14 Best Places To Travel In August 2026 [+ Mini Itineraries]

If you’re itching to escape on an adventure in August but you’re not sure where to go, then this is the blog for you.

I’m sharing the ultimate destinations with the best weather, unique events and minimal crowds in August 2026. Together with key information like how to get there, how long to go for and a mini itinerary to help you start planning an incredible trip.

Read on from the top to discover all the destinations or use the options below to jump to the continents you’re most interested in.

• Best places in Europe to travel
• Best places in Asia to travel
• Best places in South America to travel
• Best places in North America to travel
• Best places in Africa to travel
• Best places in Oceania to travel

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase through them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Best places in Europe to travel in August 2026

While there’s great spots in Europe to visit all year around, nothing beats summer on the continent. Especially northern Europe where the waters have warmed for swimming, the mountains are lush and green, and the magic of the midnight sun awaits. Plus, you’ll dodge the crowds and more extreme heat of southern Europe! Here’s where I recommend heading…

1. Road-trip the epic NC500 through the Scottish Highlands

Starting off strong, if you’ve always dreamed of travelling around the Scottish Highlands then August is a great time to do it. With the warmest daytime temperatures of the year you’ve got the best chance of getting lucky with the famously unpredictable weather.

Spend one week or 10 days if you can driving the iconic 500-mile loop around the northern coast of Scotland, stopping to explore ancient castle ruins, relax on golden sand beaches, hike to plunging waterfalls and stroll the edge of lochs. Pack a tent to camp along the way, rent a camper van, or hotel and BnB-hop for a taste of luxury.

Plus, at this time of year, all the best restaurants and coffee shops are open along the route serving up everything from Scottish favourites to the freshest seafood and international flavours.

• Average high temperature: 17°C
• Average low temperature: 10°C
• Average number of rainy days: 22
• Closest airport: Inverness Airport (INV)
• How long you need: 1 week (or more)

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Inverness to Dornoch. Start your journey on the NC500 in Inverness and after exploring the city head north via the beautiful Falls of Shin to golden Dornoch beach where you’ll find camping and guest houses nearby.

Day 2: Dornoch to Wick. Head to Cocoa Mountain coffee shop for your morning caffeine (and chocolate) hit before driving on to historic Dunrobin Castle to tour the 13th century estate and grounds. Stop off at Brora beach, climb the breath-taking Whaligoe Steps and explore the ruins of Wick Castle as well as Castle Sinclair and Girnigoe on your way to your second night stay in Wick.

Day 3: Wick to Durness. Start your day at Duncansby Stack and lighthouse for mesmerising views, take an obligatory photo with the John O’Groats sign as you pass through and stop by the Queen Mother’s favourite residence – the Castle of Mey. Stop in Thurso for lunch before relaxing on the beach at Coldbackie Sands and exploring the ruins of Castle Varrich. Continue on to Durness to set up camp then use the afternoon to venture into Smoo Cave and have a swim.

Day 4: Durness to Lochinver. Enjoy a morning stroll on Sango Sands beach (likely where you camped!) before heading around to catch the boat to Handa Island. Here you can see lots of different seabirds including puffins and enjoy a beautiful clifftop walk. Pass over engineering marvel, Kylesku Bridge for lunch to grab a lobster roll from the mobile restaurant there before driving into Lochinver for the night.

Day 5: Lochinver to Ullapool. Head over to Little Assynt for a morning tea room stop before getting back on the road to the ruins of Ardvreck Castle where you can swim in the lock too. From there, venture into the Bone Caves in the hills and Knockan Crag Nature Reserve. After an afternoon of exploring, drive on to Ullapool for dinner and drinks at sunset.

Day 6: Ullapool to Applecross. Not far out of Ullapool you’ll come to the crazy high Falls of Measach and Victoria Falls. Stop by the town of Shieldaig for a taste of local life before you tackle Britain’s highest road – The Bealach na Ba. Celebrate successfully making it around the hair pin bends with fish and chips at the Applecross inn.

Day 7: Kinlochewe to Inverness. On your final day, stop off at Black Water and Rogie Falls as you make your way back across to Inverness.

Best Scottish accommodation | Find the best local tours

Other NC500 resources:

• 8 things I wish someone told me before driving the NC500
• 11 of the best restaurants on the NC500
• 10 of the best coffee shops on the NC500
• 11 of the best campsites on the NC500

2. Drive Iceland’s wild ring road to spot puffins & whales

For a different road trip of even more epic proportions, head to the land of fire and ice this August – Iceland. Again, this month offers the warmest temperatures of the year and gives you the best opportunities to access hikes, explore waterfalls and most excitingly, watch whales and puffins!

