As the warm days and leisurely afternoons of August reach their peak, you might be wondering if you can take a break from work to visit some exotic destinations that will refresh your senses and let you enjoy the remaining summer sunshine.
While the world is brimming with beautiful places, some destinations are particularly enchanting during the month of August. So, if you’re ready to catch the travel bug, here are a few spots that promise unforgettable experiences in the coming weeks.
The Maldives (above image)
The Maldives is known as one of the most luxurious and expensive vacation spots in the world. However, it’s worth reconsidering a trip to the Maldives in August, as this month falls in the off-season. During this time, many hotels and resorts offer discounts of up to 40%, making it a much more affordable destination. In addition to lower rates, hotels often include extra perks, and while occasional storms may occur, they tend to be brief. The stunningly clear waters remain perfect for diving, with abundant marine life, including sea turtles, whale sharks, and more.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Although the Serengeti has become more popular than the Maasai Mara for witnessing the Great Migration, the Maasai Mara stands out in August. During this time, Kenya experiences cool, dry weather, which marks the beginning of the Great Migration, often referred to as the 8th natural wonder of the world. In August, millions of zebras and wildebeest begin their epic journey to the Serengeti, creating an incredible spectacle of wildlife. The abundance of animal sightings makes this month an ideal time to visit Kenya.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
The Big Bend National Park is famous for its crystal clear skies and pristine surroundings. In fact, it is considered to be the least polluted national park in America, and this makes it the perfect spot to see the stunning Milky Way. Big Bend feels even more special during the month of August due to the Perseid meteor shower, often called the best meteor shower on the planet. Just make sure that you don’t forget to pack some stargazing equipment.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
August is the best time to visit the world-famous Galapagos Islands, one of the best places for wildlife lovers. The island boasts of having a rich plethora of species, many of which cannot be seen anywhere else on the planet. The weather cools down by the month of August and a feeding frenzy dawns on the area’s wildlife, leading to spectacular scenes all around. From the sea lions of San Cristobal and Sperm whales of Isabella Island to the penguins of Fernandina and giant tortoises of Santa Cruz, just about everything feels more beautiful and special.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is at its magnificent best when the temperatures come closer to 30 degrees C. The steppe grass becomes particularly beautiful in the month of August and many of the mountains in the country are at their visual and hospitable best. You can literally pitch your tent wherever you like and popular landmarks such as the Charyn Canyon are primed for explorations. The long evenings are ideal for exploring the country’s burgeoning café culture or simply sipping on some of the dessert wine produced in the region.
Westman Islands, Iceland
Iceland is one of the most unforgiving destinations during the winter season. The roads are blocked with ice, most museums are closed and many parts of the island are rendered inaccessible. However, come summer, the place transforms into a heavenly oasis that enjoys about 20 hours of sunlight and presents some of the most spectacular settings on the planet. The rolling landscapes promise incredible horseback rides while the Westfjords offer an experience of their own. What makes August the perfect time to visit Iceland is the fact that you get to watch adolescent puffins begin to take flight from their nests for the first time, a must-see sight for bird lovers.
August Rut, Yellowstone Park, USA
Visiting the national parks of America during mating season is sure to be one of the best experiences of your life. But if you’re planning to head over to the Yellowstone National Park in the month of August, you’re truly in for a visual treat. You can see herds of bulls come together, courting females, trying to assert their dominance, their roars echoing throughout the valley. Simply park close to a herd and turn off your engines and watch majestic bison’s pitch side by side, all feet in the air.
Visby, Sweden
Step back in time as you visit Visby, a stunning town located on the island of Gotland, Sweden. For seven days in the month of August, this enchanting town gets stuck in a time warp as it begins to resemble the romantic Middle Ages and celebrates all kinds of ancient practices and traditions. Its ancient walls host all kinds of banqueting and jousting while the markets and public areas offer access to medieval style storytelling and music. Medeltidsveckan is perhaps your best bet of enjoying unashamed revelry without having your own Tardis.
Grenadines and St. Vincent, Caribbean Islands
Prices begin to drop in the Caribbean towards August as rain becomes a constant menace, spoiling those sun and sand moments. However, the island is also at its greenest best during the month of August. Book a yacht and live life large or simply pick an island and call it your own for a few days. Visit award-winning restaurants, spend time in dreamy villas and look out for the Breadfruit Festival, a celebration which pays tribute to the island’s heritage.
Black Rock Desert, Nevada
Nevada. The state that makes everything seem wilder, bigger, better and more glamorous. From the lights of Sin City to the stunning Mojave Desert, the state has truly pioneered the way the world looks at travel. And come August, there’s an entirely new reason to visit Nevada: the Burning Man. This epic music festival has already developed a cult-like following and thousands of individuals make the annual pilgrimage to Black Rock City, a temporary community created from desert sand for a week-long adventure with music, camaraderie and party.
From spotting a whale along the west coast of Australia to encountering millions of animals in the green lands of Africa, the month of August has all kinds of special experiences in store for you.
Don’t forget to check- out Bookmundi‘s list of the 10 Adventures to Try in Your Lifetime and The 10 Most Beautiful Places in the World for a life-changing experience.