Where to travel in August

In a way, you're forced to take a vacation or travel in August—your coworkers and neighbors will do it anyway. From throwing tomatoes at city food fights to diving with sharks, these adventures around the world will make this August one of the best.

For 31 blissful days, the offices are sterile and the neighbors are suspiciously silent. Welcome to August. August means one thing and one thing only: time for an adventure.

Need a little inspiration on where to travel in August? Here are some of my favorite places to travel in not-so-obvious destinations around the world in August. These bucket list ideas will guarantee you a summer of excitement and adventure.

1) Spain, to party and throw tomatoes

In Spain there is always a lot to do. From the artsy streets of Barcelona to the luxurious yachts of Marbella, there are beaches galore and there are always tapas on tap.

But where to travel in August in Spain is special, because it is in this month when the Tomatina reaches the streets of Buñol, Valencia. There is no religious or cultural meaning behind the Tomatina; It's just a big street party where people pelt each other with tomatoes.

Participants throw more than 140,000 kilos of tomatoes at the festival every year. The disorder is sublime and the atmosphere is electric.

No matter how old you are, there's something deeply satisfying about throwing caution to the wind and covering loved ones and strangers alike in rich red tomato guts. Make sure you get your tickets in advance, as it is a very popular event.

Further south, the Malaga Fair (or Feria de Agosto) is the biggest festival of the year in Malaga. The festival commemorates the capture of the city by the Catholic Monarchs Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon in 1487, and sees flamenco dancers, food vendors and fairground attractions filling the city's streets. A whirlwind of colorful costumes and lively music, this party is an experience for all the senses.

2) Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, for safaris and camel rides

The best time to see wild animals on safari is the dry season. This is because watering holes dry up and animals gather en masse around the few that remain, making them easier to locate and observe. Additionally, the undergrowth thins as the plants dry, allowing for unobstructed views.

Kenya is no exception to this rule, and yes, you got it, this is where to travel in August.

The month of August in Kenya is the peak dry season and is therefore the best month of the year to spot big game. Elephants, lions, rhinos and other animals inhabit the open plains, sunbathing and searching for their next meal.

Without a doubt, the most exciting phenomenon to witness in Kenya in August is the wildebeest migration. Every year, these animals move from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of greener pastures. It is nature at its purest and most brutal as hungry predators hunt for their dinner.

Think Discovery Channel stuff but in real life, in front of your own eyes.

August is also the month of the famous Maralal camel derby. This annual three-day festival celebrates camels and is marked by camel races involving national and international competitors.

3) Edinburgh, Scotland, for the Fringe Festival

Whatever your age and whatever your entertainment tastes, you'll love the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This arts festival is the largest of its kind in the world and occupies the Scottish capital throughout the month of August. All the pubs, bars, cafes and town halls become stages, while the streets are packed with artists.

At the Edinburgh Festival Fringe you'll find comedy, theatre, spoken word, improvisation, dance, singing, circus acts, art installations, immersive theater and much, much more.

There are two types of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival: the free Fringe and the regular Fringe. Don't fool yourself into thinking that free shows are free because they aren't that good. Free shows are typically for new talent looking for exposure.

I recommend that you book your accommodation in advance. Edinburgh hotels and Airbnbs fill up quickly.

It's also worth downloading the Fringe app, as you won't be able to watch even a fraction of the thousands of shows, but it will make it easier to choose.

4) Utila, Honduras, for epic diving

Off the coast of mainland Honduras lies a small archipelago of paradise islands. They have crystal clear waters and pearly white sand. One of them is Utila, the cheapest place in the world to become a qualified PADI diver (the course usually ranges between $250 and $350).

In terms of where to travel in August, it is a prime time to dive as it is low season, meaning the water is not too crowded. Additionally, visibility remains excellent, as heavy rains don't start until October.

A main road runs through the island of Utila. Cars are scarce, but moto-taxis, scooters and bicycles move leisurely, dropping people off at the diving schools each day. It is a tranquil island, blessed with a splendid climate and a relaxed atmosphere that makes many travelers stay on the island longer than planned.