August is recognised as one of the peak whale watching months in Iceland and when I visited this was certainly true, spotting four humpback whales. It’s also the main puffin breeding season so you have great opportunities to spot them. And that’s just two stops along the way! In 10 days driving Iceland’s famous 820-mile Route 1 road around the island you’ll be able to swim in hot rivers, stroll black sand beaches, watch geysers rise and explore tiny viking villages.

Again, you can camp the entire way around like we did, or stop off in guest houses and AirBnBs for more home comforts.

• Average high temperature: 11°C
• Average low temperature: 8°C
• Average number of rainy days: 23
• Closest airport: Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
• How long you need: 10 days

Your itinerary:

Day 1: The Golden Circle. Start your road trip from Reykjavik by visiting the historic Thingvellir National Park, watching geysers erupt and stopping by the massive thundering waterfall, Gullfoss. Camp or head to a guest house near Flúðir.

Day 2: South to Vik. Head onto the ring road proper along southern Iceland towards Vik to see some incredible waterfalls including Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi and Skogafoss. After stopping to admire these natural wonders (and likely get soaked!) continue on to the Dyrhólaey Peninsula, home of the iconic Reynisfjara black sand beach. Then settle in for the night in little Vik.

Day 3: Vik to Vatnajökull National Park. On day three, continue driving east to Skaftafell Nature Reserve where you can hike the trails to Svartifoss waterfall and Sjónarnípa viewpoint giving you an incredible look at the glacier Skaftafellsjökull.

In the afternoon, book a tour to head out onto the Vatnajökull Glacier for the ultimate experience, you can find a really well-reviewed tour here.

Day 4: Vatnajökull National Park. Spend the day soaking up the wonders of this national park including Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you can watch seals swim around chunks of ice that have calved from the main glacier and floated downstream. Join a glacier hiking tour to get up close and explore the caverns of the glacier (find a top-rated tour here). From the park head to Hofn to spend the night.

Day 5: East Fjords. Start curving north around the eastern edge of the island and head into the Stokksnes Peninsula with more breathtaking black sand beaches and iconic Vestrahorn mountain which you might recognise from TV shows and films. Continue on across the stunning landscape to overnight in Seyðisfjörður.

Day 6: Northeast Iceland & Lake Mývatn. Edging further north, head towards Dettifoss Waterfall – the most powerful falls in Europe to watch its incredible force. Then continue on to Lake Mývatn, home to an incredible geothermal pool that’s quieter and more natural than the Blue Lagoon in the south. I’d highly recommend saving your hot springs experience for this point than closer to Reykjavik! You can also explore the steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots around the lake and wider volcanic area.

Day 7: North to Akureyri. On day 6, head to Húsavík, the oldest settlement in Iceland to explore the town and make a pit stop at Goðafoss Waterfall before driving into the lovely town of Akureyri to join a whale watching tour. Like I said, this is peak whale watching time so don’t miss out on your chance to spot them in the wild. Just be sure to wrap up warm as even in August, it’s cold on the water! Find a great whale watching tour here.

Day 8: Northwest Iceland & Arctic Coast Way. From Akureyri, duck off the ring road as you head west onto the Tröllaskagi Peninsula following sections of Arctic Coast Way. This is a route that was opened in 2019 to help tourists explore the rugged and sub-arctic coastline of the northwest. Stop off at swimming spots along the way and Grafarkirkja, the oldest church in Iceland. Continue on until you reach Vatnsnes Peninsula where you’ll rejoin the ring road and spend the night.

Day 9: The Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Again, head off the main ring road and over to the Peninsula to stroll Grundarfjörður, a little fishing village surrounded by stunning landscapes and famous Kirkjufell Mountain (you’ll recognise it from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty!) Continue on the road past lava fields, sea stacks and black sand beaches until you reach Arnarstapi to make camp.

Day 10: West Iceland & Reykjavik. On your final day, continue on through the peninsula until you reach the ring road again and head for the capital for an afternoon of city life. Be sure to pay a visit to the most famous church, Hallgrimskirkja, the concert hall, Harpa and the iconic Icelandic Phallological Museum (I’ll let you guess what that’s about… 😂).

