August is, for many of us, the most convenient time to travel. The kids are in the midst of summer holidays, and jetting off somewhere seems way more appealing than thinking of expensive days out every single day. We’ve compiled our top destinations to visit during August but make sure you let us know yours too on our socials.
Even without kids, by August you’ve done the bulk of the first half of the year and deserve/need a break. August is peak travel season for good reason. But as we all know, it can also mean sweaty crowds and eye-watering prices if you don’t plan right.
I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot. With and without kids, I’ve experienced the best (and sadly the very worst) places to visit in August. In this blog, I’m focusing on diverse spots that treat us to proper experiences without completely emptying our bank accounts.
Sweden – Cool Vibes & Nordic Charm
My first August morning in Stockholm: 19°C, crystal clear skies, and that sensational Nordic light that I’d only ever seen in photos. While everyone else was posting sweaty selfies from packed Italian beaches, I was comfortably exploring cobblestone streets with locals.
Sweden in August is brilliant for so many reasons. The temperatures hover between a pleasant 18-23°C, which is perfect for exploring without melting. The public transport is ridiculously efficient (and actually runs on time), and I felt completely safe wandering around solo, even late in the evening.
What should you do there? Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s old town) is non-negotiable – the narrow streets and ochre-coloured buildings are so charming. I spent hours just wandering, popping into tiny cafés for fika (coffee and cake breaks that Swedes have elevated to an art form).
But don’t limit yourself to the capital. The Stockholm Archipelago completely blew me away. I hopped on a ferry one morning with absolutely no plan and ended up on Vaxholm, a tiny island with pastel-coloured wooden houses and the most amazing cinnamon buns I’ve ever tasted. I still dream about these buns now and again…
For nature lovers, Tyresta National Park is just a short ride from Stockholm. The ancient forest and swimming lakes were such a refreshing break from city exploring.
One thing to note: book your accommodation early. Swedes love holidaying in their own country during summer (can’t blame them), so places fill up surprisingly fast. And pack layers! Those evenings can get chilly, even in August.
Slovenia – Europe’s Hidden Diamond
Slovenia is that friend who doesn’t say much at parties but turns out to be the most interesting person in the room. It’s compact, affordable, and still glimmering mysteriously under the radar despite being absolutely stunning. That being said, it had been on my European bucket list for some time.
I visited once and couldn’t believe more people weren’t talking about it. Ljubljana (the capital) is like a fairy tale come to life – a river winding through the city centre, outdoor cafés everywhere, and a castle perched on a hill overlooking it all. And it’s so walkable! I never once needed public transport within the city.
But the real showstopper is Lake Bled. That emerald water with a tiny island church in the middle and mountains all around – it’s pure beauty. You can rent a rowboat and paddled out to the island, which I strongly recommend (don’t worry if you’re not the best at rowing – I may have gone round in a few circles…).
When I needed a break from the lake (which was busier than I expected), I headed to Piran on the coast. It’s this perfect little slice of Mediterranean charm without Italian or Croatian prices. I spent three days wandering narrow streets, eating fresh seafood, and swimming in the cleanest water I’ve seen in Europe.
If you’re going, definitely base yourself in Ljubljana for at least part of the trip – it’s centrally located for day trips and has a fantastic food scene. Book anything near Lake Bled as early as you can – I ended up staying 20 minutes away because everything decent was full by May. And bring proper shoes for walking on cobblestones!
Pacific Northwest (Seattle & Vancouver) – Urban Meets Nature
The Pacific Northwest in August is just showing off, really. I was there two summers ago and kept thinking “this can’t possibly get better” before turning a corner and being proven wrong again.
Seattle and Vancouver both hit that sweet spot of urban culture with immediate access to jaw-dropping nature. The weather in August hovers around 85°F – warm enough for outdoor adventures but not so hot that you’re constantly hunting for air conditioning.
In Seattle, I took a ferry across Puget Sound one morning – the skyline behind me, mountains ahead, and orcas (yes, actual orcas!) swimming alongside the boat. It was one of those travel moments that make you question why you live anywhere else.
Vancouver’s Stanley Park literally stopped me in my tracks. I rented a bike and circled the seawall, taking in views of mountains, beaches, and that gorgeous city skyline. It’s spectacular.
