Where to Go in August

Sri Lanka may be relatively small but there's lots to do. Serene beaches, ancient Buddhist cities, emerald tea plantations and dense national parks are amongst her many highlights. You can expect plenty of beach days when you're not seeking out elephants or soaking up the stunning views at Sigiriya. Wildlife, history, culture, beach...this destination ticks all the boxes.

Sandy beaches, calm seas and a mystical world of Greek mythology to spark the imagination – Greece in August is the perfect option for a family summer vacation. With 15,000km of coastline, there’s no shortage of places to make a splash. Don your snorkel to go in search of schools of fish, fasten your life jacket for a spin on the banana boat, or grab a paddle and head out in the water by kayak. Whatever water sport you’ve got in mind, you can likely give it a try in Greece.

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin with an expedition to the Galapagos Islands. Get up close and personal with prehistoric iguanas and lumbering giant tortoises and swim in waters brimming with manta rays, sharks and turtles. In this year-round destination, there is a different wildlife phenomenon taking place every single month. The highlights of Galapagos in August include blue footed boobies engaging in impressive mating dances on Española Island, sea lion pups being born en masse in the western and central islands, and the arrival of giant tortoises in the lowlands of Santa Cruz to begin nesting.

Stretching along the South China Sea and nestled beside Laos and Cambodia to the west and China to the north, Vietnam is a long country that varies greatly from north to south. Most visitors tick off just a few highlights, leaving much of the rest of the country untouched. We’ve chosen August as the month for an all-encompassing adventure, combining the iconic sights with lesser-known gems and charming rural pockets. You may encounter some rain in Vietnam in August, but you get much more for your money at this time of year making it ideal for a longer trip.

Mauritius is always a good idea. Its swaying palm trees, powdery white sands and azure waters are the epitome of beach-side bliss. Its ideal for a tropical escape thanks to its world-renowned hotels with unparalleled service, pampering spas, eclectic mix of cuisine and fantastically diverse range of sporting activities both on land and sea. It also tends to be cheaper to go at this time of year!

Norway is simply one of the most dramatically beautiful countries on earth. It is a place where you need to get out and about and get in tune with your wild-side - in the summer climb vast craggy mountains to see the most amazing views. From seascapes to vast valleys, hairpin bend roads sweeping down to mirror still waters, dense woods to open plains - the region offers a diverse wealth of natural and cultural attractions to suit the interests of everyone.

Summer in the Alps is a very unique experience. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, peaceful woods, and crystal blue lakes, the air is fresh, and the atmosphere serein. Vacations here are all about being active and there are a wealth of activities whether you want to be in the water, climbing up rocks, riding a road bike or mountain biking, there is something for all the family. All this with a good helping of delicious Savoyard food that you would expect when in the Alps.

Uganda is situated on the equator and is known for its varied habitats. Bwindi Forest contains half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in order to protect and preserve the area and its flora and fauna. The endangered mountain gorillas are the main attraction here, but lucky visitors will also have the chance to spot chimpanzee, L’Hoest’s monkey, and some of the 346 species of bird, to name but a few.

Amazon and the Pantanal are the world’s largest rainforest and wetlands area respectively and a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. In August keep a lookout for the elusive jaguar, along with monkeys, anteaters, pink river dolphins and 600 species of vibrant birdlife. Riding, hiking and 4WD excursions are some of the best ways to explore this fascinating part of Brazil, home to this vast array of beautiful wildlife. Experienced guides are available to take you on excursions through the forest.

With picture-perfect shallow turquoise waters blending into endless sandy beaches and luxurious accommodation, the Maldives is the ultimate desert island paradise, ideal for a relaxing beach vacation, luxury honeymoon or family vacation. Each resort is set on its own private island and you arrive either by speedboat or seaplane. The beautiful island of Laamu is home to the luxurious Six Senses resort where you will be looked after from start to finish, allowing you to relax in pure five-star hospitality at its best.