Top Destinations to Travel to in August

August is a peak travel month in Europe, but with a bit of savvy planning, you can avoid the crowds and high prices that often come with it. Instead of the usual sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches or bustling European cities, think about alternative destinations for a unique and less crowded experience.

For families, August is an ideal month to venture to distant locales since many have more time off. The southern hemisphere’s winter season offers better deals and fewer tourists. In South America, the dry season provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, while Kenya and Tanzania become prime spots for migration safaris, showcasing some of the most spectacular wildlife spectacles on Earth.

1. Switzerland

After the ski season ends, Swiss Alpine slopes come alive with hiking and mountain biking trails, serene lakes perfect for wild swimming, and glaciers adorned with wildflowers. August sees the busiest season outside of winter, yet it’s still relatively uncrowded. Enjoy long summer evenings filled with outdoor events. 

Swiss National Day on August 1st brings towns and cities to life with street festivals, parades, fireworks, and live music. Travel by train to marvel at scenic routes like the Bernina Express, Europe’s highest rail route, and the Jungfraubahn, which scales the Eiger’s North Face.

• Responsible Travel Tip: Switzerland is easily accessible by rail from the UK. The Swiss Alps and lakes offer numerous eco-friendly campsites, some featuring pre-erected tents and refreshing lidos.

Jungfraujoch Day Trip from Zurich: Swiss Alps & Bernese Oberland

Swiss Alps Bernina Red Train and St.Moritz Tour from Milan

Geneva 3-hour Chocolate Tasting Tour and Old Town Visit

2. The Hebrides, Scotland

The over 50 islands off Scotland's west coast provide a refreshing alternative to the crowded beaches of the UK's southwest. Though the weather can be unpredictable, the southern Hebrides often enjoy more dry and sunny days. Their white-sand beaches and azure waters can easily be mistaken for tropical paradises. Explore the islands of Islay, Mull, Harris, and Lewis. 

Be sure to book car hire and distillery tours in advance or travel after mid-August when Scottish schools resume. The region comes alive with wildflower-covered coastlines, outdoor events, live music festivals, and local Highland games in July and August.

• Responsible Travel Tip: Glasgow, the gateway to the Inner Hebrides, is well-connected by bus, coach, and ferry. Enjoy a scenic adventure along pine-lined roads and island-hopping bridges. Responsible Travel offers car-free island-hopping itineraries.

3-Day Lewis, Harris and the Outer Hebrides Small-Group Tour from Inverness

6-Day Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

3. Denmark

With over 4,350 miles of sandy coastline and nearly endless daylight in summer, Denmark is perfect for an August exploration. Set up camp in sunny spots, with Aarhus serving as an excellent base. 

Denmark’s second city, a former European Capital of Culture and European Region of Gastronomy, boasts a blend of medieval charm and contemporary buzz with fantastic restaurants, bars, and a vibrant street food scene. Beyond the city, discover woodland-backed beaches and the coastal national park of Mols Bjerge, home to hill trails, beech forests, and Bronze Age burial mounds.

• Responsible Travel Tip: Denmark’s extensive national cycle network, comprising forested trails, rural paths, and quiet roads, offers a low-carbon way to explore. The Danish Cycling Federation’s route planner can guide you to the quietest routes and accommodations.

Time travel in Aarhus

Street Art and Rooftops of Aarhus, Denmark

Rethymno Walking & Gastronomy Tour

4. Greece

To truly savor Greece in August without the typical crowds, consider heading to its enchanting mainland destinations. The picturesque port town of Nafplio, with its ancient ruins and charming Venetian villas, never fails to impress. 

Meanwhile, the leafy city of Kastoria, nestled amidst pine-fringed mountains and featuring a lake dotted with fishing boats, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional beach destinations.

Greece also boasts a superb range of flights, with non-stop routes from the UK to a variety of mainland and island destinations. This means that even late bookers and those wishing to avoid the hassle of airline cancellations still have plenty of options.

Responsible Travel Tip: Opt for direct flights to one of Greece's larger islands and then venture into less-traveled areas. Eastern Crete is a fantastic choice, where you can visit Vai, home to Europe's only palm forest, and the UNESCO-listed Sitia Geopark, a mountainous wilderness filled with hiking and biking trails. If your journey includes Athens and onward travel, consider taking a ferry instead of a flight—just be sure to book your tickets in advance.

Venice Sunset Cruise by Typical Venetian Boat

Acropolis and Museum Guided Tour with Ticket

Santorini Classic Catamaran Cruise with Meal Drinks and Transfers

5. Ecuador

Ecuador, a land of remarkable geographical extremes, boasts unparalleled biodiversity and varied topography. In just two to three weeks, you can experience everything from the high-altitude Andes to the deep Amazon, the Pacific coast, and beyond. This makes Ecuador a microcosm of South America, perfect for those who don’t have the luxury of a long sabbatical.

August marks Ecuadorian winter, where you’ll need a light jacket and a woolly hat at higher altitudes. It's also the dry season, making the Amazon less humid, buggy, and boggy—ideal conditions for wildlife watching. The clear skies in the Andes offer stunning views of towering volcanoes, Spanish-colonial cities, and vibrant market towns. 

On the coast, it's prime time for whale watching or enjoying a mini-Galápagos experience on Isla de la Plata, a day trip from the mainland featuring blue-footed boobies, manta rays, and green turtles. Alternatively, venture into the cloud forest, a jungle area between the Andes and the Amazon, replete with hiking trails, an array of orchids, and hummingbirds.

Mindo Cloud Forest Private Day Tour 118$

3 Days Amazon Rainforest Tour from Quito

Galapagos- Santa Cruz Explorer 4 days

PREMIUM: Half-Day City Tour in Guayaquil