Best Places To Visit In August
August is the perfect time for a grand escape. Whether you are after an adrenaline-pumping adventure, a cultural experience, or simply want to spend your days basking in the warm sun, this time of year highlights the best of many holiday destinations.
To help you plan an unforgettable trip and a much-needed break, we have rounded up some of the most fantastic holiday ideas.
Where will this year’s travel calendar take you?
1. British Columbia
The perfect destination for a diverse selection of adventures, British Columbia plays host to clear and sunny skies during the month of August. From helicopter flights to hiking, kayaking, fishing, and even some extreme river-rafting – you’re sure to have a full and eventful itinerary. This time of the year is also great for whale-watching and if you’re lucky, you might even get to see a grizzly bear roaming around its natural habitat. This is an ideal family destination as there’s enough to entertain both young and old.
2. Alaska
August is one of the best times to take a cruise to Alaska. As the region warms up and daylight sticks around for a little longer, this region offers wildlife aplenty and you can gaze in awe at the massive glaciers that are illuminated by the brilliant sun. If you are at the right place at the right time, you may even be treated to the magnificent green glow of the Northern Lights – this is truly an unforgettable experience.
3. The Amazon
Mysterious and mystical, the Amazon is a place of adventure and intrigue. The last half of every year is the region’s dry season and during these months, the river levels lower to expose white sandy beaches. This means that you can explore the dense forests or you can enjoy having a different beach to yourself each day. Abundant in wildlife, the Amazon is home to sloths, jaguars, river dolphins, and many more exotic animals.
4. Austria
August is one of Austria’s busiest months and while the city is crowded, the festivities are contagious and are likely to put you in good spirits (the hype is somewhat contagious). This season is especially popular for its musical events and if you enjoy a good concert, then you can revel in everything from classical music and opera to rock and pop. The days are long and the evenings are full of life and expectations.
5. East Africa
Now is the time to treat yourself to an extraordinary safari in Africa. From July through to December, millions of wildebeest and zebra are on the move with hungry predators lurking close by. The best place to witness this magnificent migration is in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Eastern Africa. Here you can book yourself into bush camps and rustic lodges so that you can indulge in a full and authentic safari experience. Remember to pack your travel camera and night vision binoculars!
6. New Zealand
If you enjoy skiing trips but don’t want to brave the colder climates, then New Zealand is the ultimate spot. August is the top month for skiing on the country’s highest mountain peaks while the lower altitudes bring warmer weather, beautiful coastlines, and adventures to the likes of hiking, biking, rafting – or whatever floats your boat. You can also visit many of the popular museums to learn about the history of this island.
7. Iceland
This is the time of the year where snow melts to expose the brilliant green and lush landscapes of Iceland. Waterfalls are flowing with force and the magical atmosphere will surely take your breath away. While August brings an end to the peak season, this simply means that you will find fewer crowds, more hotel availability, and somewhat better prices – all while the weather is still at its warmest.
8. Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s rainy season starts to dissipate towards the end of August and if you book a trip at this time, you’re likely to skip the touristy rates and get some good holiday deals. The warm and sunny mornings are perfect for walks among the lush greenery or you can partake in one of the many more adventurous activities. The afternoons tend to bring thundershowers, giving you some time to laze about while you listen to the soothing sound of the rain. This holiday offers the perfect balance between activities and rest and relaxation.
9. Newfoundland
This picture-perfect location sets the scene for dramatic sweeping landscapes, lighthouses, and fishing villages galore. If you are looking to take things slow and perhaps mingle with friendly locals, then this gentle holiday will do just dandy. Visiting during this late summer month is ideal as the crowds start to disappear but you still get many “in season” perks. You will also get a real feel for this island as the residents start to prepare for their quite dormant season.
10. Madagascar
Mother Earth is at her most magnificent in many places come August, with biodiverse Madagascar being one of the ultimate spots. Home to a vast variety of plant and animal species, this mind-blowing island is a treasure trove of discoveries. Guided walks and tours will help you to locate some of the world’s most exotic animals like lemurs and aye-ayes as they frolic in their natural habitat. This area is also a haven for avid bird-watchers.
August is one of the best months for holidaying almost anywhere in the world. During this time, the Southern hemisphere’s winters start to come to a close and you can take advantage of the cooler late summer days in the northern hemisphere. It’s also the perfect time to take a break because before you know it, the hustle and bustle of the end-year festivities will be upon you and finding time for a little escape might not be as easy.
Sources:
- Where to go in August – Lonely Planet
- The Best Places to Go in August 2019 – Town and Country Magazine
