Where to travel in May.

May is the secret-sauce month: SE Asia transitions to wet season but rains are light, flights cheap, crowds gone. Best value-for-money month from India.

Top picks for May

1. 1Bali

   Dry season peak begins. Best surf, best weather.

2. 2Vietnam

   South Vietnam stable, north getting warm. Affordable.

3. 3Thailand

   Pre-monsoon. Flights bottoming out, crowds gone.

4. 4Maldives

   Shoulder pricing — resort rates drop 20-30%.

5. 5Georgia

   Wildflowers, perfect 18-25°C, Kazbegi accessible.

Avoid in May

• UAE / Qatar: Summer arrives — 40°C+ outdoor activities miserable.
• Egypt: Hot, especially Luxor (40°C+ daytime).

Festivals & events

• Vesak (Buddha Purnima) — celebrated in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia