Where to go in May

<p>Some of the world's biggest stars descend on the French Riviera for the Cannes Film Festival from 15 to 26 May 2013. Join the glitzy jet set, do a bit of star-spotting and soak up the fabulous views, restaurants and weather. And if you've got time on your hands, head over to Monaco for the Grand Prix from 23-26 May.<br /> Stay: To rub shoulders with the stars, really push the boat out at the stunning <a href="http://www.lemascandille.com/" target="_blank">Le Mas Candille</a> hotel in nearby Mougins. For great family-friendly campsites in the area, visit <a href="http://www.keycamp.co.uk/destinations/france/cote-d-azur-france.html" target="_blank">keycamp.com</a>.</p>

<p>In May, with summer showers and humidity yet to arrive, the Bahamas enjoy average daily temperatures of between 24C and 27C and water so warm that even divers can plunge in with just a short suit.&nbsp; Seafood festivals, fishing tournaments and the Abaco Island Roots Heritage Festival all make May a wonderful time to visit, too.<br /> &nbsp;<strong>Stay: </strong>The One &amp; Only Ocean Club, Nassau, offer super-luxury in beautiful surroundings. Visit <a href="http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury-hotels/nassau/one-and-only-ocean-club" target="_blank">fivestaralliance.com</a>.</p>

<p>Spring time in Greece is the most perfect time of year to visit. The sun shines but it is not too hot (like July and August), the fields are carpeted with wild flowers that must be see to be believed, beaches are deserted, you can get the best seat in your favourite waterside taverna - the relaxed pace is what May holidays in Greece are all about!&nbsp;<strong>Stay:</strong> Holidays in May start from &pound;317pp per week in the Kalokeri Apartments in Kefalonia. Pirce&nbsp;and include flights and three days&nbsp;car hire. Visit <a href="http://www.ionianislandholidays.com/" target="_blank">ionianislandholidays.com</a>.</p>

<p>These Indian Ocean islands are stunning all year round but May is a good time to visit as all the flowers are in full bloom. None more so stunning than at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vall&eacute;e de Mai on Praslin, home to the endemic Coco de Mer and the rare Seychelles Black Parrot. The well-preserved palm forest has not changed since prehistoric times and is the most visited site in the Seychelles archipelago. Praslin is a 15 minute flight or 40 minute ferry ride from the main island Mah&eacute;.&nbsp;<strong>Stay:</strong>&nbsp;For real luxury, Raffles Praslin Seychelles offers an all-pool villa concept.&nbsp;Elite Vacations (01707 371000; <a href="http://www.seychelleselite.co.uk/seychelleselite/display_text.asp?param=home" target="_blank">seychelleselite.co.uk</a>) offers five nights in a Hillside Pool Villa from &pound;2,009 per person based on two people sharing on a Bed &amp; Breakfast basis. Price includes flights on Air Seychelles from London Heathrow, private transfers, plus UK airport lounge pass. Valid for stays 1 May to 30 June 2013. Visit <a href="http://www.raffles.com/EN_RA/Property/RPS/Suites_Rooms/ExclusiveOffers/RoomOffers" target="_blank">raffles.com/praslin</a></p>

<p>There's nowhere better to take a photographic holiday than Iceland! May sees the Icelandic countryside bursting into life with the sun disappearing for only a short time with sunrises and sunsets that are endless &ndash; a photographer's dream! Capture some of the classic and iconic sights such as Gullfoss, ranked in the world's top ten most beautiful waterfalls.&nbsp;<strong>Stay:</strong> Visit <a href="http://&lt;http://wildphotographyholidays.com/holidays/southern-contrasts-glaciers-volcanoes-and-waterfalls&gt;" target="_blank">wildphotographyholidays.com</a> for info on the getaway and accommodation.</p>

