The 8 Most Beautiful Places in the World to Travel This August
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Even though summer officially ends in late September, Labor Day Weekend signals that evenings grilling alfresco and beach weekends are soon coming to an end for most people in the Northern Hemisphere. However, we think August is actually the ideal time to end the season with a bang before the kids go back to school and life gets hectic again—so why not take one more leisurely vacation to soak up the final few dog days of summer?
Here, we’ve compiled the best places to travel in August around the world. From Maine to Turkey and Bermuda to Norway, here are some of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations to visit in August.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Full of charm and character, Kennebunkport comes alive when the weather warms up in the summertime. There’s truly something for everyone to do, whether you want to fish, kayak, kite surf, go boating or hit one of the trails for a bike ride. Don’t miss the quaint downtown, which is filled with lively shops, art galleries and incredible restaurants.
Where to Stay: Goose Rocks Beach House
Bermuda
Bermuda is just a quick flight away for those living on the East Coast, so this island can be enjoyed even if you only have a free long weekend. Unlike most other islands, August is a great time to visit Bermuda because it is typically spared from summer hurricanes, and the weather is still quite pleasant.
Additionally, Bermuda celebrates the Emancipation from August 3-4 with a Cup Match cricket game. During this time, the island’s culture is on full display with food, drinks, games and festivities. This summer, designer Sarah Bray has also collaborated with Rosewood Bermuda on a collection of her sustainable sun hats and curated a local’s guide to “off-the-beaten-path” places for guests to explore, so make sure to pick up a copy while you’re there.
Where to Stay: Rosewood Bermuda
Turkey
Turkey is the ultimate destination for those who love architecture, design, culture and natural beauty. Whether you head to Istanbul to see the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and famed Grand Bazaar or opt for a relaxing beach or yachting vacation in Bodrum, you truly can’t go wrong. Just don’t go to this incredible country without treating yourself to a traditional Turkish hammam experience—your stress (and dead skin) will instantly melt away.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Whether you want to spend a day on the Monticello Wine Trail, play golf on one of the nearby championship courses, or take a private sunset flight over the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia’s idyllic countryside is a treat in the late summer.
There’s so much history and culture here to take in—three founding fathers have homes in Charlottesville and there are incredible museums and historical sites honoring the legacy of Native American and African American people from the region. The area is also home to Michie Tavern, a colonial-era tavern where you can still eat and drink today (the menu features authentic southern recipes that were actually served during the 18th century).
Trodheim, Norway
When you think of the best food in Europe, Paris, Rome or Barcelona may come to mind. But if you’re a foodie, Trondheim, Norway, should be on your travel bucket list. In 2022, it was designated as the official European Region of Gastronomy, and this August 3-5, the city will host both the Trøndelag Food Festival and Trondheim Brewery Festival.
At these events, you’ll get to experience cooking classes, tastings from local food producers and craft breweries, and celebrate the food culture of the Trøndelag region. Bonus: With highs in the 60s, you'll get a welcome reprieve from the dog days of summer.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a fun destination any time of year, but in August the city truly shines. Whether you want to hit up a baseball game, attend a concert (the Chicago Jazz Festival will take place at the end of August), shop on Magnificent Mile, or eat your way through the city, you’re in for a great time.
Loire Valley, France
Take a quick drive or train ride from Paris to Loire Valley, which is known as the “garden of France.” This region draws visitors for its world-famous wine (including Sancerre and pouilly-fumé), beautiful chateaux, and scenic views of the Loire river.
This summer, enjoy an immersive sound and light show in the courtyard of Château Royal de Blois or experience the Nights of a Thousand Lights at Château de Villandry when the château is illuminated with 2,000 candles. Additionally, the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire will host its annual International Garden Festival from now until November 5, 2023 and Château Royal d'Amboise will host an exhibition titled, Louis XI: The Order of Saint Michael and the Rise of Royal Power, in honor of the 600th anniversary of the king, who once lived in the château.
Where to Say: Château Louise de La Vallière
Okinawa, Japan
Japan may not be the first place you think of for a summer vacation, but the country’s breathtaking beaches might just persuade you to hop on a plane ASAP. Just a 2.5-hour flight from Tokyo, Okinawa boasts clear aquamarine water and white-sand beaches that look like they belong on a desktop screensaver.
Plus, from July to September, Halekulani Okinawa is running a “Discover the Island’s Glow” package that will take visitors on a sunset kayak in a nearby national park. There, you’ll wade through mangrove forests and see thousands of fireflies lighting up the night sky. Sounds dreamy, right?
Where to Stay: Halekulani Okinawa
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