How does Rest Less make money
We make money through advertising and commission from affiliate links, which enable us to offer Rest Less as a free service to our users. The content on this page may use affiliate links, which track traffic from our website to a third party provider and enable us to receive a commission or payment from any traffic we refer.
* Affiliate links on this page have an * next to them. We place enormous importance on our editorial independence and the integrity of our content which means that we will never change how we write about something as a result of an affiliate link.
August is the high point of peak season when millions of people jet off for an overseas adventure, hoping to make the most of the summer. Much of Europe is jam-packed, but there are still places that have mostly slipped under the travel radar. And if you’re considering a staycation, August is undoubtedly the best month to brave the British beaches!
While prices do soar throughout the summer, there are still deals out there. If you swap the busy resort towns for more off-the-beaten-track destinations, you’ll get fewer crowds and significantly lower prices. Plus, you may discover your new favourite place!
So, if you’re thinking about an August break, we’re here to inspire you. Here are 10 of the best travel destinations.
To plan your trip, check out our holiday itinerary helper or find thousands of holiday deals using the button below.
Note: It’s always worth checking the latest FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK before planning your trip.
1. Slovenia
The time when Slovenia was one of Europe’s best-kept secrets is long gone, and August sees this beautiful country packed with tourists. If you don’t mind crowds, Lake Bled is at its most lovely, and the deep blue waters and soaring mountains will likely take your breath away. The Julian Alps are home to excellent hiking trails, and if you fancy a challenge, you can climb Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak.
But if you’re looking for a sense of peace, there are many lesser-known corners of the country. The Slovenian Riviera rivals Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, yet has a fraction of the crowds. If you want to escape the crush, it’s best to avoid the coast and head east instead. The towns of Ptuj and Maribor are a joy to explore, and you can go wine tasting in the surrounding Styrian vineyards.
2. Sussex, England
Of all the counties, Sussex might best encapsulate England’s “green and pleasant land”. The rolling hills and towering coastal cliffs of the South Downs are ideal for hiking, and the pretty villages and grand castles that dot the region are perfect for exploring on lazy summer afternoons. And, of course, there’s Brighton – the quintessential British seaside resort packed with quirky charm.
If you’re passionate about culture, art, and history, you’ll be interested to know that Sussex is home to many of England’s finest country houses. Goodwood House, Firle Place, and Petworth House are teeming with priceless art and many historic architectural features. And Brighton itself is famously home to the iconic Brighton Pavilion – a fabulous destination for a relaxed cultural break!
-
Intrepid Highlights of South-West England *
£739 off | United Kingdom | 9 days
Includes taxes and fees
3. Sibenik and the Kornati Islands, Croatia
August is Croatia’s hottest month – and its busiest. More than 20 million tourists flock to Croatia’s captivating coastline throughout the summer, so it may not seem an obvious choice if you’re looking to escape the crowds…but there are still quiet spots. It’s wise to avoid hotspots like Dubrovnik and Split and, instead, head to the historic city of Šibenik.
Made of chalk-white stone, this stunning city offers you a glimpse into local life and culture, and you can spend days losing yourself in its lovely labyrinth of streets. Sibenik is the gateway to the Kornati Islands – unpopulated islands that form part of Kornati National Park. The dazzling blue waters and dreamy coves here are breathtaking, and its off-the-beaten-track location means it tends to be quieter.
4. Colorado, USA
If you’re dreaming about an outdoorsy break and exploring truly spectacular scenery, why not head to Colorado? The first of August is Colorado Day, and the ensuing festivities mean it’s the ideal time to visit. You can enjoy free entry into the state’s many museums, too. But, of course, this state is most famous for its wilderness, so hikers, cyclists, and climbers are spoilt for choice.
Head into Rocky Mountain National Park for some seriously incredible trekking. While Colorado is home to only a small part of the Rockies, it’s arguably the most impressive, with its soaring summits, foaming rivers, gleaming lakes, and alpine meadows. Boulder is a great base, as is Denver. Both cities are heaven for foodies, boasting excellent farm-to-table dining and delicious craft beers!
5. Yorkshire, England
If you’re thinking about a staycation, Yorkshire is another excellent choice. Known for its idyllic rural beauty – all rolling green valleys, flower-filled meadows, rugged cliffs, and hills criss-crossed with dry-stone walls – it’s one of the most picturesque parts of the UK. And in August, when the weather is (usually) warm and dry, there’s no better time to explore this beautiful, bucolic region.
