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May 2024 Vacation & Honeymoon Ideas for Couples

By: Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Sep 15, 2023 

Spring is here (in the Northern hemisphere anyway) and the travel bug is giving you itchy feet! Time to get away...but where are the best May vacations?

Here's some food for thought on the top romantic travel destinations in both early and late May 2024 for getaways and honeymoons.

mexico in may

Mexico Can Be an Affordable & Romantic May Beach Vacation

Time to use a bit of reverse psychology and consider going down to Mexico in May, just when all your friends and spring breakers have already returned and have their tan lines. You'll be rewarded with less humidity, more open loungers by the pool, and better deals on beach resorts. Average temps are in the mid to high 80's F, usually with very little rain. If you've got some flexibility with dates, we suggest visiting anytime after Cinco de Mayo (Sunday May 5, 2024).

wyndham alltra cancun

Wyndham Alltra Cancun Pool

• Wyndham Alltra Cancun - Upscale yet affordable all-inclusive Cancun resort with it's own private beach and a location many guests love and feel safe with. They've got a variety of romantic ocean view suites, including swim-up with semi-private pool. When meal time comes around, you'll be faced with numerous and tempting options, with everything from fine dining to hot dog stands and coffee and cocktail lounges. If your anniversary or honeymoon is in May, you might like their romantic dinner on the beach option. What Other Guests Liked: Clean resort very well laid out...20+ choices of desserts at the buffett...Fantastic beach and ocean water. 2023 ERV Rating* for Mexico Getaways in May: 84% - Very Good. (Zona Hotelera, Cancun Mexico)

bahamas vacations in May

Pool at Warwick Paradise Island ©TripAdvisor

Warwick King Suite ©TripAdvisor

• Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas - Beautiful Paradise Island is more than just the Atlantis! This Adults-only resort is the ideal alternative for a peaceful and quiet May vacation in the Bahamas. Rooms are spacious and well lit, with selected suites offering robes and slippers, plus private balconies with water views. What Other Guests Liked: Great food at the Verandah Buffet restaurant...Shuttle ride to Cabbage Beach...Romantic evening walks out to the pier. 2023 ERV Rating*: 82% - Very Good. (Harbour Dr, Nassau Bahamas)  

Best may U.S. sun & Beach Vacations

texas gulf coast

Texas Gulf Coast - before the heat and humidity set in, early May is an especially great time for couples to holiday in South Padre Island, Corpus Christi or Galveston, TX. College kids are back in class, and it's a nice quiet time to enjoy some Texas sun before the summer rush begins.

BW Beachside Inn: An Affordable & Romantic May Getaway in South Padre

• Best Western Beachside Inn - Cheap spring vacations in South Padre don't have to be in questionable motels - this Best Western Inn is top-rated on TripAdvisor, has clean suites with comfy beds, a good breakfast each morning, and a beautiful pool to relax by. What Other Guests Liked: Easy 1 block walk to the beach...Lounging in the hot tub...Very friendly staff. 2023 ERV Rating* for May Getaways in South Padre Island: 86% - Very Good. (4500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island TX 956-761-4919) 

miami

Miami - We would recommend travelling to Miami in the early to mid part of May. That way you'll lessen your chances of any rain, and temps will stay very warm and comfortable in the low 80'sF.

Pool at Hampton Inn Miami ©TripAdvisor

Room at Hampton Inn Miami Brickell

• Hampton Inn Miami Brickell - A great alternative to the hustle, bustle and high prices of Ocean Dr and South Beach. This Hilton high-rise hotel has some of the nicest Whirlpool Suites in downtown Miami, and there's tons of choices for restaurants and pubs within a 5 minute walk from the hotel in the very attractive Brickell entertainment district. What Other Guests Liked: 1/2 block walk to Miami MetroMover...Rooftop pool...South Beach an easy 20 min Uber ride away. 2023 ERV Rating*: 94% - Excellent. (50 SW 12th St, Miami FL 305-377-9400) 

Destination Temperatures in May

• San Francisco - 64 F, expect very little rain.

• New York City - 71 F, and usually the wettest month!

• Miami - nice and warm 84 F highs, and ocean temps a very comfortable 81 F.

• Atlanta - highs of about 80 F, expect a few thunderstorms.

• Seattle - 65 F highs during the time, a few spring showers.

• Las Vegas - dry & warming up rapidly with 88 F highs.

3 Romantic Big-City hotel Getaways in May:

New York, Chicago and LA are diverse destinations, but they all have something in common: they're great places to visit in the month of May. Here's 3 ideas for a "unique boutique" hotel getaway in late spring...  

New York

Hotel 50 Bowery

Chicago

Hotel Palomar

Los Angeles

Shade Hotel

May 2024 Long Weekend - Best Romantic Getaway

Let's face it, Memorial Day long weekend (May 24-27, 2024) vacations in the U.S. are tough. Just about everywhere is crowded, and prices for hotels and flights are not cheap. So, we have this suggestion:

• Slip Across the Border North for a May Long Weekend Vacation in Canada - Canada doesn't observe the American holiday, so it's just another weekend in Canada - minus the crowds! May Vacations in Vancouver can be very nice, with better weather and less rainfall than March or April. Or if you're in the east and don't want to travel too far, Quebec City is a great place to be in late May.

May Romantic Vacations in Chicago IL

Everyone knows that Chicago gets brutally cold in the winter. And, it can get very hot and humid in the summer. Which makes "shoulder" seasons like the month of May particularly good times to visit the city and the surrounding areas if the state of Illinois.

We spent a week in Chicago & Galena, Illinois during a mid-May getaway, and except for 1 slightly chilly day, had very nice weather for a mini-vacation. You can expect high temps of around 69 F, and you'll notice other travelers starting to make their way to shore of Lake Michigan for the beginning of summer. 

Chicago is a Fine Destination in May

• The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North has boutique rooms, including some of the nicest Whirlpool Suites in Chicago. There's also a top floor pool, and it's got an ideal location in the downtown close to lots of romantic restaurants. 2023 ERV Rating* for Romantic Chicago Hotels: 94% - Excellent. (505 North State Street, Chicago, IL  877-731-0505) 

65% Off All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts 

Vegas Hotels From $26/Night

$51/Night + Orlando Resort Deals

May anniversary trip ideas

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is a Great Spot for a May Anniversary

• First Year Anniversary Trips Together - get some ideas and suggestions for where to go, including adventure and budget destinations, things to do, hotels and much more.

• 10 Year Anniversary Getaways & Vacation Ideas - our new guide to destinations and tips for a vacation to help you celebrate a decade together! Beach destinations, cheap getaways with and without kids, all-inclusives and much more.

• 25th Anniversary Getaways - special places, hotels and experiences to mark your quarter century of marriage.

more spring & Summer getaway ideas on erv:

• March Warm & Romantic Vacation Destinations

• April Getaways & Romantic Places to Travel

• June Holiday & Vacation Ideas

• July Best Vacation & Honeymoon Spots

romantic golf getaways in may

For some couples, a romantic vacation in May could mean hitting the fairway!

myrtle beach sc: Marriott beach resort

Pool at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort

• Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa - Oceanfront luxury in SC right on the beach, with indoor/outdoor pools, spa, 4 restaurants and only 3 miles from Grand Dunes Golf course. 2023 ERV Rating*: 82% - Very Good. (8400 Costa Verde Dr, Myrtle Beach SC 843-449-8880)

scottsdale AZ: Fairmont Princess

Romantic May Evening at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess - Most Fairmont's are fabulous places, and this 65 acre Sonoran Desert romantic resort is no exception. Take your pick of 6 heated pools, a white sand beach, numerous dining options, and even a stocked lagoon for fishing! Golf-wise, not too shabby either, with Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale right there just waiting for you to tee off. 2023 ERV Rating: 86% - Very Good. (7575 East Princess Dr, Scottsdale AZ 480-585-4848)

Palm desert ca: Marriott Desert Springs Villas

One of 4 Pools

Patio w/Golf Course View

1 Bedroom Villa

• Marriott's Desert Springs Villas 1 - We booked a late spring getaway at this Marriott Resort recently and absolutely loved the luxurious and spacious villas overlooking the fairway. Three 18-hole courses, 7 pools, table tennis and bike rentals are just the start of the activities here, and you've got a choice of several fine dining options at the nearby JW Marriott resort or staying in and taking advantage of the full kitchens in the 1 & 2 bedroom villas. 2023 ERV Rating*: 82% - Very Good. (1091 Pinehurst Lane, Palm Desert CA 760-779-1200)

Alaska

Alaska Cruise Ship in Port in Skagway, AK in May

May is one of the best months to visit or cruise to Alaska. The travel season is just starting up, and many of the destinations and ports of call will be enjoying their last few minutes of peacefulness before the summer rush. Weather-wise in May, expect reasonably dry days with daytime highs of about 55F. If you prefer visiting Alaska without a ship, check out our selections for Alaska Hotels & Lodges with Hot Tub Suites, and our guide to the best Alaska Honeymoon Spots.

best cruise deals for May vacations

• Mother's Day Cruises - deep discounts on May cruises to the Mediterranean, South Pacific and Caribbean.

Toronto springtime getaways

May is a Great Month to Explore Toronto, Ontario

• Toronto - one of North America's most diverse cities, with much to offer for vacations and romantic getaways. The dining is world-class, Toronto Islands are beautiful in spring and summer, and day trips to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake are terrific excursions, especially since the summer time crowds have yet to arrive. Toronto enjoys mild and pleasant spring days, the perfect sweet spot between the colder winter weather and hot and sticky summer days. 

• Toronto Hotel Discounts, Package Deals and Travellers Reviews Here

*ERV Rating: our unique, non-scientific ratings for romantic accommodation include:

• Amenities: including Whirlpool bath or JACUZZI® Tub, scenic view, fireplace, lounge, etc
• Location: proximity of hotel to restaurants, pubs, downtown, etc
• Clientele: demographic the hotel attracts (couples, families, business travelers, etc)
• Popularity: based on social media & crowd-sourced reviews 
• Value: product offered compared to room rate 
• Please Note: percentage ratings are not absolute but for comparative use only  

top hotels, getaways & packages on ERV

Romantic Hotels and Inns

Hotel Hot Tub Suites

Romantic Getaway Ideas

Hotel Anniversary Packages

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