The Best Places to Travel in August
Whether you love or hate the August heat, summer is always a great time to travel. There are fewer holiday functions and family obligations to attend, and if you’ve got kids in tow, they won’t have to worry about missing any school work.
Of course, you probably don’t need much of an excuse to plan your next trip. However, you probably need a little help choosing where to go during the month of August. As we know, the common theme here is the heat, so you’ll need to decide if you want to take on some more heat or embrace a little bit of winter in the summer.
In any case, we’ve created a list of some of the best places to travel in August. You’ll be intrigued to know that some of these spots are quite the hidden gems that you wouldn’t typically hit with a dart on a world map.
Check them out for yourself:
Oahu, Hawaii
August is surprisingly the perfect time to visit Hawaii as the temperature is warm and sunny, but not overly humid. If you’ve never been to this gorgeous chain of islands, you’ll want to start with Oahu.
Oahu is the third-largest island in Hawaii and is also the home of Honolulu—the capital—and Waikiki, one of the most well-known beaches in the world. Here you and your family can enjoy all of the alohas that Hawaii has to offer. That would include all things fun under the sun—snorkeling, surfing, diving, visiting the volcanoes, relaxing on the beach, and much more.
There’s just one caveat when it comes to Hawaii—it’s super expensive. However, there’s a way around that: camping!
That’s right, kids or no kids, if you’re on a tight budget and enjoy communing with nature, camping your way through Hawaii provides for a unique experience.
Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands is an archipelago of about 40 low-lying coral islands. While these islands are often associated with the Caribbean, they’re technically not in the Caribbean but solely in the Atlantic Ocean.
Although, those white sandy beaches and gem-like blue waters could have fooled us!
The Turks and Caicos are ideal for relaxing on the beach, lounging by the pool, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and of course, shopping, trying your luck at the casinos, enjoying the nightlife, and dining out for fresh seafood.
There’s something for everyone here, so you won’t be disappointed—and you won’t want to leave!
Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts
Depending on who you talk to, either Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard is the local Massachusetts summer spot you want to visit.
Both places are beachy, breezy, and latent with bike trails. The primary differences are their locations and “island style.” Martha’s Vineyard is close inland and is much more laidback while Nantucket is much further out and much more conservative.
Whichever local spot you choose, you’ll enjoy everything they have to offer.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas are always a good idea. There’s exotic marine life, white-sand (or pink sand) beaches, clear blue waters, Caribbean beats, piña coladas, swimming pigs, swim-up bars, modern amenities, terrific nightlife, and essentially everything else you could want or need.
Additionally, the Bahamas are home to about 700 islands spread across 100,000 square miles of the Southeast coast of Florida. While there’s some incredible water in other parts of the world, the water here is considered to be the most pristine on planet earth.
Here is another place where there’s something for everyone. Whether you go by yourself, with family, in a group, stay for a long time or a short time, you will enjoy the Bahamas thoroughly.
If you aren’t sure where to start, Nassau is the capital and arguably the most popular destination among the island chain.
Sibenik and the Kornati Islands, Croatia
Croatia, at first thought, may seem a bit medieval and lackluster, but we can assure you it’s anything but.
Okay, it’s definitely medieval, but in a charming way!
Croatia is one of those hidden gem-like places. However, this gem is hiding in plain sight. This is especially true for Sibenik and the Kornati islands.
This Mediterranean cluster of 150 islands is something out of a fantasy novel. The medieval cities look upon the unassumingly gorgeous Adriatic coastline of Sibenik, the historic chalky white-stone city in the distance. But once you arrive on the Kornati islands, you’ll forget where you are.
These islands are home to unpopulated idylls draped in vineyards, orchards, a national park, and more. It’s an absolute paradise for sailors and sea lovers alike.
Florence, Italy
Italy in the summertime may not seem like a dream getaway, but hear us out—because Florence is one of the best places to travel in August!
First of all, Florence is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, which is a masterpiece of architecture, renaissance art, and wine in and of itself. Second of all, August is when the New Generation Festival comes to down.
The New Generation Festival is a three-day event held in the gardens of the Palazzo Corsini. During this time you’ll experience an eclectic mix of opera, DJs, and drag acts, which attract a whole new world of people to enjoy it with.
If festivals aren’t your thing, that’s okay. Florence is one of the best cities to admire food. Did we mention there’s an endless amount of Tuscan wine?
Ecuador, South America
Ecuador is small but mighty. Here you’ve got culture, ziplining, volcano climbing, Amazon trekking, surfing, sleepy seaside towns to kick back in, the Cloud forest, ayahuasca ceremonies, and more.
It’s arguably the best of all the best places to travel in August on our list. Additionally, while August is the peak time of the season to visit, you won’t find Quito, the capital, or anywhere else for that matter, overcrowded.
The country is also the gateway to the Galapagos Islands, which you’ll definitely want to make an extension of your trip if you can spare the extra time. Trust us, you’ll want to spend as much time as you can in both places, especially the Galapagos as there’s so much to do and a whole new world of unique endemic flora and fauna to experience.
The Coast of Maine
If you’re stuck state-side, then one of the best places to travel in August is along the coast of Maine. This is especially true if you like Lobster as the famous Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland runs from July 31ist to August 4th.
But that’s not the only festival you’ll come across. There’s the Cabbage Island Clambake, the American Folk Festival, and the Wild Blueberry Festival.
Additionally, there are tons of charming beaches and local spots to check out. It’s also a great place for camping and glamping if that’s your thing.
If you’re into seafood, sailing, and small-town charm, then you’ll absolutely love it here.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is another gem hidden in plain sight. However, while it’s one of the best places to travel in August it’s also a bit dangerous—but that’s arguably a part of its charm.
Most of the things you do here will have to be booked through a tour, but when it comes to adventuring it’s well worth it. August is also the time of their carnivals: The Sepik River Crocodile Festival and the Mount Hagen Cultural Show.
Moreover, you’ll come to find that Papua New Guinea is one of the most exotic places on earth. Here you’ll be surrounded by steamy volcanoes, feathered and pierced tribes in the more remote regions, a primeval rainforest, the skeleton dancers of the Chimbu tribe, and a whole lot of culture and wildlife—including some of the world’s largest crocodiles.
Comporta, Portugal
Among the best places to travel in August—or any time of the year—Portugal is the place to be. Take our word for it, this country will be your favorite in all of Europe!
Comporta especially is the lesser-visited destination compared to Lisbon and Algarve. But its golden beaches and stylish villas make it a wonderful place to kick back and relax. Despite its laid-back atmosphere, Comporta is considered rather posh and has been nicknamed the Hamptons of Portugal.
There’s plenty to do between water sports, shopping, dining, and touring historic spots. However, all you’ll really want to do here is stock up the fresh produce from roadside sellers and get lost among the sandy trails that’ll lead you to the water.
Where Will You Go?
The sky is virtually the limit when it comes to narrowing down the best places to travel in August. It all comes down to how much time you have, how adventurous you’re feeling (or not feeling), and the type of weather you’d prefer.
The destination you choose is up to you—but we can help you with the rest. Find the best vacation deals, cheapest flights, or hotels possible with us today. Once you get that stuff out of the way, you can start narrowing down the activities you want to do—or not do!