<p>The Danube Express kicks off its 2013 journeys in May, with the opportunity to discover four countries in four days. Step aboard the Danube Express in Budapest where this sophisticated &lsquo;hotel-on-wheels&rsquo; is waiting to whisk passengers across Central Europe to Istanbul. From Budapest cross the Great Hungarian Plain en route to Romania, to discover Bra?ov and medieval Sighi?oara, rumoured birthplace of Dracula. The Danube Express then threads its way through the Carpathian Mountains towards the rural landscapes of Bulgaria for sightseeing stops in Kazanlak and Veliko Turnovo, before weaving its way through Turkey to Istanbul.<br /> &nbsp;<strong style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Price: </strong><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">A 4-day Transylvanian Journey (departing 4 &amp; 18 May) costs &pound;2,790 per person based on two sharing a deluxe twin en suite compartment and includes three nights&rsquo; full board on the Danube Express with wine, beer and soft drinks and all scheduled sightseeing. Flights extra. Danube Express 01462 441400, </span><a href="http://www.danube-express.com/" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;" target="_blank">danube-express.com</a><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">.</span></p>

<p>Norcia, in the Perugua province, is the perfect place for a break during May and one of Umbria&rsquo;s best-kept secrets.&nbsp;<strong>Stay:</strong> At the Palazzo Seneca. Set in the Monti Sibillini National Park, which is absolutely beautiful at this time of year, it's perfect for families. The stunning landscape is even more amazing in May when the wild flowers are out... You can enjoy leisurely strolls across flowered meadows and paths down canyons and Palazzo Seneca are able to arrange &frac12; day or full day mountain bike expeditions, rafting, horse riding and trekking with mules. The excursion to Lake Pilato is ideal for wide-eyed children, while it's also the perfect place for foodies seeing as Norcia is the capital of the Italian black truffle. Visit<a href="http://www.palazzoseneca.com/" target="_blank"> palazzoseneca.com</a>.</p>

<p>Fancy something a bit different? Head off horse riding or hiking/biking in the Hohe Tauern National Park. Why? It's scenically stunning; May is the perfect time to see the Alps blazing in bloom and still with snow-capped high peaks; and you can make the most of early season cheap flights to Klagenfurt or Salzburg. Toni, who leads the amazing trails by Alpine Guide,&nbsp; will ensure you see the best (and rarest) of nature on your way up the mountain for an overnight stay in a rustic almhutte.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alentejo is s little-known yet extensive rural region in south-central Portugal,&nbsp;easily accessible for UK travellers who yearn for a proper holiday without the crowds. Discover sweeping plains, dotted with cork forests and sunflower fields; explore medieval hilltop towns; sample world-class wines and, relax on the deserted and glorious coast, with sleepy whitewashed villages. May is a gorgeous time to head to Portugal weather-wise.&nbsp;<strong>Stay:</strong>&nbsp; Casa da Eira, on the coast, in the whitewashed village of Vila Nova de Milfontes. Costs from &pound;492 pp with Sunvil Discovery including seven night&rsquo;s accommodation (B&amp;B), flights (Heathrow) and transfers. Visit <a href="http://www.sunvil.co.uk/discovery/portugal/alentejo/baixo-alentejo-(coastal)/accommodation?open=casa-da-eira" target="_blank">sunvil.co.uk</a> <a href="http://www.realalentejo.co.uk/flash.html" target="_blank">realalentejo.co.uk</a> for info on the area.</p>

<p>Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America &ndash; 22 miles long and 12 miles wide &ndash; and for over 75 per cent of the year the sun is shining.&nbsp; The lakeside beaches boast golden sands and the water is so clear &ndash; 99.9 per cent &ndash; that it&rsquo;s possible to see a 10-inch white dinner plate 23m below the surface.&nbsp; The lake is a playground for activity and adventure and this May the <a href="http://tahoeadventurecompany.com/ourtrips/wateradventures/lodgetolodgekayakt/" target="_blank">Tahoe Adventure Company</a> launches two, three and four day lodge-to-lodge kayak trips. Plus, the temperature in May is a beautiful, balmy 22-26&deg;C.<br /> &nbsp;<strong>Stay: </strong>The stunning lakeside lodges used in the trip are at the <a href="http://www.laketahoe.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp" target="_blank">Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort</a>, <a href="http://www.mlrtahoe.com/" target="_blank">Mourlatos Lodge</a>, and <a href="http://www.sunnysidetahoe.com/" target="_blank">Sunny Side Lodge</a>.</p>