The Best Places to Visit in August

Mauritius is always a good idea. Its swaying palm trees, powdery white sands and azure waters are the epitome of beach-side bliss. It's ideal for a tropical escape thanks to its world-renowned hotels with unparalleled service, pampering spas, eclectic mix of cuisine and fantastically diverse range of sporting activities both on land and sea. It’s one of the best places to visit in August for couples as it also tends to be cheaper to go at this time of year!

With crisp blue‑sky days and snow‑dusted peaks, New Zealand is one of the best places to visit in August for a Southern Hemisphere winter escape. Ski world‑class slopes around Queenstown and the Southern Lakes, spot sperm whales off Kaikōura, and unwind in luxurious lodges with outstanding food and wine.

Uganda is situated on the equator and is known for its varied habitats. Bwindi Forest contains half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in order to protect and preserve the area and its flora and fauna. The endangered mountain gorillas are the main attraction here, but lucky families will also have the chance to spot chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkey, and some of the 346 species of bird, to name but a few, while staying near all the action in luxury lodges.

Sandy beaches, calm seas, and a mystical world of Greek mythology to spark the imagination – Greece in August is the perfect option for a family summer vacation. With over 9,000 miles of coastline, there’s no shortage of places to make a splash. Don your snorkel to go in search of schools of fish, fasten your life jacket for a spin on the banana boat, or grab a paddle and head out in the water by kayak. Whatever water sport you’ve got in mind, this is where to travel in August to give it a try.

From emerald lakes and snow-capped peaks to thrilling wilderness areas teeming with wildlife, Canada is an intoxicating adventure playground waiting to whisk your family off their feet. For those who love the great outdoors, the country offers a wealth of activities to help you get off the grid, from hiking to kayaking and everything in between. But for us, the stars of the show are the wild animals that have made this their home. July in Canada is an excellent time for wildlife sightings, with both whales and bears present in large numbers.

Summer in the Alps is a very unique experience and one of the best places to travel in August. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, peaceful woods, and crystal blue lakes, the air is fresh, and the atmosphere is serene. Vacations here are all about being active and there is a wealth of activities whether you want to be in the water, climbing up rocks, riding a road bike, or mountain biking, there is something for all travelers. All this with a good helping of delicious Savoyard food that you would expect when in the Alps.

Norway is simply one of the most dramatically beautiful countries on earth. It is a place where you need to get out and about and get in tune with your wild side – in the summer climb vast craggy mountains to see the most amazing views. From seascapes to vast valleys, hairpin bend roads sweeping down to mirror still waters, dense woods to open plains - the region offers a diverse wealth of natural and cultural attractions to suit the interests of everyone, making it one of the best places to vacation in August.

Watch the sun never set on a trip to Iceland in August. Visiting in summer gives you the unique chance to see this daring country without its stunning landscape shadowed by snow. While it’s not peak season for the northern lights – whale watching, hiking, puffins and dolphins thrive in the warmer season, making this destination a superb wildlife hotspot for any nature and photography enthusiasts.

While travelers and locals alike head to the Algarve to cool off on Portugal's beaches, we recommend making your way north to Porto and Duoro Valley. With a rich gastronomy scene and some of the world's finest wines, an August escape to Porto is perfect for a couple looking for a lush foodie experience full of romance and stunning sights. Head at the end of the month for fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures.

Amazon and the Pantanal are the world’s largest rainforest and wetlands area respectively and a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. This is where to travel in August to get a view of the elusive jaguar, along with monkeys, anteaters, pink river dolphins, and 600 species of vibrant birdlife. Riding, hiking, and 4WD excursions are some of the best ways to explore this fascinating part of Brazil, home to this vast array of beautiful wildlife. Experienced guides are available to take you on excursions through the forest.

Heralded as the home of safari, Kenya offers a true 'Out of Africa' experience. The wildlife-strewn Maasai Mara is undoubtedly the jewel in the country's crown, which in the summer months is transformed into an enormous natural stage where the events of the wildebeest migration unfold. This makes Kenya in August hugely popular. Elsewhere in the country, you can get off the beaten track in Samburu and share stories with the Samburu tribe over your morning coffee. Or head to the palm-fringed coastline to swim, snorkel and dive to your heart's content and devour fresh seafood straight off the fishermen's boats.

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin with an expedition to the Galapagos Islands. Get up close and personal with prehistoric iguanas and lumbering giant tortoises and swim in waters brimming with manta rays, sharks and turtles. In this year-round destination, there is a different wildlife phenomenon taking place every single month. The highlights of the Galapagos in August include blue-footed boobies engaging in impressive mating dances on Española Island, sea lion pups being born en masse in the western and central islands, and the arrival of giant tortoises in the lowlands of Santa Cruz to begin nesting.