Best Iceland accommodation | Find the best local tours

3. Experience the midnight sun on Norway’s Lofoten Islands

In some parts of northern Europe in August, the days are so long the sun doesn’t actually even set. There’s something so magical about wandering the hills at 1am, still bathed in a golden light and one of the best places to experience it are the Norwegian islands of Lofoten.

Just off the north west coast of Norway you’ll find the collection of islands that make up Lofoten connected by winding bridges. Spend 5 days here exploring old red fishing villages on stilts, hiking hills for breath-taking views, nibbling cinnamon buns straight from the oven and kayaking in turquoise waters.

You can hire a car to drive yourself around or make use of their excellent bus network to cut the cost of your trip.

• Average high temperature: 15°C
• Average low temperature: 10°C
• Average number of rainy days: 11
• Closest airport: Bodø International Airport (BOO)
• How long you need: 5 days

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive on Lofoten via the ferry from Bodø and spend the afternoon relaxing on the white sand beach, Rambergstranda.

Day 2: Explore Reine village and grab a coffee at the cosy coffee shop before climbing the 1,800 stairs up to the iconic Reinebringen viewpoint. From here you have the classic view over Reine and the neighbouring islands.

Day 3: Start your morning on Rørvik Beach to swim in crystal clear water, visit the little fishing village of Henningsvær and then hike nearby Festvågtind for breath-taking views standing on a single jutting rock.

Day 4: Hike to the 543m peak of Ryten for incredible views over Kvalvika Beach then head down to relax and explore the golden beach.

Day 5: Head to the tiny village of Å for hot cinnamon rolls freshly baked in a wood oven from 1878. Then wander the red stilt houses, stroll along the coast and hike up to the viewpoints over stunning Lake Ågvatnet before catching your ferry back to Bodø.

Best Lofoten Island accommodation | Find the best local tours

4. Try Scandi living in Copenhagen, Denmark

For the ultimate European city break in August, choose the Danish capital – Copenhagen. After enduring long dark winters, the city is literally buzzing with infectious summer energy.

Seize the opportunity to enjoy a long weekend soaking up the feel-good feeling by wandering (or cycling) the pretty cobbled streets, cooling off with a harbourside swim and of course tucking into the best cardamom knots in hygge coffee shops.

Plus, you can count on a good meal in the city. Copenhagen is home to some of the best restaurants in the world serving up everything from ramen and gyros to BBQ brisket and local favourite pickled herring… Whatever your taste, you’ll find it here!

• Average high temperature: 22°C
• Average low temperature: 14°C
• Average number of rainy days: 8
• Closest airport: Copenhagen International Airport (CPH)
• How long you need: 3 days

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Start your morning at one of the city’s best bakeries, Hart (they have many locations). Then head to Nyhavn to see the iconic colourful harbour and hop on a city boat tour to get your bearings (you can find my favourite boat trip here).

Afterwards, head over to Christianshavn to explore the wonderfully bohemian freetown, Christiana and scale the spiral tower of Our Saviour’s Church for incredible city views. Just be sure to book your ticket in advance here.

From here, cycle over to world-famous Carlsberg brewery and museum for a tour and tasting. End your night grabbing dinner and drinks in the historic meat-packing district.

Day 2: Grab coffee and pastries at beloved Juno The Bakery before wandering the chic streets of Nordhavnen and taking a dip in the harbourside pool. From there head south to pretty Kastellet fort to relax next to the windmill. Continue south to step in Frederik’s Church and admire its stunning domed ceiling and around to royal residence, Amalienborg Palace.

End your day soaking in your own hot tub at CopenHot then enjoy some of the best food from around the world at Reffen Street Food market next door. There’s also a bar with DJs in the evening so if you fancy a little dancing, head here!

Day 3: Head into the heart of town to enjoy cardamom knots and coffee at Democratic Coffee, shop beautiful ceramics and glass at Studio Arhoj and admire the 17th century round tower. Then wander across to Rosenborg Slot to stroll the rose gardens.

Pop into the extensive and free David Samling museum and gallery for a dose of history and culture from around the world before grabbing lunch and travelling home.

Best Copenhagen accommodation | Find the best local tours

5. Island-hop southern Sweden’s archipelago

For a balance of city-living and nature, choose the Swedish capital – Stockholm. While you can find all the glitz and grandeur of a big city in the heart of the historic centre, just off the coast you’ll also find a sprawling archipelago with candy floss skies.

