We are back with another article aiming to give you seriously high levels of FOMO! In this article we’ll be looking at a few of the countries that could be great options for your May itinerary; there’s a lot of Europe on here. Reason being, that it finally starts getting warm enough for you to not be freezing your backside off. It’s best to make the most of it we reckon ?
So without further ado, let’s get into some of the best places to travel in May!
1. Ireland
City Recommendation: Dublin
NomadList Rating: 3.02/5
Land of the original malted stout beverage Guinness and a particular affinity for potatoes? Huge stereotype alert...entirely unfounded…;-) The land is green and the accent sounds almost musical. There’s so much to do and again, so much history. Another interesting fact about Dublin, is that around 40% of the population is in fact under the age of 30! That means that energy levels are high, there’s plenty of fun to be had and many parties to attend.
The natural landscape of Ireland is world renowned. All coastlines have a form of beauty but the Irish coastline...stunning. The seafood...delightful. The rich culture of folklore makes Ireland a really fascinating place with so many different stories to tell. Myths and legends will captivate your soul as you are left wondering what is fact and what is fiction.
Irish people are proud of their Celtic heritage, and they’ll be more than happy to show you the ropes. Please note that a lot of Irish folks have names where the spelling and the pronunciation don’t always match so read up on some of the more popular names before you go.
For digital nomads, Irish cities are super welcoming - we think that Dublin is a great pick. Lots of coworking spaces, plenty of opportunities to meet people and decent WiFi in a lot of places. Can’t go wrong really!
Top 5 Bucketlist
- Visit the Wicklow Mountains
- Visit the Cliffs of Moher
- Read in Trinity College Library
- Go the Irish Whiskey Museum
- Party at the Temple Bar
Content to Get Your Research Started
- 25 Best Things to Do in Dublin - The Crazy Tourist
- Best Coworking Spaces - TravelMag
- Food to Try in Dublin - World Food and Drink
2. England
City Recommendation: London
Nomad List Rating: 3.84/5
It’ll be late spring and moving into early summer in London and it’s a fantastic city to be in before it all gets too hot and sticky. London is a positively medieval city that has seen over 2000 years of history. Let’s just take a moment here…
...2000 years.
If you can’t find anything to do in a city that’s been around that long...you won’t find anything to do anywhere. Founded by the Romans, London has withstood the rise and fall of empires and continued to grow and expand to this day. It’s always been a centre of trade and as such is a wonderfully diverse city with something for everyone. Grab yourself a map for the London Underground and lose yourself in all the different experiences.
For digital nomads, London is a pretty expensive place to live and find accommodation etc but if you know where to look or you’ve got a friend who’s happy to host you, you can make it work. Once you find somewhere to rest your head, you can be sure that you’ll have all the things that make digital nomads happy at your fingertips. WiFi, excellent cafes, incredible cultural experiences, vibrant nightlife, coworking spaces, digital nomad groups...the list goes on and on.
Then when you need a break, London is so well connected you can hop on a train to Brighton for a day at the seaside, or go off into the West Country for rolling hills and a much quieter vibe. May is a great time because the weather will be moderate, and it won’t be heaving with people, although to be fair, London is always a busy, upbeat kind of place.
It’s got plenty of charm and lots to explore which makes it such a great option for this time of year.
Top 5 Bucketlist
- Get on the London Eye for Panoramic Views
- Go to the Tower of London
- See a theatre show
- Go to Tate Modern
- Travel an hour on the Train to Brighton for a seaside day
Content to Get Your Research Started
- 101 Amazing Things to do in London - Timeout
- Coworking Spaces London - Bright Nomad
- London’s Best Cheap Eats - Timeout
3. Spain
City Recommendation: Barcelona
NomadList Rating: 4.37/5
With the arrival of summer, the European cities start to really shine. Spain tends to be synonymous with sunshine, beautiful landscapes and lots of different regions to explore. The rural areas have plenty to offer but, if you’re looking for a city hit whilst enjoying your European summer adventure then look no further than Barcelona.
Barcelona is one of those jewels that sparkle all the more in the summer sunshine with exquisite cathedrals, stunning parks, and a beach to relax on. The city itself is awash with lots of wonderful things to do, but the surrounding adventures in places like Girona, Montserrat and Costa Brava will ensure you get your fill of some of the most stunning views you’ve ever seen.
Similarly, if you are interested in mountain-biking, then Barcelona has got some awesome tracks for you to discover. Our good man Greg Heil took the time to test some of these out so you can plan an excellent bike adventure.
