipitate: Around 70 mm (2.7 inches) spread over 14 days on average, so expect occasional rain showers.
How to reach Budapest, Hungary:
By Air:
- This is the most significant and the fastest way to get to Budapest. Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the only major airport in the city and has links with other major cities around the world.
Here are some airlines that typically serve Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD):
- Major Global Airlines: Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, British Airways, Austrian Airlines, Emirates, KLM, Air France
- Local Carriers: Wizz Air, LOT Polish Airlines
- Budget Airlines: Ryanair, easyJet (depending on the season)
By Train:
- Budapest is a center of railway transport in Central Europe. From Vienna, Prague, Berlin, as well as other cities of Europe trains come to Budapest Keleti Railway Station, the city’s major station. In some cases, Travel by train can be much more expensive than flying, so keep this in mind before purchasing tickets.
By Bus:
- Multiple international bus lines conduct service between Budapest and different cities in Europe. Népliget metro station serves as the main international bus terminal and is easily accessible by metro. Traveling by bus is the most budget-friendly option, but it can also be the slowest.
2) Lisbon, Portugal:
Lisbon, the bright capital of Portugal, offers budget travelers in May with gracious sunshine, an interesting past, and savory food. May is a perfect alternative to the sizzling summer heat and the tourist throngs. Flights and hotels became cheaper than in the peak season. Lisbon is also known for its delicious and affordable seafood, so be sure to try some Pasteis de Nata (custard tarts) while you’re there.
Free Fun Activities:
Get lost in the Alfama district, Lisbon’s beautiful maze of tiny streets and faded-painted houses. You may take a tour to the magnificent Castelo de São Jorge for a beautiful city view, or simply hop on the yellow tram 28 for free (there might be crowds though!). Bring your picnic basket and have a chill time in the serene Estrela Garden.
Weather Conditions:
- Average High: 21.7 °C (71.1 °F)
- Average Low: 13 °C (55.4 °F)
- Precipitation: Low – averages around 39mm (1.5 in) spread across 10 days throughout the month.
Budget-Friendly Transportation:
The transport system in Lisbon is a quite low-cost and well-organized affair. Lisboa Card allows passengers to make an unlimited number of rides across the metro, tram, and bus extensions and help travelers move through the city. Many downtown areas in these cities are very pedestrian-friendly too; you can uncover And experience the essence of these cities while walking around.
How to reach Lisbon, Portugal:
By Air:
- Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is a famous airport of the city and is also called Humberto Delgado Airport. It is easily approachable from the other cities too.
Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) has flights from many airlines, including both global and budget carriers. Here are some of the major ones:
- TAP Portugal (National Carrier)
- Lufthansa
- Iberia
- British Airways
- Budget airlines: Wizz Air, Ryanair, EasyJet (depending on route)
By Train:
- Lisbon is not a big city for train travel in Europe to places like Budapest or Vienna train hubs. Nevertheless, train links are still operating between certain cities in Spain for example, Madrid and Irun. Santa Apolónia in Lisbon is the central station.
By Bus:
- Several inter-city bus operators connect Lisbon with the different parts of Europe, even with North Africa. Sete Rios is the main bus terminal for the city.
3) Krakow, Poland:
Krakow is a beautiful and historic city with a tragic past. May is a perfect time of the year for all of the budget travelers who would like to see Krakow, Poland’s main attraction, and that’s because this place is overflowing with sights and experiences for everyone’s pocket. You have a range of choices of hotels: hostels, cute apartments, or boutique hotels that would cost you way less than other places. There are lots of tasty and cheap Polish dishes to check out, for example, the popular pierogi (dumplings) and kielbasa (sausage).
Free Fun Activities:
Krakow boasts a wealth of free historical gems. Visit the majestic Wawel Royal Castle that used to be home to Polish kings, and enjoy the beauty of St. Mary’s Basilica, located in the area of the Main Market Square. Proceed for a walk along the defensive Barbican outpost, which is one of the medieval elements of the city.
Weather Conditions:
- Average high: 68°F (20°C)
- Average low: 46°F (8°C)
- Precipitate: Moderate. May sees a bit more rain compared to Lisbon, with an average of around 2.7 inches (7 cm) spread throughout the month.
How to Reach Krakow, Poland:
By Air:
- John Paul II International Airport (KRK) is the primary airport servicing Krakow that has a strong international flight network and is linked to many prominent cities across the globe.
