Where to Go in August / The Top Summer Vacation Destinations

Summer is right around the corner and no matter how many countries your readers have checked off your list, there’s always a new city, region, or country to explore.

From celebrity loved beaches and train adventures, to picturesque towns and tropical lagoons, please consider these summer vacation ideas for any roundups that you are working on or for where to travel in August:

Cavtat, Croatia – Croatia’s Hidden Gem

Cavtat, Croatia, located just south of Dubrovnik, offers a relaxed pace of life, drawing a resemblance to St Tropez before the crowds. The unique town on the Adriatic has a stunning waterfront promenade lined with palm trees, beaches, churches, monuments and museums and full of picturesque outdoor restaurants and cafes, specialty boutiques and gift shops.  There are more than 5 miles of crystal clear water, beaches, and hotels of high and luxury class. Located in the heart of the charming historic center of Cavtat, Hotel Supetar Cavtat reopens after seasonal closure. After a complete renovation that debuted in July 2022, all 16 stylish rooms were individually redesigned by Croatian designers STUDIO LACROMA in cooperation with Katarina Alamat Kusijanovic. Food lovers savor Mediterranean fare with a focus on products from the sea, seasonal specialities, and local fresh ingredients, including the oranges from the hotel’s garden. To please the palates of wine lovers, an inviting Wine Bar offers a focus on Dubrovacka Malvasija, the local indigenous white wine grape from the Konavle region. Cavtat is just 10 minutes by bus or taxi from Dubrovnik airport that offers direct flights from New York.

Oslo, Norway – Culture Capital Perfect for Lovers of Heritage, Food and Traditions

Oslo, the capital of Norway, sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. It’s known for its green spaces and museums, but specifically its deep roots of culture and heritage. Travelers can take a stroll in one of the many lively neighborhoods while exploring everything from innovative architecture and world-class museums to spirited bars and devine eateries. For those searching for guidance on planning a trip in Norway, sustainable luxury travel curator Up Norway has created journeys that start and end in Oslo while taking travelers to hidden gems all over the country. The Arctic Circle Express Train Journey allows travelers to see the best cultural highlights, eat local food, and cross the Arctic Circle all while enjoying the never-ending summer nights under the midnight sun. The Modern Luxury In the Realm of Norwegian Folklore journey deep dives into Oslo’s history through activities with local insiders such as visits to landmarks including the Snøhetta designed opera House, futurist Deichman Library, and the new Munch museum along the fjord line.

Riviera Maya, Mexico – Family Favorite Vacation Destination

A true summer vacationer’s paradise, Riviera Maya consists of over a 100-mile stretch of beautiful beaches and tropical oasis. Running along the Yucatan Peninsula, the world-renowned paradise is home to lagoons, mangroves, ancient Mayan cities, ecological reserves, and even the world’s second largest coral reef. With activities for those of all ages Riviera Maya remains a fan favorite destination for family travel year after year. At Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Velas Resorts offer special services and activities for all ages to enjoy with their age group or as a family. Younger family members dive into an oasis of fun. Guests ages 4 to 12 can enjoy the ultimate kid’s club complete with board games, XBox and Wii consoles, movies, arts and crafts activities and storytelling that happen daily at the Kids’ Club. Teens can enjoy the resort’s teens club featuring a game room, pool table, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, karaoke and more. For Grand Velas’ littlest guests, babies are catered to with a Baby Concierge who can coordinate a crib, Mexican toys, baby floats, gentle bath and shampoo gels, and organic foods in advance. And, to foster quality time together, entertainment for families ranges from astronomy nights, sandcastle building, and human foosball to Mexican Fiesta, drive-in movies, eco-cycling tours, and painting Alebrijes. While the kids are supervised, parents can relax at the SE Spa, awarded 5 stars by Forbes Travel Guide, or dine at one of the resort’s 6 fine dining restaurants.

Rome, Italy – For The Fashion and Art Trip of a Lifetime

Will Rome ever go out of style? A simple answer – no. Rome will continue to be a coveted destination this summer due to its fashion scene and perfect mix of art, history, and culture. Travelers looking to enjoy the Eternal City from a new perspective will delight in a stay at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. With a offering from the hotel, men are invited to revamp their style by creating a custom wardrobe with the help of Italian fashion influencer, menswear consultant, and model Giorgio Giangiulio. He will share the key elements to a classic Italian wardrobe, coordinate stops at some of the city’s top custom wardrobe spots, and offer styling tricks to guests. Ladies can opt for a luxury fashion experience featuring a private wardrobe curated by Italian fashion influencer Selvaggia Capizzi. Selvaggia curates unique experiences for guests at renowned design houses and new hot spot boutiques all over the historical city. For photography lovers, this experience allows travelers to capture the Eternal City from the lens of renowned photographer Ryan Neeven. Through tailored experiences, guests will embark on a photo tour around Rome led by the @DoorsofItaly founder to not only see the historical sites, culinary highlights and modern marvels of the city, but also learn how to professionally capture them. Travelers visiting Rome even have the possibility to explore the Eternal City’s secret sites with ArcheoRunning during a Hidden Rome Tour. Participants will immerse themselves in the narrow streets of Rome while hearing unique stories during a two-hour tour with Isabella Calidonna, an art historian, certified tour guide and coach for Fidal (Italian Athletics Federation) and Coni (Italian National Olympic Committee).

Mendoza, Argentina – Cool Break

For travelers looking for a cool break to escape the summer heat, winter in Mendoza, Argentina is the ultimate time of year to explore its vast wonders. The cool days are illuminated by warm sunshine allowing travelers to enjoy every activity that’s available in the land of Malbec. In Mendoza the temperature ranges from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit during this time of year, making it the perfect destination for outdoor activities during the day and also ideal to relax and unwind during the night. Travelers can choose to stay at the new SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, from pioneer Argentine winemaker Susana Balbo, where the in house experience coordinator can help guests choose from various activities such as horseback riding, trekking, air safari aboard a private seaplane, heli wine tour, and even a hot air balloon over the vineyards. Of course a visit to the Susana Balbo Winery is a must when in the destination, and in winter guests can enjoy lunch on the outdoor terrace of the winery restaurant. After a day full of exploration and adventure, guests can retire to SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites to enjoy on property activities as wine tastings, cooking classes, blending games, wellness rituals, gastronomy offerings, and more.

Embrace or Escape the August Climate with HomeExchange Collection 

With HomeExchange Collection, an elite home exchange community, members can choose to embrace the April weather or escape to a different climate. Access over 4,000 luxury homes across 70 countries, meticulously evaluated for lavish design, amenities, and prime locations. From penthouses in bustling cities to historic villas amidst olive groves, the possibilities are endless. Travelers can immerse in authentic local cultures guided by the advice of fellow members, embracing the true essence of luxury travel.