For digital nomads, it’s pretty easy to settle in and find your feet, particularly if you speak Spanish and you’re a night owl. The good folks of Barcelona love a party and you can guarantee there’s a place for you if you want to let loose and get those dance moves perfected. Internet access is amazing and there are lots of cafes and coworking spaces to be productive. Mobile data is easy to get hold of and cheap (ish) to buy.
The cost of living is high but not completely unattainable. If you still qualify for using youth hostels then there are some good deals to be had. All in all, if you’ve not visited Barcelona, I’d highly recommend you visit. It’s even better if you find someone to take you off the beaten track and show you all the awesome places you’re not likely to find on Trip Advisor.
Also do yourself a favour and visit Honest Greens for lunch...you will not regret your life choices.
Top 5 Bucketlist
- Visit Sagrada Familia at sunset
- Visit the Flamenco Festival
- Take a train to Girona and explore
- Scooter around Costa Brava
- Hike up Montserrat to the Monastery
Content to Get Your Research Started
- Digital Nomad Guide - Danielle Thompson - Freelance Travel Network
- Best Eats Barcelona - Foodie in Barcelona
- Best Things to Do - Timeout
- Mountain Bike Trails (and some hiking recommendations too) - Parc de Collserola - FatMap
4. The Netherlands
City Recommendation: Amsterdam
NomadList Rating: 3.66/5
Eco-Friendly. Really Beautiful. Better enjoyed on a bicycle. The Netherlands is a beautiful country. Recent winner of the Eurovision song contest… this happens in May so if you read this and go in 2020 bear that in mind. If you don’t know what the Eurovision song contest is, that’s okay, look it up online. It’s awesome...ask your European friends to fill you in on the last...like 50 years.
Our city recommendation here is most definitely Amsterdam. Yes it is a little pricey to live but, hey... I feel as though it is a common feature of European living. I’m British so I will continue to talk about the weather; it will be springtime so some of you may find it to be slightly chilly. It’s potentially likely to...okay, it will rain. But that’s okay because the beautiful flowers will be in bloom and that canal is going to be looking exceptionally romantic.
For digital nomads, Amsterdam is so much fun. There’s a ton of coworking spaces, free WiFi everywhere and cool events for you to go to. Dutch people are friendly and welcoming so it won’t take long for you to feel right at home.
Top 5 Bucketlist
- Van Gogh Museum
- Day trip to Keukenhof Gardens (Only open April/May)
- Do a Canal Cruise
- Visit Anne Frank House
- Go to the Ice Bar
Content to Get Your Research Started
- Best Things to do in Amsterdam
- Digital Nomad Guide - Female Digital Nomads
- Best Coworking Spaces - TravelMag
5. Sweden
City Recommendation: Stockholm
NomadList Rating: 3.04/5
Sweden is a stunning country. The natural landscape is unbelievably captivating. You can take some time out and be surrounded by trees and rivers as you breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the healing benefits that come from spending time with Mother Nature. But, if you’re looking for all the comforts of city life, Stockholm has a whole bunch to offer.
Imagine a city that’s made up of lots of little islands. Wonderful waterways and old buildings. Cobbled streets and a vibrant community. Stockholm has got it all. You’ve got two UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit, open air clubs to attend, opportunities to enjoy a lakeside sauna and so much more.
For digital nomads, you can take your productive selves to cafes, coworking spaces and libraries during your working week. It’s not a massively crowded city, there is a whole lot of green space and although accommodation can be a challenge to find, the quality of life here is hard to beat. WiFi is of course pretty decent unless you want to get off the beaten track...but who needs WiFi when you’re having a rural adventure?
Top 5 Bucketlist
- Hellasgarden Lakeside Sauna (Yes please and thanks)
- Live Jazz Evening in Norrmalm
- Do an underground art tour
- Visit Tantalunden’s Hillside Garden
- Visit the Royal Palace Drottningholm
Content to Get Your Research Started
- 20 Best Things to do in Stockholm
- A Coworking Guide - Take Me To Sweden
- Pros and Cons of Living in Stockholm - Expat Arrivals
6. Austria
City Recommendation: Vienna
NomadList Rating: 3.96/5
Austria. Another European nation with a rich cultural heritage and a whole lot to explore. Austria is responsible for things like the sewing machine, Porsche cars and postcards. Like a gift that keeps on giving, Austria also brought us excellent people like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hedy Lamaar and Mozart. Can’t go too far wrong with that.
As a country, the Austrian landscape is a haven for those of us that adore the sight of beautiful mountains. Railway systems will take you round some of the most exceptional places; it’ll probably be one of the most visually pleasing train rides you’ll experience. For those looking for that city hit though, the historic Vienna awaits!
