The best places to go in August: Our top travel picks for a solo holiday
Record-topping temperatures (and equally high expectations) characterise travel in August if you’re a resident of the Northern Hemisphere. If you’re looking for a beach holiday, there are plenty of destinations in Europe that fit the bill. However, if you’re eager for a solo adventure – whether that’s seeking out the ceviche-rich food scene in Peru or exploring India’s leopard-roamed Aravalli Range – then we’ve got you covered, too.
Over in Tanzania, the Great Migration, one of the must-see wildlife events in Africa, is about to begin. And Greece still has a few lesser-known beaches and islands to hop between, even in the height of summer. Read on to uncover the top destinations in August for your next solo holiday.
Tanzania
Average temperature: 29°C / 85°F
Why you should visit now:
August in Tanzania means one thing: the Great Migration. Watch over one million wildebeest, antelope and zebra thunder across the arid landscape towards the Maasai Mara. They cross at the Mara River, the site of so many photos and filming opportunities, as predators prey on gambolling game, above and below the water. Dry, cool conditions make for pleasant viewing on a 4X4 safari. Meanwhile, the kusi winds sweep through Zanzibar in August, creating ideal conditions for kitesurfing or just strolling along silky sands.
Expert tip:
Mnemba Island off Zanzibar is the country’s diving capital. Swim through the kaleidoscopic coral gardens, teeming with white-tipped reef sharks, Napoleon fish and barracudas.
Peru
Average temperature: 19°C / 66°F
Why you should visit now:
Yes, August is the depths of winter in Peru, but it still promises warm, sunny days and very little rain. The Peruvian food scene in Lima is a favourite for solo travellers at all times of year. Set your nose for bohemian Barranco, where you’ll find hole-in-the-wall food sellers alongside Latin America’s top restaurants. Try sizzling hot anticuchos (marinated beef skewers), seasoned with cumin, pepper and garlic. Next, head deep into the Amazon rainforest where you can silently cruise along the water on boat rides looking for animals. Watch out for the glinting eyes of caimans observing you from the riverbank.
Expert tip:
Pack plenty of warm layers, as temperatures can dip to lows of 2°C / 36°F at night.
India
Average temperature: 19°C / 66°F
Why you should visit now:
After the scorching heights of June and July, August in north India offers more amiable temperatures. Monsoon season is just around the corner, so the normally dry desert state of Rajasthan can start to turn green with the return of rain, especially around the leopard-roamed Aravalli Range. Elsewhere, you’ll find pink-blush palaces in Jaipur, a lush lakeside city in Udaipur and pindrop-quiet wilderness in the Thar desert. Trek deep into the sand dunes on a sunset camel ride.
Expert tip:
Udaipur’s Lake Pichola was the filming location for the James Bond film, Octopussy. The tree-shaped terrace of Ambrai Restaurant is a great spot to watch daredevil local kids diving into the water.
Greece
Average temperature: 27°C / 81°F
Why you should visit now:
Greece’s innumerable beaches come into their own in August, when temperatures draw visitors to the country’s islands. Beach lovers should head to Naxos, home to miles of wild white sandy coves. Thunder across the shore on horseback, learn to windsurf at Mikri Vigla or just flip between your sunlounger and the sea. Come nightfall, the Kitron bar serves deliciously refreshing cocktails, made with the island’s local citrus spirit, kitro.
Expert tip:
Naxos’ mountainous interior offers good biking trails. Hire an e-bike to bounce between sugar-cube villages and down to the irresistibly blue sea.
Ecuador
Average temperature: 17°C / 63°F
Why you should visit now:
Ecuador is known for its hot, humid climate with plenty of rainfall. However, come August, you’ll find the temperatures mellow out and the skies dry up, making it the most popular time to visit. Looking for adventure? This South American nation is a seasoned pro with hiking around active volcanoes, such as Cotopaxi, and white-water rafting in the Oriente jungle. If time, explore the coast with its world-class beaches, unpretentious surf towns and exotic birdlife.
Expert tip:
No time for the Galápagos? Visit Isla de la Plata, a diving destination just off the mainland, home to green sea turtles and manta rays.
Croatia
Average temperature: 26°C / 79°F
Why you should visit now:
You probably don’t want to maroon yourself on Hvar in August, because it’s far from a deserted island. But as with all of Europe’s summer favourites, there are quieter, more secluded spots in Croatia, if you’re prepared to stray from the well-trodden path. Like kayaking along the inland Mrežnica river, say. Or heading to the central region’s centrepiece, Plitvice Lakes National Park, gilded by Unesco since way back in 1979.
Expert tip:
If you are set on the islands, do it in style – by private speedboat.
Portugal
Average temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Why you should visit now:
The words “affordable” and “European summer” don’t often go hand in hand, but Portugal just so happens to be a wallet-pleaser at any time of year. Hang out on sunny rooftop bars in Lisbon, stock up on a year’s supply of port in Porto, and hit the beaches in between on a road trip. It’s only three hours from one city to the next, but you can eke it out with slow-travel stops and stays in Nazaré, Peniche and Ericeira.
Expert tip:
The interior of Portugal can get roasting in August, so seek out the lesser-visited Atlantic coast, with fewer tourists than the Algarve and cooler breezes than the Alentejo.
Ready to take off on your next adventure? Join Flash Pack today to discover group solo holidays with like-minded people in their 30s & 40s.
To find out where to go in September, read our expert travel tips, ideas and inspiration.
Images: Flash Pack, Unsplash