Spend three days here paddling, swimming and hiking from island to island stopping for classic Swedish afternoon tea. As the weather is so mild and usually drier in August, you also have the option of spending the night on the islands. Whether it’s pitching your tent, renting a holiday cottage or even braving a magical night under the stars.

• Average high temperature: 22°C
• Average low temperature: 14°C
• Average number of rainy days: 8
• Closest airport: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
• How long you need: 3 days

Your itinerary:

Day 1: On your first day, soak up the history and culture of Stockholm’s old town. Wandering the colourful Swedish streets, peeking into palaces and heading down onto the metro to see incredible public art in the cave-like spaces. Then as the sun is setting, head up to Monteliusvägen cliff path for the most beautiful views over the city.

Day 2: Pick up a rental canoe and head out onto the archipelago ready to spend the night on one of the islands. Spend the day cruising from island to island and exploring old forts, hidden beaches and shallow coves. Don’t forget to stop off for fika at one of the island coffee shops, choosing from a mouth-watering selection of cakes and pastries to enjoy in the afternoon sun. Then pitch up for the night on one of the island’s pitches.

We rented our canoes from Skärgårdens Kanotcenter and they can give you advice on the best routes and camping spots. Plus, if you need camping equipment, you can also rent that from them too.

Day 3: Wake up to the sound of birds and lapping water on your own mini island escape, enjoy your camp breakfast and then head back onto the water to paddle back to the city. Stopping along the way to cool off with a swim and admire the pretty Swedish summer houses.

Best Stockholm accommodation | Find the best local tours

6. Hike hut-to-hut in the Swiss mountains

While many travellers associate Switzerland with skiing and winter spots, don’t miss out on the Swiss Alps in summer. By August the mountains are blanketed in lush green grass and you can hear the distant ringing of cow bells as they graze on the hills.

This truly is a hikers paradise and you can easily get around using the existing chair lifts and gondolas that open to connect the summer walking trails. Spend five days here tackling everything from circular lake walks to mountain summits – there’s something to suit every adventurer.

• Average high temperature: 23°C
• Average low temperature: 14°C
• Average number of rainy days: 12
• Closest airport: Zurich International Airport (ZRH)
• How long you need: 5 days

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Zurich to Interlaken. Spend your morning exploring Zurich’s old town and visiting the home of beloved Lindt chocolate before hopping on the train to Interlaken. In the afternoon, take the funicular up to Harder Kulm viewpoint to enjoy their viewing deck at 1322m high.

Day 2: Interlaken adventures. On your second day, spend it soaking up all the thrills to be had in Interlaken. From paragliding and white water rafting to speed boat trips and canyon swings – there’s something for everyone!

Day 3: Jungfraujoch day trip. On day three, take the train from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch to experience one of the highest peaks in the Bernese Alps at 4,100m tall. Ride the train to the iconic Jungfraujoch Station which is the highest in Europe and gives you incredible views over the mountains. You can find the full map of this route and buy tickets online here. From the top, there are various walks you can take following trails marked from easy to challenging.

Day 4: Interlaken to Zermatt. Take the 2 hour train to Zermatt to see the striking shape of Matterhorn mountain for yourself. For the best views, take the highest cable car in Europe to the viewpoint in the mountains (buy your tickets online here). There’s also lots of hikes and walks you can do around the area so spend the rest of the day hitting the trails.

Day 5: Zermatt to St Moritz. On your final day, journey to St Moritz on the world-famous Glacier Express Panoramic Train which winds through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. You can learn more about the route and buy your tickets here. In St Moritz, wander the town, ride the oldest bob sled run in the world or relax in a spa before you start your journey back to Zurich.

Best Swiss accommodation | Find the best local tours

Best places in Asia to travel in August 2026

When it comes to the Middle East and Asia in August, the temperatures are hot. So hot that the only place you want to be is in the breezy desert that’s beautifully cool at night. Which is why I’d recommend saving visiting other parts of Asia for later into autumn or winter when it cools off and you can explore comfortably. Instead, head to beautiful Jordan for a very special sighting…

7. Watch the Perseids Meteor Shower from the desertscapes of Jordan

Besides being home to one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and the saltiest lake on the planet, there’s another very good reason to visit Jordan in August. Once a year, the stunning Perseids Meteor Shower passes overhead and it’s perfectly visible from Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert.

