10 unusual trips to book in May

Eschew the popular tourist hotspots this summer in favour of somewhere more surprising. From wine tasting in rural Georgia to bog walking in Estonia, there are some extraordinary experiences to be had on your next trip.

1. Heights of Machu Picchu

Made famous by Instagram (this site couldn’t be much more photogenic), the rainbow trek is so-called due to its unique landscape of multi-coloured layered mountains. The Palccoyo trek follows a shorter, quieter trail through the Vilconota mountain range of the Andes, passing flocks of llama and alpaca, and gradually ascending to the top of the breathtaking red mountains.

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Multicolored mountain peaks display layered shades of red, yellow, and green, arching gently. Surrounding barren hills extend under a clear blue sky dotted with a few clouds.

2. Spirit of Laos

Make sure you set your alarm early one morning when in Luang Prabang. Sneak out just before daybreak and secure a spot street-side as the sun rises to witness some 300 monks line up and begin their daily walk, collecting alms from devoted locals as the city wakes up around them.

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A traditional temple with ornate, tiered roofs sits elevated on a platform, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees in a tranquil outdoor setting, under a clear sky.

3. The Best of Georgia and Armenia

Travel through the Caucasus region where you’ll soak up ancient cultures, marvel at stunning mountain scenery, and explore lively cities. Discover the 7th-century ruins of the UNESCO listed Zvartnots, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Break bread (literally) with a Georgian family as they show us how the local ‘Shoti’ is made, and tuck into a hearty lunch before touring the vineyard and sampling the wines made on-site.

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A church with two towers sits on a hill, surrounded by lush green mountains and a distant snowy peak beneath a partly cloudy sky. Paths wind through the landscape.

4. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on Foot

Clip on special shoes and walk through Estonian bog land, entering a mystical world of moss, pine trees and small lakes. Wearing these specially-adapted shoes traditionally used by local villagers, we’re able to cover this unique ecosystem on foot. A fun and fascinating experience unlike any other.

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A wooden boardwalk winds along a tranquil pond, surrounded by sparse trees and marshland under a partially cloudy, blue sky, reflecting the scenery on the water's surface.

5. Contrasts of Colombia

Food and drink mightn’t be top of mind for Colombia, but you’ll be surprised by the excellent dishes on offer here. Tamales wrapped in banana leaves, ‘pandebono’ cheese bread with guava jam, ajiaco (a thick Andean soup with chicken and potatoes, served with corn and avocado) and cheese-stuffed arepas are all mouth-wateringly good. Save room for Colombia’s national specialty, Bandeja Paisa. Beef, plantain, pork crackling, avocado, corn, beans, rice and avocado all topped with a fried egg – this is an English fry up on steroids, and it’s totally delicious!

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Arepas rest in small skillets, filled with shredded cheese, avocado, shredded meat, and beans. Surrounding ingredients, like tomatoes and corn, suggest a rustic, inviting kitchen atmosphere.

6. Mount Toubkal Climb

Tick a spectacular climb off your bucket list in May with a trekking trip of Mount Toubkal. Escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, venture into the Atlas Mountains where you’ll witness unspoilt landscapes, stay in traditional Berber village houses, and admire the unforgettable views from Africa’s highest peak.

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A hillside village with terracotta buildings is nestled amidst lush green trees, surrounded by barren, rocky mountains under a blue sky. A mosque with a tall minaret stands prominently.

7. Family Belize Adventure

Active families will love swimming in the spectacular Blue Hole and surfing or kayaking off Caye Caulker, whilst wildlife buffs can expect turtles and stingrays, monkeys and sloths, as well as a visit to the world’s only jaguar preserve.

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Palms and lush greenery border a pristine white sandy beach, meeting clear, shallow turquoise water under a bright blue sky, suggesting a serene tropical island setting.

8. Cycle Nicaragua to the Panama Canal

On day three of this cycling holiday to Nicaragua we explore the highlands near Granada as we cycle along backroads between villages to get an insight into local Nicaraguan life. We visit a local farming family’s house to try various fruits that they’ve prepared.

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Cyclist poses with smiling children on a dirt path. A woman stands nearby holding a helmet. Laundry hangs in the background, and another person walks away. Trees provide shade.

9. Walking Scotland’s Orkney Islands

Venture to one of the lesser-known gems of the United Kingdom on a walking tour of the Orkney Islands. Teeming with sites of ancient history as well as fascinating birdlife, a walking trip of these islands will introduce you to Orcadian and Norse traditions, as well as an abundance of fresh seafood.

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Two puffins touch beaks while perched on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by blurred blue ocean and distant rocks in the background.

10. Highlights of Albania

Home to an abundance of historic sites, quaint villages and scenic countryside, the Highlights of Albania will bring you closer to the heart of the Adriatic. Setting off from the vibrant capital city Tirana, you’ll soak up the main sights on foot before heading to one of the oldest lakes in the world. Later, you’ll visit Butrint, a UNESCO listed archaeological site, and one of the greatest sites in the Balkans.

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Ancient stone columns stand upright on an intricately decorated circular mosaic floor featuring geometric patterns and fish motifs, surrounded by crumbling stone walls and greenery in the background.