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Where to go in August

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Sunshine

Manaus, Brazil

Habits of the Native Brazilian tribes are preserved in this city. Known as the ‘Paris of the Tropics’, Manaus sits on an entrance to the Amazon Rainforest, and is a wildlife hotspot.

Weather

  • Temperature: min. 25°C, max. 32°C
  • August is Brazil’s driest month, with only 13% chance of rain.

Season

  • Off-peak season.

Good for

  • Older kids who won’t mind the long journey there, nature lovers.

What’s there

  • A gateway to the Amazon, lush rainforest and winding waters characterise this riverside city. See the Negro River converging with the muddy Solimões, go on a nature excursion or explore the city.

What’s on

  • Opera performances at the Teatro Amazonas, football matches at the Arena da Amazonia.

Flight time from UK: Indirect flights to Manaus from London start from 17h 10m long

See our 7 tips on how to plan a family trip to the Amazon Rainforest

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Malta

Jam-packed with history, this archipelago is home to blue seas, ancient cities and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Weather

  • Temperature: min. 28°C, max 32°C
  • The hottest month of the year, with dry, sunny days.

Season

  • Peak summer season

Good for

  • Kids of all ages, history lovers.
  • A hot and sunny break in Europe.

What’s there

  • Megalithic temples dating back to 3000 BC, the striking Blue Lagoon, the old city of Mdina, and several child-friendly beaches. The capital, Valletta, is filled with tranquil gardens and historical monuments.

What’s on

  • Several major religious feasts, historical reenactments at In Guardia and the Changing of the Guard outside the Grandmasters Palace.

Flight time from UK: 3h 10m

See our full Malta Family Holiday Guide

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Events and activities

Annecy, France

Annecy, or the ‘Venice of the Alps’, is a maze of cobbled streets sitting on one of Europe’s cleanest lakes. August is prime watersport season, and the Alps provide breathtaking bike trails.

Weather

  • Temperature: min. 11°C, max. 26°C
  • Mostly sunny and pleasantly warm, with slightly cooler mornings.

Season

  • Peak season

Good for

  • Kids of all ages, active families wanting to get outdoors.
  • A European summer break with sunshine

What’s there

  • An arty old town with medieval châteaux, set amongst majestic mountains and a crystal clear lake. Cycle and hike up the slopes, or kayak, windsurf and ski across the waters.

What’s on

  • A regular market, and the Fête du Lac – a musical firework show on the lake’s edge.

Flight time from UK: 1h 30m from London to Geneva

See our pick of activities to try in the French Alps

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Queenstown, New Zealand

With snow-capped mountains, a glistening lake and a cluster of local communities, Queenstown in August is a hub for extreme sports. Cool down in summer with its array of snow-based activities.

Weather

  • Temperature: min. 1°C, max. 10°C
  • Consistent cloud cover and snow in the heights.

Season

  • Peak winter sport season.

Good for

  • Older kids who can take advantage of the more extreme sports.

What’s there

  • Four lively skiing and snowboarding areas, which cater for complete beginners as well as those who want to refine their tricks. For thrill-seekers, bungee jumping, skydiving and supercar driving are amongst the extreme activities guaranteed to get your heart racing.

What’s on

  • See the newest furry babies during lambing season, or try to catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights.

Flight time from UK: 29h with stops

See our full New Zealand Family Holiday Guide

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To tick off my bucket list

South Africa

From safaris to spectacular beaches, historic cities to vast national parks, South Africa offers a true family adventure.

Weather

  • Temperature: min. 8°C, max. 18°C
  • Colder evenings.
  • At least 6 hours of sunshine a day.

Season

  • August falls firmly in off-peak season so take advantage of the cheaper prices and the improved visibility of the game parks.

Good for

  • Combine beach and safari for the ultimate experience that will keep tots to teens entertained.
  • Beware of long journey times though, which may be unsuitable for the smallest travellers.

What’s there

  • Head to the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg for an international vibe, or explore Table Mountain and the Highveld grasslands on their outskirts for a taste of nature. If animals are more your thing, make sure to include one of the major reserves on your itinerary and have fun spotting the ‘Big Five’ (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino).

Flight time from UK: 11 hours 15 minutes

See our full South Africa Family Holiday Guide

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Bora Bora

With white sand beaches, palm trees, volcanic mountains and a splattering of islands, Bora Bora is an idyllic dream. With tourism beginning to cater more and more to kids, you won’t be stranded solely among honeymoon couples.

Weather

  • Temperature: min. 22°C, max. 28°C
  • The climate is warm and pleasant for most of the year.
  • Look forward to beautiful balmy evenings and weather should be less humid than other months during the year.

Season

  • August falls into the winter season of Bora Bora, dry with blue skies but typically high season.

Good for

  • Long travel times don’t make this the most suitable destination for young travellers. However, it would be perfect for a family to add on to a holiday, for example New Zealand (just four hours away).

What’s there

  • Tourism is the only industry on the island, so rest assured you’ll be in good hands. Relax in your hotel or take the time to explore some of the smaller islands set in the lagoon surrounded by a coral reef.

What’s on

  • Take advantage of the beautiful diving spots in one of the world’s leading snorkelling and diving destinations. Swim with sharks in the lagoon, or cruise above on one of the many day tours and look to the ocean below through a glass bottomed boat tour. For something a little more fast paced, take a couple of jet skis out onto the water.

Flight time from UK: 27 hours via LA and Tahiti (stopover anyone?!)

See our full Australasia Family Holiday Guide

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Off-peak season

New Zealand

With diverse landscape, wherever you decide to go in New Zealand, you’re guaranteed it will be breathtaking. Take advantage of the cooler winter months for the trip of a lifetime.

Weather

  • Temperature: min. 8°C, max. 15°C
  • Some light rain.

Season

  • August falls at the end of the off season but price advantages, epic snow scenes and lack of crowds makes it the perfect time to travel.

Good for

  • New Zealand’s a dream for family travel: kid-centric activities, family-friendly accommodation, a moderate climate and very few critters that can bite or sting.

What’s there

  • Wildlife parks, beaches, parks, snowy slopes and interactive museums are everywhere across NZ. From white-water rafting to glaciers, the choice is yours to what you’re brave enough to take on.

What’s on

  • Make the most of the last of the ski season and enjoy the snow sports on offer. There’s also plenty of beautiful snow-covered scenery to see on a cross-country drive or visit the International Film Festival that runs from July through August, making stops in cities across the country.

Flight time from UK: 24 hours

See our full New Zealand Family Holiday Guide

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Dubai

It has the world’s tallest skyline, shopping malls the size of towns, waterparks with half-million-gallon wave pools and rollercoasters hitting speeds of 60km per hour. Enjoy the heat at minimal price by taking a trip in August.

Weather

  • Temperature: min. 30°C, max. 41°C
  • Prepare for high humidity.

Season

  • Off-peak season – most travellers avoid August’s sweltering temperatures and high humidity.

Good for

What’s there

  • Resorts are significantly less expensive at this time of year, and offer excellent deals like free child places, full-board for half-board, free upgrades all on top of low room rates. Plus they make it their mission to keep guests as cool and comfortable as possible, indoors and out.

What’s on

Flight time from UK: Under 7 hours

See our full Dubai Family Holiday Guide

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