Here are the best tips for traveling cheaply during the May holidays, according to specialists

If spring has finally arrived, the days are starting to get longer and the promise of sunny days is gradually arriving, this can only mean one thing: it is high time to plan your plans. May vacation. A true gift from heaven for all travelers, the fifth month of the year has many bridges and long weekends, perfect for getting away from it all. Whether you want a little trip near home or a more exotic getaway, this is the best time to treat yourself to a well-deserved stay.

And to avoid breaking the bank, it’s better to trust the professionals. Hotels.com and Abritel have just revealed their best tips for traveling cheaply and in the most pleasant conditions. In a collection of their research on the habits of the French, we find everything you need to know to book your vacation safely.

The most sought-after destinations during the May holidays

This year, the May calendar offers no less than four long weekends. We first count the weekend of May 1, with the Friday bank holiday, then the weekend of May 8, still with the Friday bank holiday, we then note the Ascension weekendwith free Thursday, which allows you to plan a 4-day weekend thanks to the bridges and finally Pentecost Monday, which this year falls on May 25. According to Hotels.com, many travelers rely on all these holidays to afford long stays of more than eight nights. In particular, there is an increase in searches of almost +60% for stays in May 2026 compared to May 2025.

Among the most popular destinations, we notice a strong attraction for city trips, but also more exotic destinations. “With a very favorable bridge calendar this year, the French have more opportunities to get away in May, including for longer stays. We are observing a clear increase in hotel searches in distant and sunny destinations”, comments Xavier Rousselou, spokesperson for Hotels.com. Thus, among the most trendy destinations on Hotels.com, we include Bilbao, in Spain (+445%), the Maldives (+225%), the Albanian Riviera (+110%), the Seychelles (+80%) and Madeira (+80%) to complete this top 5.

Tips for booking last minute for May bridges

We know it, for travel cheapersometimes you just need to leave right next to home. And France remains one of the most affordable destinations for vacationers. For travelers who stay in France, however, we are seeing a return to greenery and an attraction to wide open spaces and nature destinations. According to data collected by Abritel, French travelers are focusing on destinations further west. There are six departments on the Atlantic coast in the top 10 of the most searched French destinations on the platform. accommodation rentals : Finistère, Morbihan, Côtes d’Armor, Charente-Maritime, Vendée et Calvados.

Experts also notice an attraction for the Alpine departments such as Savoie or Haute-Savoie, even if the Mediterranean coast is still holding up well, as are stays near large cities such as the surroundings of Paris, Lyon, Toulouse or Bordeaux. “For these school holidays, families are favoring destinations that are easy to access, close to nature and suitable for outdoor activities, a sign of a desire for calm and slower, disconnected tourism,” says Xavier Rousselou, spokesperson for Abritel.

Still according to the recent press release shared by Hotels.com and Abritel, it is important to note that the most sought-after bridge is that of May 1st. If you want to travel at a low price, focus on other weekends, such as Ascension or Pentecost, to benefit from the best availability and more advantageous prices.

As indicated by specialists in tourism sectorfor a long stay, combine the May 8 and Ascension bridges. Just 4 days off can easily offer up to 10 days of vacation, allowing you to go longer or on different dates to pay a little less. Note that the Hotels.com loyalty program offers a bonus night when staying for a minimum of 10 nights.