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The 7 cheapest places to travel for US tourists in May 2025
The cheapest places to travel to in May for US tourists include Playa del Carmen, Carategena, and Antigua. Find out what else makes the list for 2025.
In August 2025, return flights from Boston to Barcelona can cost around $750. In May? Less than half—starting from $350.
You can book cheaper spring break vacations in May, as others stay home in preparation for their summer trips. Despite the lower prices, there’s no need to compromise on picturesque locations, mouth-watering food, and budget-friendly accommodation. So, what makes it onto our list? Here are the seven cheapest places to travel in May 2025.
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Playa del Carmen, Mexico
One of the cheapest places to visit in May is Playa del Carmen. It’s typically shoulder season, meaning fewer people to bump into along the shore. The weather is pleasantly warm throughout the day – between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (70-90°F) – and slightly lower in the evenings. Also, it’s super easy to travel to. The fastest nonstop flight from Miami to Playa del Carmen is 1 hr and 45 min.
Mexico has many cheap destinations to visit, but what’s unique about Playa del Carmen is the perfect blend of pristine beachside lounges, lively streets (La Quinta Avenida), and historical landmarks such as ancient Mayan remains. It’s ideal for tourists with different travel preferences and spending patterns. With an abundance of affordable restaurants, bars, and hotels (Newport House Playa Boutique Hotel starts at $47 USD), as a US tourist, you won’t go wrong on this incredibly cheap vacation in May.
How cheap is your vacation in Playa del Carmen?
- Daily spend: $70 – $150 (including meals, local transportation, and hotels)
- Cheapest flight price: $225 – $315 (from MIA)
- Unlimited data with Holafly Mexico eSIM in May: $2.45/day will keep you connected for the entire month of May 2025. Stay in touch with your people and share trip updates with your friends! More days = cheaper eSIM.
Antigua, Guatemala
Historical sites, gastronomical delights, and lively cultural experiences — Antigua is a warm and relaxing destination. What makes it even more appealing is it’s one of the cheapest places to travel to in May. The island’s offseason lasts from May to November, meaning fewer tourists, and by avoiding the peak season, you’ll also find budget-friendly accommodation (Good Hotel Antigua starts at $97).
The fastest flight from New York to Antigua, Guatemala, is approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes, with the longest flight from any of the Lower 48 is from Seattle (7 hours and 46 minutes). While May is typically a wetter month in Antigua, the temperatures stay pleasant (between 75-80°F).
One underrated advantage of visiting Antigua in May is the opportunity to explore beyond its shores at bargain prices due to the offseason. Serene and unspoiled islands, such as Barbuda Island (accessible via a 90-minute ferry), surround Antigua. You can also visit the Donkey Sanctuary, which shelters over 150 donkeys; entry is free! On the other hand, if you’re looking to lounge around, explore the many free beaches Antigua offers: Galley Bay Beach, Valley Church Beach, Half Moon Bay, and Dickenson Bay (considered the island’s best).
How cheap is your vacation in Antigua?
- Daily spend: $70 – $95
- Flight price: $165 – $235 (from JFK airport)
- Unlimited data with Holafly Guatemala eSIM for May: only $6.38/day for seamless connection throughout a 5-day trip to Guatemala! The more days you include, the cheaper the price gets!
Belize City, Belize
Belize City is one of the cheapest places to travel in May 2025. Yet it remains underrated due to its location in the shadows of its neighbors, Cozumel, Tulum, and Cancún. While Cancún holds some of the best destinations to visit in May, Belize makes for a more budget-friendly vacation. Although this small Central American nation is roughly the size of Massachusetts, it does not lack in terms of diverse natural beauty and even historical Mayan ruins. US tourists will also find it easy to reach Belize City — the fastest nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Belize City takes just 4 hours and 34 minutes.
Thanks to the shoulder season in May, you can find the best travel deals. Weather-wise, the Belizean summer sun shines brightly around this time of year, sometimes accompanied by heavy rains. However, temperatures fluctuate from 70-80°F.
Affordable accommodations also make Belize a great and cheap place to travel to in May, as summer prices are not in full swing yet. The average cost per night ranges from $20-100, depending on the area. From street food to a wide selection of restaurants, US tourists can expect to pay as little as $1 for a meal! Speaking of food, the famous Chocolate Festival of Belize happens in May. Travelers can enjoy sweet local cacao tastings at the elegant chocolate gala and ride in the chocolate cruiser ($35 per person). However, there are many other free events to enjoy as well.
How cheap is your vacation in Belize City?