Here’s a short list of airlines serving John Paul II International Airport (KRK):
- Budget Carriers: Ryanair, Wizz Air
- Major Carriers: LOT, Lufthansa, KLM, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, easyJet, SAS
By Train:
- A train is a quite common way to reach Krakow from the rest of Europe through the larger rail network. Krakow’s main railway station is Kraków Główny.
By Bus:
- Multiple international bus companies within the European area have connections from Krakow to most of the major cities. The main bus station is Kraków MDA.
4) Hanoi, Vietnam:
Hanoi being an amazing city is a good place to discover the wonders of Southeast Asia. There’s a wide range of Vietnamese food to taste and it’s cheap and delicious, such as pho (noodle soup) and banh mi (sandwiches).
Free Fun Activities:
Get lost in the magical Old Quarter, a web of small streets. Make a trip to the very well-known Hoan Kiem Lake, a symbol of Hanoi, and go paddleboating. Enjoy the Bustling Atmosphere of Dong Xuan Market, a vibrant shopping area, particularly for picky souvenirs and local products.
Weather Conditions:
- Average High: Around 35°C (95°F)
- Average Low: Around 24°C (75°F)
- Precipitate: Moderate. May is part of the wet season in Hanoi, with an average of around 210mm (8.3 inches) of rain.
How to Reach Hanoi, Vietnam:
By Air:
- Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the city’s main airport and has links to many destinations over the globe.
Here are some airlines that might fly to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, Vietnam:
- Cathay Pacific
- Emirates
- EVA Air
- Korean Air
- VietJet Air
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
Land crossings from neighboring countries are also possible, but for tourists, flying is generally the preferred method.
By Train:
- There is limited international train service to Hanoi. One option is the Reunification Express train from Ho Chi Minh City, but the journey takes a very long time (around 32 hours).
5) Antigua, Guatemala:
Antigua is a gorgeous colonial city in the mountainous region of Guatemala. Although flights to Guatemala can be a bit expensive, accommodation and eating are fairly low-priced.
Free Fun Galore:
Visit the ruins of Antigua’s most magnificent cathedral and churches that have survived since a devastating 1779 earthquake. Walk down Central Park, which is full of vendors, trying to sell local arts and crafts and street performers, some of them are quite good, enlivening the atmosphere. On Cerro de la Cruz hike up for a grand view of the city and the surrounding volcanoes, though a small donation is required for maintenance.
Weather Conditions:
Antigua, Guatemala enjoys a spring-like climate in May with:
- Average High: 81°F (27°C)
- Average Low: 57°F (14°C)
- Precipitate: Low. May falls within the dry season, with an average rainfall of around 1.61 inches (4.1 cm) spread throughout the month.
How to Reach Antigua, Guatemala:
There is no international airport in Antigua itself. The closest international airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. You can reach Antigua from Guatemala City by Shuttle, taxi, or Public Transport.
Here are some airlines that typically operate flights to La Aurora International Airport (GUA):
- American Airlines (AA)
- United Airlines (UA)
- Avianca (AV)
- Delta (DL)
- Aeromexico (AM)
- Copa Airlines (CM)
- Volaris (Y4)
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I save money on food while traveling?
Avoid fancy restaurants which are costly and consider having local street food which is not only tasty but also pocket-friendly. Walk through markets and grocery stores for picnics in the park. If it is possible, it would be good to allocate some of the budget for cooking a few meals in your accommodation.
How can I find the best deals on flights and accommodation for my May trip?
It is best to have a flexible travel schedule! Flights departing on weekdays, or red-eye flights, frequently are much more affordable. When booking flights, make sure you search in incognito mode and compare prices from multiple airlines and booking websites. Browse offers and discounts on accommodation booking platforms for the best prices.
Besides the destinations you’ve mentioned, are there any other hidden gems I should explore in May?
Besides the highlighted destinations on the blog, you can also consider such peaceful and amazing places to travel in May: Dresden in Germany, Chiang Mai in Thailand, Koh Lanta in Thailand, Salta in Argentina, and the Atacama Desert in Chile.
Should I book everything in advance, or wait for last-minute deals?
It depends! Although last-minute deals seem attractive, they are not always available. Making flight reservations in advance is even more crucial, especially if you find a good deal, can give you that “all is well” feeling. The accommodation booking strategies may be different for various destinations. Investigate historical price changes and determine the most suitable option.
