Where to travel in August: 10 unique and affordable vacation spots
Any plans for August holidays?
Discover 10 unique locations to get away from the crowds of mass tourism (visit less crowded spots without breaking the bank).
Published on July 7, 2024
Once again this year, the start of summer has come, and you feel a strong urge to go away.
Like many people, your summer break in August is coming up soon, but you might be feeling unsure and your thoughts are all jumbled up.
You want to enjoy your long-awaited vacation to the fullest, but you know August can be tricky: popular destinations are crowded, prices go up, and the top places to stay are already taken.
What should we do now?
How to pick a place to visit in August to discover quiet spots and save money?
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The suggestion is to check out the map and get inspired, choose lesser-known places that can still give us amazing memories, don't just think about beach/mountain vacations but expand your horizons and concentrate on rejuvenating spots by rivers and lakes.
Here are some ideas for 10 unique, peaceful, and budget-friendly vacation spots to visit in August.
August Break
10 UNIQUE PLACES TO VISIT WITHOUT SPENDING MUCH
- Bosnia - Refreshing Rivers and Lakes
- North Macedonia: The Awesome Lake Ohrid
- Upper Austria: Bad Hofgastein, Salzburg, Hallstatt, and its lake
- Greece: The Less Visited Islands
- Mainland Greece: Cities and Meteors
- Slovenia: The Lakes of Bled and Bohinj
- Portugal's culture and beaches without breaking the bank
- Rome: Exploring the Italian’s Capital
- Red Sea (Egypt): Diving and Snorkeling
- Exploring Central European Cities: Road Trip
The Una river in Bosnia
The verdant hills of Bosnia instantly make you feel refreshed, and the abundant plant life that sets this region apart ensures that temperatures drop by a few degrees.
Explore the winding paths of its streets and travel along the many rivers like the Una river that runs along the border with Croatia.
Visit the charming town of Jajce where the Vrbas and Pilva rivers converge to create the Plivsko lakes.
Keep heading to cities rich in history like Mostar or Sarajevo, enjoy the delicious food made with quality meat like you've never had before, fresh vegetables, cheeses, and be amazed by the incredibly affordable prices.
Pause to purchase sheepskin rugs on the way and experience Bosnian hospitality at one of the many trattorias offering homemade meals.
Bosnia used to be the ultimate travel hidden gem.
Go and discover before the news spreads too far.
In the south of North Macedonia, Ohrid city sits by the shores of the lake it shares with Albania.
This is a unique situation where the ancient city and the lake are both safeguarded by UNESCO.
The city is recognized for its cultural and architectural significance, while the lake is preserved for its natural beauty.
The old town streets spread out among houses with Ottoman architecture and Byzantine churches, earning it the nickname "Jerusalem of the Balkans."
The little beaches by the lake call you to swim in the clear emerald waters, and the wooden boats provide day trips to nearby towns.
If you're feeling bored of chilling out and fancy some adventure, you can explore the nearby woods or take a stroll by the lakeside to the ancient Bay of Bones site.
After that, head towards the lovely Sveti Neum, just a short distance from the Albanian border.
When you think of Austria, you might picture lush meadows, living close to nature, and enjoying sports.
True in both winter and summer!
I adore the Salzburg region: venture out to discover the magnificent spa towns of Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein, two gems nestled in the mountains where you can take hikes through the lush surroundings on foot or by bike, soak in the thermal water, or wander along the neat and stylish streets lined with houses featuring wooden details and flower-filled balconies.
About an hour's drive away, you can discover Salzburg, perfect for a day trip to see where Mozart was born or enjoy one of the many evening concerts in historic mansions.
You can find all the info you need on the website www.salzburg.info.
Finish your vacation in the stunning Hallstatt situated on the lake with the same name.
About an hour and a half away by car from both Salzburg and Bad Hofgastein, this beautiful alpine lakeside spot is absolutely worth a full-day trip.
The town appears to have been created with ideal Alpine features and is so charming and cozy that it leaves you speechless.
The salt mine here is the oldest in the world and is open for visitors almost every day of the year.
Purchase the highway ticket once you cross the border, reserve your lodging ahead of time considering that even the simplest ones are well-maintained and cozy, and opt for small family-owned restaurants.
You'll find that your vacation in Austria can be both refreshing and affordable.
Greece is known as the ultimate destination for seaside vacations, offering stunning beaches, tasty Mediterranean food, and friendly locals wherever you choose to visit.
If you're super excited about going to Greece but need to go there in August, it's a good idea to skip the most popular islands like Santorini or Mykonos.
Instead, concentrate on less famous islands without an international airport: they might be harder to get to, but you'll be rewarded with the peace and genuine atmosphere you'll discover there.
The harbor of Piraeus in Athens, accessible from Athens airport in approximately 1 hour by train or bus, is well prepared for departures even during busy high season times.
From there, you can easily reach the island of Milos in just 2/3 hours by ferry or the island of Naxos in 4 hours.
Hop on the ferry at the port of Thessaloniki to visit the nearby islands of Limnos, Skiathos, or lovely Lesvos.
Make sure to grab your tickets as soon as possible on the website www.ferries.gr.
If you can't resist flying, consider visiting the island of Kos.
You'll discover budget-friendly prices, the chance for trips to nearby Turkey and a wonderful breeze to cool you down on hot days.
You'll experience the same relaxed speed and vacation vibe even if you stay on the mainland of Greece.
After flying from Italy, you land in Thessaloniki, in the northern region of Greece. There, you'll discover a modern, vibrant city with a youthful vibe, along with Byzantine churches, Ottoman architecture, and remnants of the ancient Romans.
