Save big on a steamy drive in New Zealand
Good, quiet, scenic roads; sleeping in out-of-the-way places; the chance to go wherever the mood takes you. There are few better ways to explore New Zealand than by campervan. High summer might seem best for a road trip; however, hiring a camper outside peak season can be up to 50% cheaper. Autumnal May offers lower prices but still pleasant conditions and better driving circumstances compared to winter.
Stick to the North Island, where the temperatures are warmer at 14°C (57°F) in Auckland versus 7°C (45°F) in Queenstown. It’s also rich in geothermal activity: warm up at Rotorua and Lake Taupo’s hot-spring complexes, or find wild thermal pools like Kerosene Creek (near Rotorua), which features a hot waterfall. Moreover, there are plenty of activities that are not dependent on the weather: blackwater raft through Waitomo’s glowworm caves, shelter amid the Hobbiton film set, or stroll beneath the towering kauri trees of Waipoua Forest.
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Trip plan: From Auckland, spend a week or two looping south to Wellington and back. If time permits, add on Northland, north of Auckland.
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Need to know: Distances can be deceiving due to hilly, twisty roads—allow ample travel time.
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Other months: Dec-Feb are warmest and priciest; Mar-May & Sep-Nov are mild/cool and cheaper; Jun-Aug is winter with tougher driving conditions.
Head to Cuba for Caribbean heat and hip action
If you enjoy warm temperatures in every sense, consider visiting Cuba in May. Technically, it is the first month of the wet, hot season on this vibrant Caribbean island. In reality, temperatures remain comfortable until June, and substantial rain usually does not arrive until late July. Additionally, there are excellent ‘off-season’ deals to be found.
With temperatures around 30°C (86°F), this is an ideal month for sun-seekers. Consider the palm-lined Varadero peninsula, which features all-inclusive resorts suitable for families, or venture to one of Cuba’s 900 beautiful white-sand cays. Combine beach relaxation with the energetic rhythms of salsa dancing—there are few better places to watch or learn this hot dance than in the clubs of Havana or the colonial charm of Trinidad. You’ll be too engaged in mastering your steps to worry about a little rain.
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Trip plan: Explore Old Havana on foot and by vintage car; if time allows, take a salsa lesson. Varadero is just two hours east of Havana.
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Need to know: Cuba operates with two currencies: the Cuban peso (CUP, for locals) and convertible peso (CUC, used by tourists).
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Other months: Dec-Apr are cool, dry, high season; May-Jun are shoulder months, temperatures rising and becoming wetter; Jul-Nov are hotter and the wettest (with Aug-Oct being the stormiest).
Ride the rails for less in super springtime on the Orient Express
The classic train route is the eastward journey from Paris to İstanbul, traversing Europe via some of its grandest cities to reach the edge of Asia. Its name conjures an era of wood-paneled elegance when train travel was at its most glamorous. Today, the Venice-Simplon Orient Express (which operates London to Venice) seeks to recapture this romance—for those who can afford it. Alternatively, you could utilize a rail pass to create your version of this celebrated route using much less expensive scheduled trains.
Arrange your trip for May, as you will likely enjoy lovely weather along the way. Depart from the springtime boulevards of Paris toward pink-tinged medieval Strasbourg. Continue to Munich for its beer, the music halls of Vienna, art nouveau Budapest, gritty Belgrade, and east-meets-west Sofia before reaching the shores of the Bosphorus in İstanbul. While you might not have butler service, the thrill of watching the continent unfold before you is unmatched.
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Trip plan: The Paris–İstanbul journey could be accomplished in four days with connecting trains, though allocate longer to stop off and explore along the way.
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Need to know: Various types of rail passes are available; discounts are offered for younger and older travelers.
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Other months: Apr-Jun & Sep-Oct typically have good weather; Jul-Aug can be extremely hot; Nov-Mar can be quite cold.
Embrace the beginning of Costa Rica’s ‘green’ season
Costa Rica feels like a natural theme park, showcasing Mother Earth at her most exuberant. The country is remarkably varied yet conveniently compact; wild-seeming yet equipped with top-notch infrastructure; filled with adventure (raging rivers, active volcanoes) yet entirely safe; forward-thinking in its ecological philosophy; and astonishing in its biodiversity. Moreover, Costa Rica is known as the birthplace of jungle zip-lining.
Even the rainy season is touted positively. Rather than being termed ‘wet’, it is praised as the ‘green’ season, making the country appear even more lively. Waterfalls come alive, and additional rivers become available for rafting. Furthermore, during May (the kickoff of the ‘green’ season), bright sunshine is still prevalent, accommodation prices can drop by 30%, and national parks experience less foot traffic. The surf is also up!
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Trip plan: Fly into the capital, San José, or Liberia. The latter is located in the Pacific-side Guanacaste province, the driest area of Costa Rica, which often remains dry in May—an excellent beach choice. Additionally, visit parks like Monteverde Cloud Forest and Manuel Antonio to fully appreciate the lush surroundings.
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Need to know: Travel can be more challenging during the rainy season—allow time for possible delays.
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Other months: Dec-Apr are drier and peak tourist season; May-Jun & Nov are wet but cheaper; Jul-Aug are rainier and busier; Sep-Oct are the wettest months.
