May Day and Travel: Celebrating Spring Around the World

William Roehm
May 1
3 min read

Updated: May 1

May 1st, or May Day, has long been a time to celebrate spring, renewal, and community — and it’s also a surprisingly inspiring moment for travel. Whether you’re drawn to cultural traditions, seasonal festivals, or the simple joy of warmer weather, May Day offers a unique chance to connect with the world in meaningful ways.

If you’re wondering how to tie your wanderlust to this centuries-old celebration, here’s how May Day and travel can beautifully go hand in hand.

What Is May Day?

May Day has dual identities. In many parts of the world, it’s recognized as International Workers’ Day — a public holiday honoring labor movements and workers' rights. In other places, especially across Europe, it’s a celebration of spring, marked with dancing, flowers, and age-old customs that welcome the changing seasons.

Whether you're interested in political history or joyful festivals, May Day offers a compelling reason to pack your bags.

1. Travel for the Festivals

Across Europe especially, May Day is celebrated with colorful and festive traditions. These are perfect opportunities to experience a destination beyond the usual tourist routes:
- United Kingdom: Head to the countryside to see Morris dancers, maypole weaving, and community parades that harken back to ancient fertility rites.
- Finland & Sweden: Known as Vappu (in Finland), this celebration is part Labor Day, part student party, and 100% fun. Expect picnics, champagne, and people wearing white caps and costumes in public parks.
- Germany: “Tanz in den Mai” (Dance into May) is a lively tradition involving music, parties, and sometimes even bonfires the night before May Day.
- France: On May 1st, it’s customary to give loved ones lily of the valley flowers for good luck. It’s also a national holiday — a perfect day for a relaxed Parisian picnic.

Traveling during these local holidays lets you experience a country at its most authentic and connected.

2. Embrace Spring Travel Vibes

May Day kicks off one of the best times of year to travel — shoulder season. Here’s why May is a great travel month:

The weather is warming up, but it’s not peak heat.
Flowers are blooming, especially in places like the Netherlands, Japan, and Tuscany.
Prices are generally lower than summer.
Crowds haven’t reached their peak yet.

Whether you’re hiking in the Dolomites, biking through Dutch tulip fields, or enjoying spring wine festivals in Portugal, May is a perfect time to get outdoors and explore.

3. Travel as a Form of Renewal

There’s something symbolic about May Day as a time of new beginnings. Historically, it’s been linked to the idea of fertility, growth, and fresh starts — much like the spirit of travel itself.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to reset, shift perspective, or just shake off the winter blues, a May Day getaway could be your chance. Even a short road trip or weekend escape can offer the mental space you need to breathe and re-center.

4. Participate in Global May Day Events

In many cities around the world, especially in Latin America, Europe, and parts of Asia, May Day is a time of marches and political expression. If you're a conscious traveler, attending a peaceful rally or event (respectfully and as an observer) can be a powerful way to understand local culture and history.

Check in advance for public holiday closures or transit changes, especially in places like Spain, Italy, and Germany, where large-scale events may affect your travel plans.

Final Thoughts

May Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it's a global celebration of change, energy, and connection. Whether you want to join a traditional festival, admire spring landscapes, or simply mark the turning of the season in a new place, traveling during May Day can be both meaningful and magical.

So as the world blooms into life, why not follow its lead? Pack light, breathe deep, and let May be the month your travel spirit wakes up again.