Top Places to Visit in August
How are we in August already? This year feels like it has flown over and it’s all downhill to the colder months from here! August is the season for summer holidays with so many destinations experiencing a massive boom in visitor numbers. It’s the month most families try, especially if you have children tied to school holidays. But if you’re struggling for inspiration for your next summer holiday, here are my top places to visit in August.
Bulgaria
The first destination on my list of top places to visit in August is Bulgaria. It still takes the crown as one of the best value holiday destinations for families so is a popular choice. If you’re looking for a busy family-friendly resort with lots going on, Sunny Beach is a great option. Miles of golden sandy beach as well as plenty of bars and restaurants. Waterparks, an amusement park and watersports on offer ensure there’s plenty for every member of the family to get stuck into.
If you’re looking for something a little quieter with plenty of history, Nessebar is another amazing option. The ancient city has the Old Town complete with cobbled streets as well as a beautiful stretch of coastline. There are a range of hotel options to suit any requirements. The resorts of St Vlas and Voya are also quiet coastal options with waterpark hotels, and smaller hotels ranging from all-inclusive to B&B.
If you want to see Bulgaria away from the holiday resorts. The capital city of Sofia is quiet in August as temperatures rise. If you don’t mind the heat, then exploring the capital could be a great option of for a summer city break with a difference. There are also plenty of family activities in the mountain regions such as walking, rafting, horse riding and vulture spotting. Perfect for those families who prefer a bit more of an active holiday.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh in August is not for the faint-hearted when the Fringe Festival rolls into town. I absolutely love Edinburgh but have never been brave enough to head there in August. But if you love a festival atmosphere, plus the opportunity to check out shows from some well-known and up-and-coming artists, it’s definitely a place to discover. The streets are usually packed with revellers and tourists who come to soak up the atmosphere of the city.
Shows take place in theatres, pubs, cafes and pop-ups on the corner of every street. Ticket prices range from free to premium so it’s really easy to find events which suit your tastes and budget. There are also of plenty of family-friendly events in the city to keep the kids entertained. Away from the Fringe, there’s also the Edinburgh International Festival, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival, the Edinburgh Mela Festival and a fireworks concert. There is so much going on in the city!
If staying in the heart of it all feels a bit too much, places such as Leith are easily accessible via a short tram ride. Stay out on the coast, and commute in and out for your favourite shows. Prices are usually a little steadier out there. Or stay further afield, and use public transport/the free parking options in Leith to commute into the centre of Edinburgh. Coastal towns such as Musselburgh, Prestonpans and Queensferry are well connected by buses and trains.
Sri Lanka
Next on my list of top places to visit in August is Sri Lanka. If you’re looking for a long-haul option this is one to consider. The weather in Sri Lanka in August is perfect for a summer holiday. It’s warm and dry so you can tailor your holiday to your own preferences. Want to spend time relaxing on the beaches? It’s the perfect temperature for that. Want to spend time exploring the jungles or head off on a safari? It’s warm and dry without being overbearing. It’s the end of the low season for Sri Lanka so there are fewer crowds and prices tend to be more reasonable. You’ll also be able to visit some of the top attractions in the country more easily, especially great if you’re heading off on a safari experience.
Sri Lanka would really be a once in a lifetime trip, especially if you’re taking the family out there. Take the children on a safari to spot elephants and leopards. Visit one of the elephant homes where elephants are free to roam, and you can observe them from a distance. Visit the tea gardens, head off sightseeing in the capital Colombo and spend some time getting your breath back on one of the beautiful beaches. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some blue whales!
Sri Lanka is pretty easy to get to from the UK with airlines such as Emirates offering connections via Dubai, or direct flights via Heathrow with Sri Lankan airlines. Travelling to a country such as Sri Lanka really gives your kids a taste of a different culture and way of life. Providing memories and educational opportunities in one go!
Egypt
If you like it hot, Egypt could be the summer destination for you. Average temperatures are around 37 degrees during the day, dropping to around 26 degrees at night so make sure you choose a hotel with air conditioning! Sea temperatures are around 29 degrees so perfect if you love sea swimming, snorkelling and diving!
Holidaying in Egypt can be as relaxing or as active as you like. There are plenty of large all-inclusive resorts allowing you to unpack and relax instantly. They’re usually beachfront, with plenty of pools, waterslides, kids clubs and entertainment for all the family! With everything you need on your doorstep, you can happily spend a week or two relaxing and recharging.
If spending a couple of weeks lying by the pool isn’t for you, Egypt has a lot of history to explore. Take a day trip to the pyramids. You can usually do this in a day from the beach resorts in Egypt. Trips leave early in the morning, and return early evening so you’re not travelling at the height of the temperatures.
Nile cruises are also a great option if you want to explore Egypt’s history. More tour operators have launched Nile cruises this year from smaller specialist operators to some larger operators such as easyJet and Tui. There’ll be a cruise to suit your family setup and budget. You get to explore Cairo, cruise the Nile and spend time marvelling at the pyramids. A great mix of relaxation and exploration.
Mallorca
The final destination on my list of top places to visit in August is Mallorca. Although the Balearics are a great holiday destination year-round, and indeed some of the other islands have already been featured in these lists, August is a great time to visit the island of Mallorca.
As August is the hottest month in Mallorca, holidays tend to revolve around beach breaks and nature. Resorts such as Alcudia, Magaluf and Palma Nova are the main resorts where families and friends head to relax and recharge in the sunshine. With long sandy beaches, plenty of bars and restaurants, waterparks and other attractions, there’ll be something for every family member. A wide range of accommodation from all-inclusive hotels with everything you need onsite, to self-catering apartments and B&B’s are available. So whatever your preferred style of holiday, there’ll be an option for you.
If you’re in Mallorca at the start of the month, one of the most important sailing competitions in the world takes place in Palma. More than 100 national and international teams compete in the regatta. If you’re in the capital, a great way to get around and preserve some energy in the heat is to jump on the hop-on-hop-off tour bus. This will take you around all the main sights including Mallorca Cathedral, Bellver Castle, the Seafront Promenade and the famous bullring.
If you want to escape the crowds of the coastal resorts, why not head inland and take advantage of the amazing nature on the island. Head to Valdemossa to visit the gardens of King Juan Carlos. If cycling is one of your family’s favourite pastimes, Espories is an ideal place for a bike ride. Or head to Pollenca where one of the most popular fiestas on the island takes place in August.
Top Places to Visit in August Round-Up
August is generally a time to head off for sunshine and long days relaxing or exploring somewhere new. With the peak holiday season in full swing, you can often expect flights to be full and resorts to be busy. If you’re looking for something specific, or have a good idea of the kind of holiday you would like, I would always recommend booking well in advance for August to make sure you can get a holiday matching your requirements. If you’re flexible, or looking for a last-minute getaway, there can often be some great offers available.
Of course, these five destinations are just a snapshot of the kind of destinations that are perfect for an August holiday. Cyprus, the Canaries and Greece are other destinations to head to if you like it hot. If the heat isn’t your kind of thing, then destinations such as the Norwegian Fjords, Austria and the UK offer a cooler alternative.
If all this talk of jetting off has got you inspired to book your next holiday, get in touch with your requirements and let me plan you perfect holiday. Here’s how to reach me…
Fill out my online request form here
Find me on Facebook here
If you’re looking for the very best travel offers, pop over to my Facebook Offers Group
If you’re looking to chat all things travel with like-minded families, I’d love to welcome you into my Family Travel Hub
Happy travel planning. Michelle x
