Introduction
August is all about fun in the sun. Look out for luxury Mediterranean breaks, high-adventure in the Arctic and the chance to track the wildebeest migration in East Africa. Browse our top holiday suggestions below, then speak to our specialists who'll tailor your holiday to suit.
Summer holidays in Europe
August offers visitors to the northern hemisphere the chance to enjoy long, balmy days. While Europe as a whole is lovely, it is peak tourist season so consider heading to the less-frequented destinations such as Slovenia, Croatia, Spain's Basque Country, France's Southwest and the lakes of northern Italy. Then, for something truly epic, August sees the annual return of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express's epic journey from Paris to Istanbul. A recreation of the iconic train's original route, it's a journey you'll need to book months in advance.
Mid-summer in Scandinavia
Self-drive holidays through Norway's fjord landscapes are spectacular at this time of year, but it is imperative to book early to secure hotel and cabin availability, as demand is high and supply quite low. That said, secure your spot and you're in for some of the most spectacular landscapes anywhere in Europe. But that's not all. Head further north for some truly epic summertime adventures above the Arctic Circle, from summer stays at Sweden's ICEHOTEL to spotting polar bears amid Svalbard's glaciers and fjords.
Adventures in the Americas
In the USA, the wild spaces of Yellowstone National Park are good to explore in August and, while Cape Cod is beautiful at this time of year, it is also at its busiest. Across the border, visit Churchill in Canada for a chance to see polar bears in leafy climes. Heading southwards, Peru is still very popular with trekkers and it's also a great time to venture into the Amazon, with the Manu Reserve warm and dry at this time of year.
Spectacular safaris
East Africa celebrates the wilderness spectacle of the Great Migration with the Masai Mara in Kenya the place to be to witness the vast herds moving across the plains. In Namibia, the game viewing is at its best, but for both countries booking very well in advance is recommended. Elsewhere, Mozambique has warm and dry conditions, making its wild spaces and beaches equally attractive.