Hi, Charlotte! We’re back with our exclusive monthly scoop on the hottest travel deals this May. Our monthly travel picks from our Queen City will help you travel more and better than ever.
All of the deals we spotlight feature non-stop, roundtrip airfare so you can arrive at your destination with ease – we know there’s nothing better than slipping into a vacation, hassle-free. Plus, you’ll get access to great accommodation options with every destination we highlight.
Before we jump into the details of this month’s deals, we’ll share a little context to ground you in the current state of travel. A lot has happened since we shared our exclusive April travel deals – more countries have re-opened to US citizens, the CDC eased rules on American cruise companies, and the EU announced that vaccinated Americans would likely be able to resume visits this summer. Meanwhile, the CDC released a travel advisory (even for fully vaccinated US citizens) to avoid all travel to India given the double mutant variant spreading there. And, most of the EU remains a Level 4: Do Not Travel risk according to the US Department of State based on CDC recommendations. What does all of this mean? We should continue being thoughtful and intentional with our travel decisions. Do your research and ensure you continue protecting yourself, your family, and your community.
Now, for our May travel deals: Even though airline prices are climbing, there are always great deals to be had! The best deals this May include:
- Orlando, FL (from $33)
- Denver, CO (from $51)
- St. Thomas (from $345)
Plus, if you missed out on the Puerto Rico deal we featured in April it’s not too late! Non-stop roundtrip flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico dropped from $307 in April to just $260 this month. To checkout great places to stay in Puerto Rico, take a peek at our April article linked here.
Denver, CO
With temperatures in the 60s and 70s during the day, Denver’s a lovely destination in May. Plus, you’ll beat the summer crowds of June and August and enjoy better prices and more room to yourself – the proof is in the non-stop airline fare from Charlotte that starts at $51 roundtrip this May.
Under $150/Night: Hotel Teatro is the perfect choice for a Downtown Denver getaway and others think so too – it’s the winner of Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award in 2019. At this boutique hotel expect to enjoy perks like the ability to bring your pup along and access to a Peloton bike in the hotel’s fitness center.
Under $200/Night: This May, Denver has a lot of great hotel options for just under $200/night! Some of our favorites include: Kimpton Hotel Born (for modern Alpine luxury at Union Station), The Maven Hotel (for a stay in Denver’s colorful micro-district, The Dairy Block in LoDo), The Art Hotel Denver (for proximity to museums in Downtown Denver), The Oxford Hotel (for a stay in a Denver classic dating back to 1891), and Capitol Hill Mansion (for a B&B experience in the heart of Downtown Denver).
Under $250/Night: At this price-point this May, we have three favorites: The Crawford Hotel (to be right above the iconic Union Station), The Ramble Hotel (to stay in Denver’s River North Art District), and Lower Highlands (to be immersed in Old West and Victorian luxury).
Under $300/Night: The Patterson Inn provides a unique experience on a quarter acre of luxe grounds within a Historic Landmark. If you’d like something less historic, Halcyon Hotel in the Cherry Creek shopping district is a great pick.
St. Thomas
Airline prices are heating up to tropical vacation destinations easily accessible from the East Coast. With the exception of Puerto Rico, all Caribbean destinations are over $470 in non-stop roundtrip airfare from Charlotte. Enter the one exception: St. Thomas. This May, you can score a non-stop roundtrip flight to this dream of a destination for as little as $345 per person. What could possibly make this option any better? Well, you won’t need a US passport to get here or a negative COVID-19 test to return home once your trip ends.
Under $200/Night: The Mafolie Hotel & Restaurant boasts great views, relatively low prices, air-conditioned rooms, and daily complimentary breakfast.
$400 – $500/Night: This May, snag 10% off your stay at Secret Harbor Beach Resort or receive 15% off with a minimum of a 4-night stay. With accommodations as large as a Beachfront Three-Bedroom Condominium Suite, this resort is big enough for your entire quarantine crew to enjoy one last hurrah. To view all of their current offers, visit their site here.
Over $700/Night: Ritz-Carlton (least expensive dates: May 9 – 13, May 17 – 19… prices hover $783 – 979/night) & they do have offers.
Orlando, FL
Depending on what type of trip you have in mind, this may or may not be a desirable destination. If you’re looking for a quiet relaxing retreat with your friends and/or special someone, opt for St. Thomas or Puerto Rico. But if you’re looking to indulge your kid at heart (or perhaps your actual kids), Orlando might be a fun choice. And, from $33 for non-stop roundtrip airfare with ample moderately priced accommodations it’s a low-cost investment.
Under $100/Night: To stay in something quite regal, enjoy Marriott’s Autograph Collection, Castle Hotel. If a castle vibe isn’t your thing, try Rosen Plaza.
Under $200/Night: If you or those you’re traveling with love SeaWorld, leverage your Marriott Bonvoy points for a stay at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld where you’ll be within steps of the theme park. For a boutique experience, enjoy The Delaney Hotel located in Downtown Orlando – 22 miles from Walt Disney World, 12.5 miles from SeaWorld, and 9.5 miles from Universal Studios.
Under $300/Night: The Grand Bohemian Hotel located in Downtown Orlando is a luxe option for just over $200/night. If downtown isn’t right for you, opt for the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes and enjoy a lush 500-acre property complete with a lazy river pool and eco tours.
For more of our top international destination picks and to ensure your trip meets current COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, checkout this resource. To stay stateside and experience international flair, read about our top five domestic destinations that will quench your international wanderlust.
For more travel deals, stay tuned for the scoop on June!