The lack of light pollution means you can see this spectacle as well as the constellations and form of the Milky Way. For the best sightings of up to 60 meteors an hour, travel between 12th-13th August.

• Average high temperature: 31°C
• Average low temperature: 18°C
• Average number of rainy days: 0
• Closest airport: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
• How long you need: 5 days

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Amman. Spend your first day exploring the capital, Amman and soaking up the history and culture including the historic citadel, bustling markets and byzantine mosaics.

Day 2: Jerash. Head north of the city to Jerash, the anicent Graeco-Roman city known as the ‘Pompeii of the East’ which was built over 2,000 years ago. Spend the best part of the day exploring this sprawling site.

Day 3: Petra. Journey south to spend a day taking in the marvels of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the City of Petra. The city was first settled around the 6th century BC by people from Western Arabia and was only rediscovered in 1812. While the photo of Petra’s main treasury facade is most famous, there’s lots more beyond to see from tombs and temples to amphitheatres.

Day 4: Wadi Rum & perseids meteor shower. From Petra, head further into the desert to experience this vast landscape with incredible rock formations. As the sun sets, the stars will start to appear before the main show starts – the perseids meteor shower.

Day 5: Dead Sea. On your final day, rest and relax floating in the most buoyant water and lowest point on the planet at 400m below sea level. There’s also hot springs and mud baths for a full detoxifying treatment!

Best Jordan accommodation | Find the best local tours

Best places in North America to travel in August 2026

Beat the heat and crowds in North American cities by heading out into the wilds. Off the beaten track you’ll find more unique experiences, get closer to wildlife and stay cool. Here’s my top recommendation…

8. Spot eagles & bears in Alaska

For wildlife lovers, the best place to be in North America in August is Alaska. The black and brown bears are most active feeding on salmon to fatten up for the coming winter, whales, otters and sea lions are prowling the seas, and bald eagles and migratory songbirds are visible in the skies.

Plus, there’s an incredible amount of National Parks, glaciers and mountain ranges to explore and admire. Spend one week taking in jaw-dropping views and wildlife-watching in this remote corner of the world.

• Average high temperature: 17°C
• Average low temperature: 9°C
• Average number of rainy days: 10
• Closest airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
• How long you need: 1 week

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Anchorage. Spend your first day in town exploring Alaska’s largest city exploring the city market for local treats, learning about native Alaskan culture and cycling along the coastal trail.

Day 2: Anchorage to Denali. On day two, take the scenic eight hour train down to Denali National Park and get settled in town for the night.

Day 3: Denali. Day three is dedicated to exploring the incredible National Park for which you have a few options. As it’s so large there are bus tours you can join that are narrated or hop-on-hop off to hike at various points. You can find a full run down of the various options on the park website here. This really is a wild landscape and you’ll have great opportunities to spot wolves, moose and bears roaming the tundra.

Day 4: Denali to Seward. Head back via Anchorage to Seward taking the train and then renting a car to drive the two hours from Anchorage. Stay the night in Seward ready for a day of exploring in the morning.

Day 5: Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park. Day five is all about cruising the Kenai Fjords, where mountains, ice and ocean meet.

Join a day boat tour to see whales, bald eagles and otters as well as pass by huge glaciers (you can find a brilliant one here).

Day 6: Kenai Fjords National Park. There’s so much to see here, spend a second day in the park on land, hiking across mind-blowing Harding Icefield to get up close to glaciers, snow-capped mountains and more wildlife spotting opportunities.

Day 7: Seward to Anchorage. On your final day, head back towards Anchorage via Girdwood to take the Alyeska tram up Alyeska mountain for some beautiful final views.

Best Alaska accommodation | Find the best local tours

Best places in South America to travel in August 2026

While it may be the peak of summer in the northern hemisphere, down in South America it’s the depths of winter. The perfect time to explore glaciers, snowshoe and ski. Here’s where to head…

9. Explore glaciers & sail the Beagle Channel at the end of the world in Ushuaia, Argentina

At the very southern tip of Argentina you’ll find the city at the end of the world – Ushuaia. Home to the nature-rich Beagle Channel famously explored by Charles Darwin, glaciers and sprawling National Park, Tierra del Fuego. In August, not only have the summer crowds disappeared but the winds drop and the city is blanketed in a beautiful layer of snow that makes exploring the mountains even more incredible.

Spend one week in this small but perfectly formed city spotting sea lions, hiking to emerald green lakes, exploring Glacier Martial, feasting on local lamb stew, king crab and hot chocolate in cosy cafés.

• Average high temperature: 6°C
• Average low temperature: -1 °C
• Average number of rainy/snowy days: 8
• Closest airport: Ushuaia International Airport (USH)
• How long you need: 1 week

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Start your trip cruising the Beagle Channel to spot sea lions, a whole range of seabirds and iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. Plus, stop off at Isla Bridges for a mini trek and incredible views across the bay. Click here to book the brilliant boat trip I took.

Day 2: Head just outside the city to scale striking Martial Glacier. Rent ice grips from the outdoor equipment shop at the bottom of the glacier and follow the trail up through the snow-covered woods and onto the open ice field. In the depths of winter, the ice is frozen solid so you can happily explore here without a guide.

Day 3: Hike boardwalks, woodland and open plains to beautiful Laguna Esmerelda. The turquoise waters of this lake are stunning and in winter when it freezes over you can walk across the surface. The hike itself offers jaw-dropping views of the hills and valleys and the trails through the woodland feel like a winter wonderland.

Day 4: Spend a day in the city learning about local history, visiting the old prison museum and strolling Reserva Natural Urbana Bahía Encerrada. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the famous Ushuaia sign and of course head to one of the cosy coffee shops for a caffeine and cake hit.

Day 5: Explore the famous National Park, Tierra del Fuego following trails that wind around lakes, woodland and mountains or rent a canoe to see the park from the water.

Day 6: Journey further out of the city to the striking bright blue Glacier Vinciguerra where you can enter ice caverns and hike across the surface. Again, you can explore here by yourself or join a tour to go deeper into the glacier (find a great one here).

Day 7: Get your adrenaline pumping with a 4×4 tour of Ushuaia’s lakes. Tackling tricky terrain where only certain vehicles can get to for the best views. You can find a great 4×4 tour here.

You can find my full detailed itinerary here: Ultimate itinerary for 1 week in Ushuaia, Argentina 2024

Best Ushuaia accommodation | Find the best local tours

10. Straddle the equator & hike volcanoes in Quito, Ecuador

Sat right on the equator, the temperatures in Ecuador don’t change that much throughout the year, but what does is the rain! Which is why the best time to explore this South American gem is in the dry season which runs from June to September.

Spend a long weekend in the capital, Quito with one foot literally in the northern hemisphere and one in the south before heading out of the city to walk the foothills of Cotopaxi volcano.

Plus, as a coffee and cocoa bean growing country, you can be sure to find some of the best roasts and chocolate tasting as well as learn more about Inca and Conquistador history. It’s a small country with a lot to offer!

• Average high temperature: 20°C
• Average low temperature: 9°C
• Average number of rainy days: 6
• Closest airport: Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO)
• How long you need: 4 days

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Head out early to take the TelefériQo cable car up into the hills around Quito for perfect cloud-free views of the city below. There’s also a free set of swings up there which feel like you’re swinging onto the sky! From there, head back into the old town to take a free walking tour and visit some of the city’s most beautiful landmarks. In the evening, learn how to make your own chocolate and sip cocktails at sunset at Yumbos.

Day 2: Head north of the city to Mitad del Mundo Monument which as the name suggests marks the line of the equator where you can literally have one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the south. There’s fun exhibits here to explore and close-by, a museum and gallery dedicated to the work of indigenous painter and sculptor Ortega Maila that’s worth checking out.

Day 3: Head south to Cotopaxi National Park to get incredible views of its namesake volcano and hike around the park. Stay at incredibly well-reviewed Secret Garden Cotopaxi for a magical night in one of their hobbit houses.

Day 4: Head back to Quito via the stunning Quilotoa Lake crater lake. Stroll around the rim of this former volcano to admire the bright blue lake and head down into it to kayak on the surface.

You can find my full detailed itinerary here: Ultimate itinerary for 2 days in Quito, Ecuador 2024

Best Quito accommodation | Find the best local tours

Best places in Africa to travel in August 2026

Like South America, by August the coolest parts of Africa are in the south. But you won’t need your skis here – staying balmy even in winter you’ve got the best chance to see incredible animal migrations and mind-blowing landscapes. Here are the top destinations…

11. Watch the great migration on the plains of the Masai Mara, Kenya

If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration then August is the time to make it happen. With the driest conditions, warm weather and largest herds of up to 1.5 million wildebeest moving across the Masai Mara plains, you’re in for the most dramatic scenes.

Plus, it’s not just wildebeest you need to keep an eye out for, the National Reserve is home to 450 different species including zebras, gazelles, elephants, rhinos, leopards and crocodiles. Spend one week in Kenya to soak up the culture in the capital Nairobi before heading out to Masai Mara.

• Average high temperature: 25°C
• Average low temperature: 12°C
• Average number of rainy days: 8
• Closest airport: Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)
• How long you need: 5 days

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Nairobi. Spend your first day in Kenya exploring the capital and enjoying your first wildlife encounters at the Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage and Nairobi National Park. There are also lots of brilliant restaurants in the city so be sure to have lunch and dinner out!

Day 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara. Set off for Masai Mara National Park early as it’s about a six hour drive to get there and you want to arrive just after lunchtime. In the afternoon you could visit a nearby Masai village to meet a local Masai tribe and learn more about their culture and history. Spend the night at a safari lodge which will be your base for the rest of your trip.

Days 3 & 4: Masai Mara. Head out on your full day game drives with the best chances of seeing wildlife early in the morning and as the temperatures cool off in the afternoon. The longer you can spend in the park during this trip, the more likely you’ll see all big 5 animals.

Day 5: Masai Mara to Nairobi. In the morning, head out on a final sunrise game drive to get your last fill of the park then start the journey back to Nairobi for dinner and departure.

Best Masai Mara accommodation | Find the best local tours

12. Spot rhinos & elephants where the desert meets the sea in Namibia

For more varied landscapes and brilliant weather, choose Namibia. By August the days are usually sunny with bright blue skies and almost no rain. Perfect conditions for dune driving where the desert meets the sea, exploring petrified forests and stargazing in the clear night skies.

In one week you can explore a whole host of terrains, either by joining a tour or embarking on your own road trip. From the skeleton coast scattered with shipwrecks and lush Etosha National Park to the bustling capital, Windhoek and remote desertscapes.

• Average high temperature: 25°C
• Average low temperature: 9°C
• Average number of rainy days: 1
• Closest airport: Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
• How long you need: 1 week

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Windhoek to Etosha National Park. As the capital city is a while away from the airport, it’s better to pick up your hire car when you land and drive straight out wildlife-rich Etosha National Park. Enter the park and head to one of the campgrounds or lodges to spend the night.

Day 2: Etosha National Park. On day two, head out on a game drive early to catch the best of the morning sightings of lions, leopards and cheetahs. Then head towards Etosha Pan which is the largest salt pan in Africa stretching for as far as the eye can see. Pack a lunch and snacks to spend the whole day wildlife watching at the different designated spots before heading back to your accommodation.

Day 3: Etosha National Park to Skeleton Coast. Start heading towards the coast breaking up the journey at small villages along the way to buy souvenirs and meet local tribes including the Nama, Himba and Herero. In the afternoon you’ll start to see the massive sand dunes that roll into the ocean and the bones of shipwrecks that give this place its name, a breathtaking sight! Park up to rest for the night after the long journey.

Day 4: Skeleton Coast to Swakopmund. On day four, have a break from the road by spending the day in laid back Swakopmund where you can sandboard in the dunes, take a hot air balloon ride to see the area from above, quad bike and take a cycling tour.

Day 5: Swakopmund to Sossusvlei National Park. Start the longer journey towards Sossusvlei marvelling at the landscape that unfolds before you and don’t miss stopping at the Tropic of Capricorn sign as you pass it. Continue on to the National Park and settle into your accommodation or campsite ready for a day of exploring tomorrow.

Day 6: Sossusvlei National Park. Today is all about soaking up the major sights in the park – Deadvlei and the sand dunes. Head out early to beat the heat and crowds to see the iconic petrified trees against the backdrop of bright orange dunes, climb the biggest dune, Big Daddy and explore to your heart’s content!

Day 7: Sossusvlei to Windhoek. On your final day, drive four hours back towards the airport stopping at the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre to see more cheetahs up close.

Best Namibia accommodation | Find the best local tours

Best places in Oceania to travel in August 2026

To be honest, in August the weather in much of Oceania from Australia to the Pacific Islands is perfect. But for the best crowd-free escapes, head to these secluded islands…

13. Swim waterfalls & cave pools in Samoa

With an average of 7.5 hours of sunshine a day and the driest conditions, if it’s a dose of sun you’re after there’s no better place than Samoa in August. The low levels of rainfall also mean the snorkelling visibility is excellent, giving you the chance to see up to 200 varieties of coral, 1,000 species of fish, turtles, rays and even humpback whales which arrive in August.

