Where to Travel in August and Why

Stef Zisovska
Copacabana looks like a great place to visit - Author: Pedro Szekely - CC BY 2.0
Copacabana looks like a great place to visit - Author: Pedro Szekely - CC BY 2.0

If you are busy over the whole summer and think that the best time to travel is already behind you, then you are wrong: August can be one of the best months to take off. There are many places in the States and all around the world that have great climates, cultural events, airfares, and scenic landscapes during the month of August. If you think it’s too late to travel and to organize your trip for this summer, wait until you see this list of the best destinations to visit in August.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island’s main street, looking west. Transportation on the island is by horse, bike, or foot – Author: n8huckins – CC BY-SA 4.0
Mackinac Island’s main street, looking west. Transportation on the island is by horse, bike, or foot – Author: n8huckins – CC BY-SA 4.0

The best time to visit Mackinac Island is in August. The weather is sunny but is not too hot, which makes it a perfect boating destination. Fishing and parasailing activities are also popular on the island, so if you’re interested in these activities, start thinking about heading over. Anyone with a sweet tooth will be glad to know that Mackinac has a Fudge Festival in August, where you can sample the wares of the best fudge stores on the island.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Gay Head Cliffs on Martha’s Vineyard. It attracts lots of visitors every year – Author: JP06035 – CC BY-SA 3.0
Gay Head Cliffs on Martha’s Vineyard. It attracts lots of visitors every year – Author: JP06035 – CC BY-SA 3.0

Martha’s Vineyard is a classic summer escape in the United States. A charming island just south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, it attracts lots of visitors every year. People come to relax on the sandy beaches and explore the scenic lighthouses and New England homes. The sunny August weather is perfect for anyone who likes to go sailing, but it is equally suited to walking around town and exploring the eclectic boutiques.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle has a classic famous skyline.
Seattle has a classic famous skyline.

Seattle, or the Emerald City, shows its best colors in August when the weather is nice and warm, allowing you to spend time outside and explore the beauties of the city. You can also do some island hopping and explore the nearby Puget Sound. All foodies will enjoy the great array of restaurants, coffee, and beer on offer.

St. John’s, Canada

Houses in St. John’s are typically painted in bright colors – Author: Paul – CC-BY 2.0
Houses in St. John’s are typically painted in bright colors – Author: Paul – CC-BY 2.0

St. John’s is the capital of Newfoundland Island and Labrador Province, and most of the time it is too cold to visit. But, when it comes to the mild August temperatures, St. John’s is a more-than-perfect getaway. In August, you can also see some whales and puffins and go berry picking – not to mention that the hiking possibilities are endless in the summer and the colors of the island are absolutely stunning. You can take the time to explore the city and its colorful houses whenever you get tired of the wildlife spotting.

Anguilla

Cap Juluca, Anguilla, looks like paradise – Author: tiarescott – CC-BY 2.0
Cap Juluca, Anguilla, looks like paradise – Author: tiarescott – CC-BY 2.0

August is also the best time to visit some of the beautiful Caribbean islands. Anguilla is a spectacular island east of Puerto Rico with 33 sandy beaches. The water around the island is pristine and warm, which makes it a perfect spot for anyone set on a beach location. It is an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving, and glass-bottom kayaking is another pastime you can enjoy in the crystal-clear waters. Some of the beaches offer total isolation while others have nice beach bars where you can try some of the best local cocktails.

Copacabana, Bolivia

This panoramic view of Copacabana, at the shore of Lake Titicaca, shows how lovely a place it is – Author: Christopher Crouzet – CC BY-SA 3.0
This panoramic view of Copacabana, at the shore of Lake Titicaca, shows how lovely a place it is – Author: Christopher Crouzet – CC BY-SA 3.0

Copacabana doesn’t only refer to the beautiful Brazilian beach in Rio de Janeiro where everybody goes: there is also a town in Bolivia with the same name. The Bolivian Copacabana is located on Lake Titicaca and is a gorgeous place that many hikers and nature enthusiasts have made their home. The temperatures in August are perfect for visiting Copacabana, its Cathedral, and the nearby Isla del Sol.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona – Spain’s cultural center.
Barcelona – Spain’s cultural center.

You can visit Spain’s cultural center at any time of the year, but there is something special about Barcelona in the summer. All the vibrant architectural wonders seem to look better under the hot summer sun, so it’s quite an experience visiting this spectacular city during the summer months. The famous Park Guell – built by the famous architect Gaudi who built the majestic cathedral Sagrada Familia in the center of Barcelona – is a must-see. When you want to cool down, head to Barcelona’s urban beach and enjoy a relaxing swim.

Oslo, Norway

The National Theatre is the largest theatre in Norway – Author: Danoz73 – CC BY-SA 3.0
The National Theatre is the largest theatre in Norway – Author: Danoz73 – CC BY-SA 3.0

The only time of year you should visit Oslo if you don’t want to be cold is in August. Temperatures in this month raise to an unbelievable 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In August, the sun in Oslo doesn’t set until 10 pm, so you will have many extra hours to explore the city and its beauties. Akershus Castle, which dates back to the 1200s, and the mesmerizing art in the Ekebergparken Sculpture Park are two places that you must visit if you decide to go to Olso this summer.

Choose your favorite destination and start buying tickets. Good luck!

stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival