Exploring Destinations for August Getaways
In August, families seeking a refreshing alternative to crowded southern beaches can embark on unforgettable adventures in Ecuador and Europe.
Ecuador, with its clear Andean skies during the dry season, presents exceptional views of towering volcanoes, Spanish-settled cities, and vibrant market towns. The coastal region offers a unique opportunity to spot whales or visit Isla de la Plata, a mini-Galapagos experience teeming with blue-footed booby birds, manta rays, and green turtles.
For those who prefer cooler climates, Ecuador experiences winter in August, with a need for light jackets and woolly hats at higher altitudes. The dry season also makes the Amazon less muggy, buggy, and boggy, ideal for wildlife watching. The cloud forest in Ecuador, nestled between the Andes and Amazon, offers hiking trails, a variety of orchids, and hummingbirds.
Meanwhile, in Europe, some of the best family-friendly rail travel destinations include Norway’s scenic Ofoten Line, the Swiss Bernina Express and Jungfrau region, and Italian lake towns like Stresa on Lake Maggiore.
Norway’s Ofoten Line offers a spectacular train journey with stunning fjord, mountain, and waterfall views. Families can stop at places like Katterat station for hiking and explore nearby natural attractions such as the biggest water park in Scandinavia (Bø Sommarland) and the Kristiansand area.
The Bernina Express from Milan to Lucerne is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most breathtaking rail trips, passing through alpine landscapes. The nearby Jungfrau region in Switzerland is perfect for families wanting mountain villages, cable cars, alpine meadows, and rustic farm experiences, providing a quintessential Swiss atmosphere that is less crowded than Mediterranean beaches.
Northern Italy’s lakes, especially towns like Stresa on Lake Maggiore, offer cultural charm, lakeside cruises, and natural beauty. These areas are generally less packed than Mediterranean coastal resorts in August, providing a relaxed environment ideal for families.
Greece, with numerous non-stop flights from the UK, offers a myriad of mainland and island destinations. The port town of Nafplio, adorned with ancient ruins and Venetian villas, is a charming destination. Kastoria, a leafy city, offers a beach-like experience with pine-fringed mountains and a fishing boat-populated lake.
For those seeking more Greek island options, travel websites offer lists of the 25 best Greek islands to visit.
Regardless of your chosen destination, these locations combine scenic rail travel with family-friendly activities, outdoor leisure, and cultural experiences, making August an exciting month for travel.
- In Ecuador, families can enjoy the sight of towering volcanoes, visit Spanish-settled cities, and explore vibrant market towns, while the coastal region offers opportunities to spot whales and witness a mini-Galapagos experience teeming with wildlife.
- For a cooler climate, Ecuador's cloud forest, nestled between the Andes and Amazon, offers hiking trails, a variety of orchids, and hummingbirds, making the dry season ideal for wildlife watching.
- In Europe, the scenic Ofoten Line in Norway offers a train journey with stunning fjord, mountain, and waterfall views, and families can stop at Katterat station for hiking and explore nearby attractions.
- The Bernina Express from Milan to Lucerne and the nearby Jungfrau region in Switzerland provide breathtaking rail trips through alpine landscapes, offering families mountain villages, cable cars, alpine meadows, and rustic farm experiences.
- Northern Italy's lakes, such as Stresa on Lake Maggiore, offer cultural charm, lakeside cruises, and natural beauty, providing a relaxed environment ideal for families, while being less packed than Mediterranean coastal resorts in August.
- Greece offers numerous mainland and island destinations like the port town of Nafplio and Kastoria, a city with a beach-like experience, and travel websites list the 25 best Greek islands to visit during August, combining scenic rail travel, family-friendly activities, outdoor leisure, and cultural experiences.