Most diving schools offer a package: a four-day course with accommodation and sometimes daily meals. I went with the Utila Diving Center and stayed in a great hostel with a pool and pizzeria.

If you choose to do the advanced PADI course after the standard qualification, you can usually get a discount if you book with the same school. Each course comes with two fun dives that you can do whenever you want. The advanced PADI license will allow you to dive to 100 feet, while the standard license only allows you to go to 60 feet.

Pro tip: If you decide to do the advanced PADI course, save all your dives until the end. This way you can go to the deepest and most interesting dive sites in all four dives.

5) Alaska through the national parks

Where to travel in August in the United States? Well, in Alaska this time of year, the sun doesn't set until 10pm, giving you ample opportunity to explore the frigid expanses of this unique American state. With just one person per 1.3 square miles, Alaska is the least populated state in the country. For example, next is Wyoming, with only six inhabitants per square kilometer.

However, what Alaska lacks in population density it more than makes up for in its sublime landscapes of forests, mountains, fjords and glaciers. Its wonders are found mainly in its national parks. Wrangell-St. Elias, Glacier Bay, Denali and Tongass are some of the best known. In fact, the Tongass is known for its frequent grizzly bear sightings.

One of the best ways to see Alaska is by cruise, as much of the state is inaccessible by land. From the comfort of your boat, you'll be able to watch the magnificent glaciers dotting the water and, if you're lucky, a whale or two swimming alongside you.

One of the most popular routes passes through the Inside Passage, a stretch of exceptional beauty with turquoise waters and steep snow-dusted mountains. This route has calm waters, which is a big plus especially for smaller boats, and has stops in the state capital, Juneau, as well as Ketchikan and Skagway.

Just make sure you equip yourself with the right travel gear, as even in August the weather can be harsh.

6) The Black Sea coast and Rila Mountains (Bulgaria), for incredibly scenic hiking

Bulgaria may never have appeared on your vacation destination radar, but there's no time like the present to change that. Bulgaria's Black Sea coast is one of the best summer vacation spots in Europe, easily rivaling Spain and Greece, but without the crowds and without the cost.

Sunny Beach has long been known to young Europeans who want a cheap party and a beautiful coastline. Varna and Sozopol offer more relaxing beach experiences, with sparkling sand flanked by some of Bulgaria's best architecture.

Away from the coast, the mountains provide respite from the heat. The Rila Mountains are strikingly beautiful, with their grassy slopes and craggy peaks, and are home to several glacial lakes and hot springs. The most popular tour is the Seven Lakes tour, which can be done in one day and takes you to all seven Rila lakes.

Of course, if you have free time after your beach and mountain excursions, you should spend a few days in the capital, Sofia. Sofia is the second oldest city in Europe and has spectacular Roman masonry on its walls. Learn more about the city and its history by visiting the National Historical Museum.

7) Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, to climb

Honestly, you can climb Kilimanjaro. You don't need fancy equipment or specialized mountaineering knowledge. You don't even need a map. All you need is good physical shape and the motivation to reach the top.

Mount Kilimanjaro is often praised for its accessibility. You may even hear people refer to it as "the mountain anyone can climb." Don't get me wrong: the hike to the top is not easy, especially when the altitude takes its toll. After all, it is the highest mountain in Africa, measuring about 16,100 feet from its base to 19,341 feet above sea level. But it can be done if you are determined.

If you're still not sure where to travel in August, this is an ideal month to climb Kili, as snow at the summit is less likely. This means that you will be able to reach the summit on foot. Additionally, August falls in the dry season, so it should not rain to make the climb difficult. Additionally, the absence of rain means less clouds and therefore better visibility. Are you already convinced?

There are six different routes that lead to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

1. Machame is the most picturesque route but not the easiest.
2. Umbwe is the most demanding, but it is the one with the least people.
3. Rongai is the easiest for inexperienced hikers.
4. Marangu is the only route with accommodation in cabins (unlike camping).
5. Lemosh is praised for its beauty, but it is expensive to climb.
6. The Shira is steep and takes you to significant heights on the first day.

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▷ Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.

This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.

Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

If you want to read other articles similar to Where to travel in August. You can visit the category August.