Swap Heatwaves For Glaciers: 5 Cool Places To Go This August
If the thought of another sweltering summer leaves you dreaming of fresh air, wild landscapes and jumpers over sundresses, you are not alone. August does not have to mean baking on a crowded beach: it can be the perfect time to chase waterfalls, glaciers and dramatic coastlines instead. Here are five amazing destinations that stay refreshingly cool in August, but still feel like a proper summer escape.
1. Iceland: Fire, Ice & Endless Light
Iceland feels like it has been designed for August adventures. Days are long and bright, temperatures are comfortably cool, and the landscapes look like something from another planet.
Think thundering waterfalls, black‑sand beaches, glaciers that creak and groan, and steaming geothermal pools where you can soak under the evening sky. A classic route takes in Reykjavik, the famous Golden Circle and the south coast, with optional detours to glacial lagoons and ice caves.
Perfect for: Couples and families who want a short‑haul adventure with big scenery, but still like the idea of cosy hotels and hot tubs at the end of the day.
2. Lofoten Islands, Norway: Arctic Islands With A Soft Side
High above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are a string of dramatic peaks, fishing villages and white‑sand bays that look almost tropical, even though the air stays deliciously crisp.
In August, you can wander almost‑empty beaches, hike coastal trails with sweeping views and paddle through calm fjords, watching sea eagles circle overhead. Stay in traditional fishermen’s cabins perched on stilts over the water, and wake up to the sight of mist lifting off the mountains.
Perfect for: Clients who love the idea of Iceland but want something a touch quieter, more off‑the‑beaten‑path and ideal for slow, immersive travel.
3. Canadian Rockies & Alaska Cruise: Two Epic Journeys In One
For a truly unforgettable August escape, combine the turquoise lakes and pine forests of the Canadian Rockies with the glaciers and fjords of Alaska.
Start among the mountains in the Rockies, with time in places such as Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. Days are mild and perfect for gentle hikes, gondola rides, kayaking on mirror‑smooth lakes or simply relaxing at a luxury lodge and breathing in the alpine air.
Then board an Alaska cruise to sail through the Inside Passage and glacier country. Stand on deck wrapped in a cosy layer as you glide past soaring cliffs, watch whales breaching in the distance and listen to great shards of ice calving from ancient glaciers.
Perfect for: Big‑trip clients: multi‑generational families, milestone birthdays or anniversaries where they want “once in a lifetime” landscapes, wildlife and comfort, without extreme heat.
4. Cape Town & The Winelands: Cool City, Cosy Vines
August is late winter in South Africa, which makes Cape Town a brilliant choice for those who like dramatic skies, fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
You can ride the cable car (or hike) up Table Mountain on clear days for jaw‑dropping views, drive down the peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope and visit the famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Between adventures, dive into the city’s food scene and creative neighbourhoods.
A short drive away, the Winelands offer rolling vineyards, historic estates and log fires crackling in beautiful tasting rooms. Long lunches, bold reds and mountain views create a wonderfully indulgent atmosphere.
Perfect for: Couples or groups who want a stylish city‑plus‑wine escape, with the option to add a malaria‑free safari for a cool‑weather wildlife finale.
5. Sweden: Baltic Breezes, Islands & Easy Summer Living
If you like the idea of gentle sunshine rather than intense heat, Sweden is a beautiful choice for a softer summer escape.
Base yourself in Stockholm, a city spread over islands where cobbled old‑town streets, waterfront promenades and elegant cafés sit side by side. From here you can cruise out into the Stockholm Archipelago, hopping between forested islets, rocky coves and little bays where locals swim from jetties and picnic by the water.
Temperatures are usually mild and comfortable rather than baking, which makes it perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. You still get that lovely summer feeling of dining outside, coastal walks and evenings by the water, just without the oppressive heat and crowds.
