Had enough of the heat and can’t face the thought of hot climes in August? Then maybe an Italian lake, the Canadian Rockies, or cooler Estonia will be what you need.
Or you can catch the sea breezes from a hilltop – and air-conditioned – villa in Corsica.
Stay closer to home with a stay in a converted barn in rural Norfolk, or bask in sea views from your terrace in a sweet cottage in the Gower peninsula.
If you worship the sun and want to embrace the heat in luxury, head to the Caribbean or cruise the Mediterranean in a yacht.
Wherever you decide to go on holiday in August, you’ll get some inspiration from these ideas.
Read more: Booked your summer holiday? Here’s your ultimate packing list
Canada
Motor your way through western Canada on this “Self-Drive Rocky Mountain Journey” offered by Canadian Sky. Start in Calgary before making your way to Banff, spellbinding Lake Louise, Jasper, and then over the border into British Columbia. Explore the ski resort of Sun Peaks, which is gorgeous in the summer, before finishing in Vancouver. Prices start at £1,739pp for seven nights – although feel free to add extra days – and include flights, car rental and room-only accommodation.
Read more: The Canadian destinations our travel experts love
France
Surround yourself in the coolness of the Corsican mountains on the island’s northern coast near L’Île-Rousse when you rent Frelma Casa. This stylish, modern villa has four bedrooms all on one level – the better to keep the air cool – and also has air conditioning in every room. Plus a lovely pool outside, a gas barbecue and shaded dining areas. Corsican Places has availability from 30 August starting at £1,049pp, including flights, car hire and welcome pack.
Read more: How to spend a day in Passy, a hidden gem in Paris
Wales
Enjoy the combination of the Gower peninsula’s great beaches and the immense range of foodie choices on offer when you stay at Lavender Cottage in Mumbles. You’ll have beach views from its terrace to go with its charming interior of exposed brick, a well-equipped kitchen and two bedrooms. Wales Cottage Holidays has a week’s rental from 7 August for £979, down from £1,119.
Read more: Why Abersoch has become one of the most sought-after staycation spots
Estonia
With August temperatures comfortably in the 20s rather than the 30s, Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, is a treat to visit along with Lahemaa National Park. This seven-day twin-centre break run by Regent Holidays gives a taste of city life in Tallinn’s historic centre before pampering you with spa treatments and forest walks on the Baltic coast. Prices start at £1,295pp and include flights, transfers, three nights’ B&B in Tallinn and three nights’ B&B in the national park.
Read more: How women are reviving traditional Seto culture in Estonia
Italy
Steal away to one of Italy’s quieter (and cheaper) northern lakes – Lake Iseo – and feast your eyes on mountain scenery from its shores. Citalia has breaks at Hotel Iseolago, which has three pools and is handy if you want to explore the Franciacorta wine route. Prices for five nights for an 18 August departure start at £1,025pp and include flights, transfers and breakfast.
Read more: The Italy faux pas all tourists should know
Norfolk
If you’re a gang of eight looking for a group holiday, check out Blickling in the Norfolk village of Roughton, south of Cromer. This flint and brick barn conversion has four double bedrooms, two bathrooms and shared access to an indoor heated pool and a children’s play area. Booked through Big Domain, it has availability for five nights from 29 August for £1,294.
Read more: The prettiest Norfolk villages to visit
And if you want to splash out…
Curaçao
If you’ve been following the World Cup and wondering about cute Curaçao, that tiny Dutch outpost in the Caribbean, then see for yourself while on holiday in Sandals Royal Curaçao. Between its eight restaurants, you’ll have a blend of Dutch, Caribbean, Latin American and Creole influences. And then there are the pools, watersports, tennis, golf and more activities than you’ll probably have time for. Prices for a 20 August departure start at £4,057pp and include flights, transfers and seven nights’ all-inclusive accommodation in an ocean view butler suite.
Greece and Turkey
If the sight of cruise ships the size of small cities doesn’t appeal, go for the more intimate luxurious option with this Iglu Cruise “Greek Islands & Turkish Coastlines” voyage on Emerald Azzurra. Carrying only 100 passengers, the ship will make you feel as if you’re on a private yacht as you cruise from Athens to Mykonos, Patmos, Kos, Santorini and Kusadasi in Turkey before returning to Athens. Seven nights in a balcony suite with a departure of 1 August costs from £6,193pp, a saving of £301pp, and includes flights, transfers, all-day drinks, dining, selected shore excursions and all gratuities.
Read more: Booking a trip to Rhodes? I have found the best hotels on the island
Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