Almost hitting a 4 out of 5 stars on NomadList, Vienna has a lot to offer for digital nomads. It’s springtime of course so...bring a coat. Visit palaces, cathedrals and amusement parks in one of Europe’s boujie-est cities. Palace on every corner? Whyever not! For digital nomads, throw yourself into Viennese life and avail yourself of all the awesome coworking spaces and cafes; you won’t run short of places to be productive. Cost of living is not too bad; be sure to shop around for a good deal on accommodation.
It’s a city of art, intelligence and beauty. I’ve not been to Austria in a long long time so I’m definitely excited to explore!
Top 5 Bucketlist
- Visit all the palaces and imagine myself living in one
- Schonbrunn Gardens
- Tiergarten Schonbrunn (Vienna Zoo)
- Go the Vienna State Opera
- Scream my head off at the Prater Amusement Park
Content to Get Your Research Started
- Digital Nomad Guide: Vienna - Patricia Reiter
- Best Things to Do In Vienna - The Crazy Tourist
- Coworking Spaces: Vienna - Tech Meetups
- Austrian Food You Have to Try - Round The World Guys
7. USA
City Recommendation: Seattle
NomadList Rating: 3.07/5
Looking for a ‘Murican adventure? Such a vast land with an infinite number of adventures to enjoy. The US really does have something for every traveller. When I was researching this article, Seattle was recommended and you find yourself going “Huh...I never would’ve thought of going there!” But let me tell ya...Seattle is pretty darn cool.
Firstly, it’s a city surrounded by water. That’s always pretty fun. It’s a haven for tech firms which means...you’re bound to find decent internet. See my logic there? I know, it’s great...But one of the coolest things Seattle has got going for it is all the mountains and forests; if you’re an outdoor activities person, this is going to be such a great fit for you. They also have a Space Needle...who doesn’t want a Space Needle. You can go to one of the Seattle Seahawks football games too and feel like a real local!
For digital nomads, you may find that the cost of living is quite high, but it’s America so it kinda goes with the territory. You get all the amenities of city life so it shouldn’t be too taxing to find your rhythm quickly and maintain your productivity. There’s not a ton of information for digital nomads about living here so it’s best to go exploring and make up your own mind. If you go before me and write up a guide, get in touch so I can add it here.
Top 5 Bucketlist
- See A Seahawks Game
- Go on the Seattle Great Wheel
- Visit the Washington Park Aboretum
- Get on a Ferry!
- Go to Dick’s Drive In
Content to Get Your Research Started
- Nomad Guide - NomadList
- Essential Places to Eat in Seattle - Eater
- Best Things to do in Seattle - The Crazy Tourist
8. Slovenia
City Recommendation: Ljubljana
NomadList Rating: 3.37/5
Slovenia’s not necessarily the first country that comes to mind when you’re thinking about travelling around Europe. But it is stunning. Rivers and lakes, hot springs, green spaces and picturesque architecture. Slovenia sounds like a little slice of heaven which is why we’ve featured it here as one of our best places to travel in May.
The city recommendation here is Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital city. What a jewel she is; there are museums, and parks and a gorgeous river that weaves through the buildings. Cafes and shops line up along the bank of the river...we’re talking lifestyle here people. Lifestyle. I’m FOMO-ing the heck out of myself right now, get me there immediately.
For digital nomads, this Ljubljana is definitely one of those up-and-coming, you-heard-it-here-first locations that make all of us really happy. The cost of living is affordable, you’re able to get your work done without too much bother. The cuisine looks yummy, and the overall vibe of the city is upbeat and fun due to the student population. It’s also got a great startup culture, with plenty of Slovenian business shaking up various industries. There are a few coworking spaces; that whole culture is just starting to take off too. We’ve mentioned it before and now I can’t take the FOMO anymore. I love it, I love it, I love it!
Top 5 BucketList
- Go to Lake Bled
- Discover the Bridges
- Ljubljana Castle Escape Room
- Go Paddleboarding on the Ljubljana River
- Visit St. Nicholas Cathedral
Content to Get Your Research Started
- Best Things to Do in Ljubljana - Earth Trekkers
- Reasons to Visit Slovenia - Wanderlust
- Coworking Spaces - NomadList
- Traditional Slovenian Dishes - Matador Network
So there you have it folks! Some fabulous destinations to travel in May. If you’ve landed here first, don’t forget to check out our picks for April! Got any suggestions? Let us know so we can update this list!
See you next time!