Samoa is also home to the most impressive waterfalls in the South Pacific and during your trip you can take on the waterfall circuit alone or with a tour. Plus, lots of them have swimming holes you can take the plunge in to cool off after a morning of exploring.

Spend a sun-soaked week on the island, diving, hiking, surfing and relaxing to your heart’s content!

• Average high temperature: 29°C
• Average low temperature: 23°C
• Average number of rainy days: 9
• Closest airport: Faleolo International Airport (APW)
• How long you need: 5 days

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Upolu West Coast. When you land, pick up your rental car and start heading towards Maninoa along the Main West Coast Road. As the road rises above the cliffs you’ll get incredible views of the lagoons below before you start descending into Lefaga Bay. Spend the afternoon here canyoning in the waterfalls or at high tide swim with giant clams and turtles at Savaia Giant Clam Sanctuary. Then continue on to Maninoa to spend the night.

Day 2: Upolu South Coast. On day two, pick up the Main South Coast Road through O Le Pupu Pu’e National Park stopping to do the two hour coastal walk to get a great view of the sea arches. After, head back on the road for a few minutes and you’ll come to Togitogiga Waterfall where you can cool off with a swim and a little further on postcard perfect To Sua Ocean Trench, the beautiful blue swimming hole. End your day in Lalomanu relaxing and grabbing dinner.

Day 3: Upolu East Coast. On the road today, stop off at Sopoaga Falls and Fuipisia Waterfall as you wind through jungle-edged passes. From there you’ll come to Falefa Falls where you can stock up on supplies ready for an afternoon swim at Piula Cave Pools. Follow the road on to your final destination, Apia.

Day 4: Apia. On day four, you have a full day to explore the capital. Here the main things to see are the Royal Samoan Police Marching Band, the various markets, the Cultural Village and Museum of Samoa as well as snorkelling at Palolo Deep Marine Reserve.

Day 5: Apia to airport. On your final day, spend the morning relaxing island style in Apia before heading back to the airport and dropping your car off.

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14. Scuba dive reefs & wrecks in Vanuatu

Last but by no means least, Vanuatu also experiences stunning weather in August. With the lowest rainfall and sunniest conditions it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Spend one week hopping around the 80 islands that make up the country, heading to white sandy beaches, swimming blue holes, overnighting on an active volcano and diving fascinating WW2 shipwrecks. There’s so much to see and something for every travel style.

• Average high temperature: 28°C
• Average low temperature: 16°C
• Average number of rainy days: 16 days
• Closest airport: Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
• How long you need: 1 week

Your itinerary:

Day 1: Port Vila. Spend your first day on the main island of Efate in laid back Port Vila. Stroll vibrant local markets and spot bright street art, nibble on fried salted coconut and learn about voodoo before grabbing dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Day 2: Pele & Lelepa Islands. On day two, head out on an island tour of two spots just off the coast. Pele is only 10 minutes from Efate where you can snorkel, relax on the beach and enjoy a BBQ lunch. Lelepa is a tropical paradise of rainforest, golden beaches and ancient caves. Spend the afternoon here soaking it all in before catching the boat back to the main island.

Day 3: Port Vila & Mele Cascades. Get your adrenaline pumping on day three by renting a buggy to cruise through the jungle backroads and villages of wider Port Vila. Then head 10km outside town to the 35m high Mele Cascades where you can jump into the plunge pool and swim in the falls.

Days 4 to 6: Outer islands Espiritu Santo & Tanna. Spend a couple of days at some of the further flung islands by catching a short plane ride over to diving paradise. On Espiritu Santo you can dive US shipwrecks including SS President Coolidge and lots of old military equipment that was scattered there after WW2. Think of it as an underwater museum! On Tanna, it’s all about visiting one of the most active volcanoes – Mount Yasur. With a guide you can explore its foothills and feel the giant rolling and turning under your feet.

Day 7: Port Vila. On your final day, spend it relaxing at Crystal Blue Lagoon just outside Port Vila. As the name suggests, it’s a perfectly blue pool that’s just calling you to swim in. What better way to end your trip!?

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There we have it, my round up of the best places to travel this August to catch the best weather, incredible experiences and beat the crowds. Where will you travel?! I’d love to hear about your plans, please let me know in the comments below.

Happy travelling!

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