Keep heading on your road trip south, right in the middle of the Greek peninsula in the plains of Thessaly.
In this region, you can discover the Meteora, amazing cliffs created millions of years ago that resemble alien structures hanging in the air and housing monastic communities on the summit that are still in use today.
The scenery is amazing and worth a visit of at least a day so you can explore the 6 monasteries that are open to the public.
Don't forget to take a drive along the sightseing road at sunset. I promise you won't be disappointed.
If you still crave exploring new places, have a curious mind, and enjoy road trips, head further south. In approximately 4 hours by car, you will reach the capital Athens.
A thousand-year history is waiting for you there, a huge city that, despite its size and traffic issues, has managed to keep a cozy atmosphere, favoring small stores and flea markets over shopping malls.
Greece - the mainland
6 - Slovenia - Bled and Bohinj lakes
Slovenia, this wonderful small nation that borders Italy, is a picture of untouched nature and outdoor activities, wellness centers, and charming cities with a Central European touch like the lovely Ljubljana.
In the northwest of the country, a couple of kilometers from the Austrian border, two lakes with fresh, clear water are located close to each other, nestled between the Julian Alps.
Lake Bled is widely known for its romantic and picturesque setting, featuring a charming island in the middle of the lake, a quaint village, and a scenic promenade that stretches along most of the shoreline.
The not-so-famous Bohinj Lake sits in the center of the Triglav National Park and is an ideal spot to begin your trekking adventures to the mountaintops or explore alpine huts.
This part of Slovenia is perfect if you want to be inspired by the lovely views that have motivated poets, writers, and artists in the past.
You'll enjoy it if you're searching for places on a small scale with opportunities for hiking and biking, or if you'd rather relax in the sun on one of the numerous beaches after a refreshing swim in the lake.
7 - Portugal: culture and beaches (on a budget)
One of Lisbon's trams, a symbol of the city
The rectangle-shaped country in the west corner of Europe bordered by the Atlantic Ocean is becoming a more and more popular spot for vacations at affordable prices even during peak times.
Explore the top cities in Portugal.
Take a ride on a tram to explore Lisbon, appreciate the Azulejos at Porto Cathedral, and head to the southern part of the country to admire the cliffs and unwind on the golden sand of the Algarve.
Don't forget to add the charming and lovely town of Nazarè to your travel plans.
Grab your surfboard and hit the beach, but make sure you're an experienced surfer!
Because of the shape of the ocean floor, the waves in this area are really huge.
If you're not in the mood, just put your board away and take in the beautiful country and landscape that make Nazarè one of the must-visit spots in Portugal.
Quick look at Porto City
Southern Portugal's Algarve
8 - Rome: exploring the capital of Italy in August
I went fast on a scooter, making sure to steer clear of the tram tracks and ease up over the uneven cobblestones that occasionally covered the roads in the downtown area.
This is how I discovered Rome in August: most of its residents had left for vacation spots, making it quiet and lovely.
Visiting the Eternal City without traffic but with all services, transport, and museums fully operational was a real treat, especially since it wasn't overly crowded like the rest of the year.
Riding a scooter through the empty streets of Rome.
The lovely Trevi Fountain
Explore the city's top sights.
Discover important locations like the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza di Spagna, the Vatican, the Altare della Patria, and Villa Borghese among others.
These are locations that have captivated people for centuries, from the Roman Empire to the era of Hollywood.
Make sure you visit the Orange Garden, a lovely garden filled with orange trees that offer a beautiful view of the Tiber River and the whole city.
Keep going up, and you'll come across a wooden door.
Peek through the keyhole and you'll be in for a pleasant surprise!
Before leaving this wonderful city, I indulged in a dinner with a tasty Pasta Cacio e Pepe at one of the many trattorias. I finished the evening by enjoying a cocktail at one of the many clubs in Trastevere. Nearby, two women at a table shared a bottle of wine and stories of bad dates.
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If you're a fan of the beautiful mix of the ocher desert sand and the deep blue sea teeming with underwater creatures, then the perfect spot for your vacation this year is the Red Sea.
Several places that were once underrated are now gaining recognition worldwide.
From the well-known Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab, on the Sinai Peninsula, to Hurghada, Safaga, and Marsa Alam along the coast heading towards Sudan.
The villages are popular tourist destinations bordered by a vast desert on one side and an amazing sea on the other.
The ocean floor is bursting with colors in crystal-clear water, a perfect spot for diving and snorkeling lovers to explore stunning corals and enjoy a fantastic vacation without breaking the bank.
If you're drawn to Old Europe and eager to experience the grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian empire, just pack up the car and head northeast as soon as you can.
Visit the beautiful city of Vienna and explore the streets of the center. Don't forget to grab a budget-friendly meal at the Naschmarkt market during lunchtime.
Stay in the more affordable Bratislava, a city with a charming historic center just an hour's drive from Vienna.
From there, you can easily reach other cities in the Republic of Slovakia, like Trenčín, where you can explore the Castle and the charming historic center.
You could also go on a day trip to the Czech Republic to the neighboring city of Brno. There you can visit the Prison Castle, where the Italian patriot Silvio Pellico wrote “My Prisons”, among other attractions.
You can head east and drive through the lush hills of Poland.
Warsaw and Auschwitz Concentration Camp are situated approximately a 3-hour drive from Bratislava or Brno and are definitely worth a visit for learning, no matter the time of year.
ROAD TRIP
road TRIP