Food-wise, both cities deliver. Pike Place Market in Seattle and Granville Island in Vancouver are paradise for anyone who enjoys eating (so, everyone…). I spent far too much money on artisanal cheese and local wine, and I regret nothing.
The only downside is that everyone else has caught on. Book accommodation early – I’m talking 5-6 months in advance – and be prepared for tourist prices. Also, sadly, wildfire smoke can be an issue in August. I got lucky with clear skies, but check conditions before you go.
Leh-Ladakh, India – Adventure in the Himalayas
I’m going to let you in on a secret that’s making serious waves in travel circles: Leh-Ladakh in August is sensational. While the rest of India gets drenched in monsoons, this high-altitude desert in the Himalayas enjoys clear skies and perfect trekking weather.
The landscapes genuinely don’t look real. I kept rubbing my eyes, convinced I was hallucinating the scale of those mountains and the blue of those lakes. Pangong Lake sits at over 14,000 feet and stretches all the way to Tibet – the water changes colour throughout the day from turquoise to navy to indigo. I spent hours just sitting there, wondering how a place this beautiful isn’t constantly packed with tourists.
The Buddhist monasteries perched on hillsides are just as impressive. Thiksey Monastery feels like Tibet’s Potala Palace but without the crowds. I visited at sunrise for morning prayers and it was one of the most peaceful experiences of my life.
Fair warning – the altitude is no joke. Leh sits at 11,500 feet, and many attractions are even higher. It’s a challenge, and I spent the first two days moving very slowly and drinking endless cups of ginger tea before my body adjusted. But once it did, I was in pure adventure heaven.
Top tip, pack proper layers! The temperature drops dramatically at night, even in August. I slept in thermals and a woolly hat even though I went in “summer.”
Aruba – Caribbean Bliss Outside the Hurricane Belt
When I mention August Caribbean travel, people usually look at me like I’ve lost the plot. But Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt and enjoys consistent sunny weather year-round, making it perfect for summer holidays without the weather anxiety.
I was lucky enough to stay at an all-inclusive resort on Eagle Beach. The sand is so white it hurts your eyes, and the water is that impossible turquoise colour that looks Photoshopped, but it isn’t.
Beyond beach lounging, Arikok National Park surprised me with its desert landscapes and natural pools. I joined a jeep tour (definitely not something I could have navigated myself) and saw a completely different side of the island – cacti, rugged coastlines, and hidden caves.
Oranjestad, the capital, has this colorful Dutch-influenced architecture that made for some gorgeous photos. I spent an evening wandering through markets and trying local food before ending up at a beachfront bar for sunset cocktails.
Practical Tips for August Travel
A few things I picked up on and found to be a common factor when travelling in August…
For weather planning, obviously choose your destination strategically. If you hate heat, August is your time to explore Sweden or the Alps, not wander and avoid warmer parts of the world. If you do brave the hotter spots like Aruba, plan indoor activities during peak afternoon heat.
For avoiding crowds, timing is everything. I’ve found that visiting popular sites within an hour of opening gives you a completely different experience. Lake Bled at 8am versus Lake Bled at noon feels like two different lakes. Considering slightly off-beat alternatives like the ones I’ve mentioned – Slovenia instead of Croatia, Aruba instead of Barbados – is your escape.
Budget-wise, August is tricky. I generally book flights 3-6 months ahead and always use private browsing windows (yes, prices do change based on your search history!). Consider destinations where your currency goes further – Slovenia and Ladakh offered incredible value compared to Western Europe or resort destinations.
If you’re traveling solo (as I often do), Sweden, Slovenia, and Vancouver were places I felt completely comfortable walking alone after dark. I always research accommodations thoroughly, reading reviews specifically from other solo travellers before booking.
Where Will Your August Take You?
I’ve shared my favourite August destinations – from Sweden’s cool Nordic delights and Slovenia’s hidden beauty, to the Pacific Northwest’s urban-nature balance, Ladakh’s Himalayan majesty, and Aruba’s beachy perfection.
The beauty of August travel is that it works for your calendar, and there’s something for every style. Culture vultures, adventure seekers, and beach bums can all find their perfect spot – sometimes all in the same country!