- Daily spend: $88-$108 (including meals, local transportation, and hotels)
- Cheapest flight price: $305 – $395 (from LAX)
- Unlimited data with Holafly Belize eSIM for May: only $6.38/day for a 5-day trip to Belize! By purchasing a Holafly eSIM, you’re guaranteed to stay connected with your people, share updates on your trip, and travel with peace of mind. Add more days to get a cheaper price per day.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is renowned for its authentic historical sites (Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces), scenic trails of the vibrant Park Guellm, and the lively Ciutat Vella. While this city can be incredibly touristy and expensive during peak season, it is pretty cheap to travel to in May. However, prices may increase due to events like the Primavera Sound Music Festival, so booking accommodations early is the best loophole! Central accommodation options vary between $50 – $80 per night. The weather is also delightful as the complete brute of summer hasn’t hit yet, and travelers can walk around comfortably. The fastest nonstop flight from Boston to Barcelona takes 7 hours and 10 minutes. Save more by knowing the cheapest days to fly and buy tickets.
Las Ramblas is worth visiting; it’s a pedestrian-friendly pathway in the middle of the city, scattered with souvenir stands, street performers, and local artists. If you’re looking for a fun day at the beach, visit Barceloneta Beach or, even better, head 20 minutes up the coast to Playa de Bogatell for less rush and more peace of mind.
How cheap is your vacation in Barcelona?
- Daily spend: $100 – $150 (including meals, local transportation, and hotels)
- Cheapest flight price: $350 – $400 (from BOS airport)
- Unlimited data with Holafly Barcelona eSIM for May: Enjoy a 5-day data plan for only $20.90 — only $4.18 daily. Share your journey to Barcelona with your network, and showcase your experiences online without delay.
Vancouver, Canada
Many US travelers overlook one of the most affordable and exciting places from April to May — Canada, which is just next door. Why is May the perfect time for a cheap vacation? Vancouver comes alive with the bloom of cherry blossoms, outdoor festivals, and pleasant weather (54-64°F). Thanks to the off-peak season, you can enjoy activities such as the Vancouver Craft Beer Week or the International Children’s Festival without the hustle and bustle of large crowds. The most significant advantage is that it’s only a one-hour flight from Seattle.
Stanley Park, Granville Island, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Kitsilano Beach are some of Vancouver’s many free attractions. Since May is the shoulder season, travelers can find hotel rooms at bargain rates (ranging from $65 – $90 per night), but booking in advance is crucial.
How cheap is your vacation in Vancouver?
- Daily spend: $90 – $110 (including meals, local transportation, and hotels)
- Cheapest flight price: $250 – $270 (from SEA)
- Round-trip train price: $65 – $79 (from SEA)
- Unlimited data with Holafly Canada eSIM for May: Traveling to Canada for a week? Only $5.27 per day to ensure you keep your friends updated and share moments from your trip. More days = cheaper eSIM.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is another of the best places to travel in May on a budget. The winter crowds have gone home by then, and travelers can enjoy more peace of mind in the offseason. The weather remains sunny and breezy, with temperatures hovering around 86°F. Plus, traveling to Puerto Rico isn’t a hassle at all. In fact, it’s only a 2-hour 47-minute flight from Orlando to San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport.
Puerto Rico has many free attractions that are ideal for a budget-friendly vacation, and in May, you can avoid the large crowds as well. Visit Old San Juan, home to popular locations such as the Calle Del Cristo, a shopping and entertainment district. This place comes alive at night with a bustling nightlife and Latin dancing. Culebra is the perfect location for travelers wanting to escape it all. It is part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, so be prepared to spot pelicans, green sea turtles, and other wildlife.
How cheap is your vacation in Puerto Rico?
- Daily spend: $100 – $110 (including meals, local transportation, and hotels)
- Cheapest flight price: $250 – $270 (MCO Airport)
- Unlimited data with Holafly Puerto Rico eSIM for May: Only $5.98/day for a five-day trip to Puerto Rico! Stay in touch with loved ones and share travel highlights — the more days you include, the cheaper the price gets!
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is one of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean and, similarly, one of the cheapest places to visit in May, given that peak season has just ended. However, this vibrant destination is still quite hot, and temperatures fluctuate between 79-90°F. Most of the crowds have gone home, which means you’ll find the best deals on accommodation, activities, and flights. Speaking of flights, Cartagena is only a 3-hour flight from Miami and a 5-hour flight from New York City!
There are many free attractions to visit in Cartagena, such as Old City Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Museo del Oro Zenu is a free museum in the old city focusing on Colombian culture before Spanish colonialism. On a hot sunny day, head to Playa Blanca, a beautiful beach south of downtown Cartagena — very populated in peak season but sparse in May. With accommodation ranging from $26 to $100, Cartagena should be on your list for cheap getaways in May.
How cheap is your vacation in Cartagena?
- Daily spend: $49 – $60 (including meals, local transportation, and hotels)
- Cheapest flight price: $222 – $278 (from MIA)
- Unlimited data with Holafly Colombia eSIM for May: Only $4.27/day on a seven-day trip to Cartagena. And if you want to add a detour to Bogota or Medellin, don’t worry! Your eSIM covers all of Colombia; travel with peace of mind and stay linked to your network with our unlimited data coverage.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
