Travel Guide for August
August is one of the most common months for people to get away. Beaches are busier as temperatures in Europe hit year round highs. Here at Aspen Travel we have used our years of experience to discover that sometimes it’s better to go against the majority.
Taking this into consideration we believe that Iceland is one of our favourite places to visit during the month of August. Stunning landscapes and also the best time of the year to spot its magical wildlife, it is also the time of the year with the most daylight!
Iceland
Iceland is one of Europe’s real hidden gems, maybe because of where it is in the world. However once you have visited you’ll be pining to visit again. Iceland is famed for stunning landscapes which really come into their own during the summer month of August. You can also catch a number of festivals taking place across the nation in which prides itself on its unique culture and history.
Highlights
Iceland is a country that offers a number of different experiences dependent on what you are looking for. Discover its magical nature in places such as the Blue Lagoon, The Westfjordsand Jkulsrln just to name a few. You can expect to come across some of Iceland’s stunning wildlife in August from whales breaching from the water to thousands of puffins only found on the shores of Iceland.
The Blue Lagoon is one of Icelands most iconic spots and it is easy to see why. Visitors come to splash around in geothermal water with the locals as they socialise in these ‘hot-pots’ in the same way you would in a bar or cafe. Sitting close to Keflavik Airport is the perfect way to start or end a trip to Iceland as you relax in this natural hot tub surrounded by nature and the great outdoors.
Jkulsrln is another part of Iceland in which makes you feel like you are part of a movie set. Sail through a number luminous blue icebergs which eventually lead to the infamous Jkulsrln lagoon. Icebergs in which have come from surrounding glaciers forming the famous ice cap called Vatnajkull. Boat trips are the best way to discover the lagoon or for the more adventurous you can hire kayaks and make your own journey out.
The Westfjords
Heading to the southern coast of the country you can find the pinnacle of natural beauty in Westfjords – this coastline expect to see bird colonies by the thousands, empty beaches, a rugged coastline full of dramatic cliff tops and fjordheads which tower above you whilst plunging into the deep below you. Here you find yourself on the brink of the Arctic Circle so expect some incredible wildlife such as the mysterious Arcitc Fox.
Iceland is famed for its amazing hiking and driving trails which you can experience on many of our tours to book on our site. Take the ‘Ring Road’ which is a stretch of road up to 1340km around the island, on the way you will find waterfalls, glaciers, incredible landscapes, moss covered lava fields and desert like plains.
Take the Fimmvruhls trek in which you can expect beautiful blossoms of flowers streching as far as the eye can see. Team this up with more waterfalls, steaming remnants of volcanos erupting in the past and a crown of glacial ridges. Or if you want to add to your adventure take the hike on horse back to make an experience like no other.
Tours to Iceland
Iceland is seen to be an adventure from start to finish, however you can experience this incredible nation however you choose. We have been working closely with a number of experienced tour operators in which run a wide variation of escorted tours all with their own unique experience of Iceland.
Exodus specialise in adventure tours at all different levels of activity ratings appealing to a range of customers. Contact one of our team today to start your Icelandic adventure today from city breaks to Reykjavk to hiking tours of the Golden Circle, one of our team is waiting to hear from you today!
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USA
United States of America is a magical place to visit in the summer with a number of stunning national parks for you to discover. With temperatures of this vast nation varied dependent on where you are, August has the hottest average temperature spread all year round. USA really has something for everyone depending on what experience you are after so keep reading to discover if an USA adventure takes your fancy.
Historic Cities
Starting off at some of the counties iconic cities which attract millions of visitors year in year out. Where else to start then The Big Apple itself – New York City.
New York should be on everyone’s travel bucket list, it is a city like no other full of history and a real epicentre for fashion, art, shopping, music, sport just to name a few. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of New York City life at one of the many bars and restaurants the city is famed for. Escape it all with a stroll around Central Park or climb the Empire State building and take in the sheer size of the city from 1,250 feet.
Las Vegas is a city like no other and cannot be compared to anywhere else in the world. Stay at one of the many world class hotels on the strip and experience live entertainment or try your luck at some the worlds best casinos. Mix up your Vegas experience and take a helicopter ride over the incredible Grand Canyon national park.
Other cities that you should consider visiting if you are making the trip over the pond. Spend the night dancing on the streets to jazz in New Orleans whilst enjoying some delicious soul food. Explore Alcatraz or climb the Golden Gate Bridge at the diverse city of San Francisco. Mix it in Hollywood with world famous actors in Los Angeles or let the Windy City blow you away in Chicago. Plus many many more incredible cities waiting for you to discover them.
National Parks
Whilst the cities of USA are worth the trip alone, August is the perfect time to discover the great outdoors at one of the many incredible national parks scattered across the nation.
Located in the state of California is Yosemite National Park, home to some of America’s best natural beauty from the world’s biggest trees to rolling landscapes of valleys creating sheer cliff drops and thunderous waterfalls. Perfect for nature lovers this park has many hiking trails and camping spots creating an adventure like no other and August provides the best weather year round.
Yellowstone National Park is another of USA’s gems which should be experienced on any trip to the USA. The first known national park in the world is home to fluorescent hot springs like something from Mars to roaming wildlife like grizzly bears and huge bison which call this place home. Discover one of the wonder of the worlds at Yellowstone’s very own Grand Canyon or get lost in the 3500 sq miles of absolute wilderness.
Other Highlights
The USA is home to endless experiences for every type of person. From scenic drives, lounging on the beach to theme parks for all the family.
Drive the iconic Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles known as USA’s original road trip giving you a taste of a different side of the USA from vintage American small town suburbs to rolling desert as far as the eye can see. Take on the Pacific Coast and drive along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world such as The Big Sur in which you will find typical beach side towns and dramatic cliff drops for miles and miles.
Head to the East Coast and experience the hype in Miami as you sun bathe and take in the glamour on South Beach or head further south to the Florida Everglades rolling lands of swamp land a real unique part of the world. Disneyland in Orlando is always a good way to keep the kids happy if they are joining you on your American adventure.
Tours & Holidays to the USA
We work closely with some of the very best tour companies operating to the United States of America with incredible tours allowing you the experience every highlight possible. Start your adventure with Titan Tours with their selection of USA escorted tours for solo travellers. Explore some of the resorts we sell in the USA especially the beautiful Club Med resort in Sandpiper Bay Florida.
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