Where To Go In August
August is the peak of summer holidays and exactly the right time to jet off: just over halfway in the year, it’s when we all deserve a little holiday. Yet with temperatures getting hot hot hot in Europe, the beaches will be tempting – as will destinations further away.
If city life is more appealing, there’s no shortage of holiday hotspots ready to welcome visitors even at this busy time. However if you prefer to enjoy our unofficial month for travel, you’ll love what’s on offer. Here are our five favourite destinations for August.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
August is the end of winter at the Great Barrier Reef, and it’s the smart time to go. Temperatures are in the early to mid-twenties, Australian kids are back at school, and ‘stinger season’ – when jellyfish are plentiful in the Queensland waters – is still months away. While there might be a little wind, there’s not much rain and you’ll most likely find yourself with calm, clear waters that offer great visibility for the fascinating underwater life that makes this worth the long trip. August is whale watching season too, so you’ll most likely see humpback whales as they migrate from Antarctica. While manta rays can be seen throughout the year, they’re especially abundant now. The only real downside means the waters aren’t as warm as usual so swimmers might benefit from a wetsuit. But with water temperatures at 22C – warmer than British coastal waters ever get – we’re not complaining!
Bordeaux, France
Closer to home, a quick one-hour flight will see us land in Bordeaux, the wine capital of the old world. Yet it has plenty of appeal even away from the vineyards. The city is buzzing with great Gallic architecture and relaxed French life, plus the Bassins des Lumières is the largest digital arts centre in the world, crammed with all-encompassing immersive exhibitions. To escape the August heat, the popular beach of Arcachon lies just an hour away by train.
If you do want to visit a vineyard or two, Bordeaux is the only European city with wineries within its limits, which means you won’t need a car to get around, and you don’t have to opt for a guided tour of the vineyards. Just plan your route and get exploring!
Gota Canal, Sweden
The Göta Canal is a popular holiday spot within Sweden, but less famous internationally. That’s changing quickly – the cycling route has been named the European Cycle Route of 2025, thanks to its 220km of paths that make it ideal for family travel. Found within the vast stretch between Sweden’s two biggest cities, the canal is a three-hour train and bus ride from Gothenburg. Then in your own time, traverse across its 7 stages, passing across coastal landscapes, flocks of canal sheep, dense forests and charming towns. If you don’t want to cycle all the way, boating holidays are a popular alternative too. At the other end, it’s an 80-minute train journey from Norrköping to Stockholm, meaning you get to see Sweden’s urbanscape and countryside on one unforgettable trip.
Toledo, Spain
For a city that was once the heart of the Visigothic Kingdom, the crown jewel of King Charles V’s empire, and the capital of Spain until 1560, the ‘museum city’ of Toledo is an overlooked destination. A dream visit for lovers of history and culture, it’s no surprise that it’s been deemed a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Perched on top of a hill by the winding Tagus River, it’s where centuries of Spanish history converge. Its art and architecture are defined by the Christian, Jewish and Muslim settlers who’ve come before. While daytrips from Madrid are popular as it’s only 30 minutes away by train, staying for a few days allows a proper exploration, and an opportunity to see the city much quieter once the daytrippers return. It’s a real treat to see its most famous buildings like the Cristo de la Luz Mosque, Primada Cathedral and El Tránsito Synagogue light up dramatically in the night sky.
Da Nang, Vietnam
In the UK, our summer holidays coincide with the rainy or humid season in East Asia, meaning for the most part, it’s not the ideal time to visit. But Da Nang is an exception to the rule: August is just before their rainy season arrives, and temperatures are cooling off after the muggiest point in its year. In August, expect highs of 32C and some humidity – but is it really a far-flung holiday without it?
The coastal city of Da Nang offers plenty of choice to take a dip, most notably My Khe Beach, voted as one of the most attractive beaches in the world thanks to its vast stretch of golden sand and clear, inviting waters. Just 15 minutes away from Da Nang Airport, it’s easily accessible too.
If you’re heading away this August make sure to pack travel insurance to cover you for the unexpected! Switched On’s range of feature packed cover includes 24/7 emergency assistance, in-resort medical care through Air Dr, plus much more… Find out all the details by visiting our Travel Insurance page.