While hikers will be in their element, so will culture enthusiasts, as there’s plenty of art, history, and architecture to be found here, too. This county is home to some of the finest William Burges Gothic Revival churches in the UK, from Skelton-cum-Newby to Studley Royal, and the stained glass windows in both Bradford Cathedral and Cliffe Castle Museum are genuinely awe-inspiring.
6. Ecuador
If you don’t mind travelling further afield, Ecuador might be for you. This country may be small, but it packs a punch, and if you’re looking for adventure, there’s a dizzying array of options: trek up volcanoes, explore the Amazon Rainforest, zipline through cloud forests, and surf your way through sleepy seaside towns. August might be peak season, but Ecuador never really gets packed.
If you’re fascinated by wildlife, Ecuador is also the gateway to the Galápagos Islands, and visiting this unique archipelago is one of life’s great adventures. But there’s lots to do on the mainland, too. Quito is one of South America’s most compelling capitals, and losing yourself in the beautifully preserved, charismatic 16th-century Old Town is as exciting for history buffs as it is for architecture enthusiasts.
7. Singapore
Thanks to its position just north of the equator, Singapore enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, although thankfully, August is one of its less humid months. If you’re interested in visiting Asia’s only city-state, now’s a great time to go…because August is festival month! The 9th is National Day, when the city erupts with fireworks and lively parades march through the buzzing streets.
The Singapore Night Festival is almost always held in August, too, and these fascinating festivals allow you to see another side of this slick, modern city. Singapore is also known as a stopover city, so if you’re keen to visit other nearby countries, it can make a nice addition to your trip. The weather is fine in many other South East Asian destinations, too, from the Malaysian islands to Bali.
8. Suffolk, England
August is the best month for a staycation – but if you’d like to enjoy some peace and quiet, you’re better off avoiding places like Devon, Cornwall, or Pembrokeshire. Instead, venture to one of the lesser-visited counties, like Suffolk. The Suffolk Coast stretches for 50 miles through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, and unlike other seaside destinations, it’s rarely jam-packed.
The countryside here boasts incredible light, diverse landscapes and unique wildlife, and it’s just as popular with photographers and hikers as it is with bird watchers. But Suffolk’s rich heritage is also worth exploring. You can visit the Anglo-Saxon burial site at Sutton Hoo, admire stately castles at Framlingham and Orford, and stroll around the bustling historic market town of Lavenham.
9. Australia
If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Australia, why not go in August? While this month is peak high season in most of the world, it’s the end of the low season in Australia…which means fewer tourists, cheaper flights, and decent deals on accommodation. Given that trips Down Under never come cheap, it makes sense from an economic perspective.
Australia in August is also a very different continent compared to December. The cooler weather creates a more laid-back atmosphere – but there’s still plenty of sunshine, and temperatures rarely drop below the high teens. Whether you’re looking to visit cities like Sydney or Melbourne, head into the bush, hike through the jungles, or travel up the coast, August is a great time to do so.
10. Edinburgh, Scotland
And, finally, another UK destination to consider visiting in August…particularly if you’re interested in the arts. Beautiful, historic Edinburgh is a joy any time of year, but it comes alive in August. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe sees the medieval streets crammed with buskers, comedians, artists, and actors, and every corner of the city buzzes with life, light, and laughter.
The world’s largest performance arts festival celebrates music, drama, arts, and literature, so there’s something for everyone. You can discover the next comedic genius telling jokes in a local pub, watch famous acts completing residencies in the city’s elegant buildings, browse arts and crafts market stalls, and feast on delicious street food from the many food trucks that line the streets.
Final thoughts…
Whatever type of holiday you’re dreaming of, August is a great month to travel! If you’re not fussed about peace and tranquillity, much of Europe is at its most beautiful and vibrant – but if you’re hoping to escape the crowds, there are many lesser-visited destinations on the continent.
From the mountains of Slovenia to Croatia’s compelling Kornati Islands, Europe has many secrets to discover. And if you’re open to long-haul travel, places like Ecuador, Colorado, and Singapore all offer wonderfully diverse experiences.
And, of course, if you’re thinking about a staycation, there are plenty of choices, too. For an immersive and creative city break, Edinburgh ticks the box, and if you’re looking to enjoy some relaxation – as well as plenty of culture and history – then Suffolk, Yorkshire, and Sussex are all ideal destinations this August.
Looking to book your next getaway?
Are you planning to travel in August? Where are you thinking of going? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Read our full commenting terms and guidelines