Greek Islands

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ll know that Greece has been having a tough year economically. Yet the beaches remain beautiful and the sparkling ocean as inviting as ever. Add to that the fact that tourism is one of the most important industries in the country, and a last minute jaunt to the sun-kissed Mediterranean could be a good decision. WhileSantorini and Mykonos are always busy this time of year (and perfect for social butterflies), on lesser-known islands like Paros you can still find a secluded cove in which to spend the afternoon. History lovers should head to Crete, where fascinating ruins abound, such as the Minoan city of Gournia which dates back to around 1500BC.
Take me to Greece

Rocky Mountains

Towns like Jackson Hole andTelluride come alive in summer with a huge range of exciting activities – from mountain biking to rafting and hiking some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. For adventure-loving families they’re hard to beat. Culture vultures will be pleased too. In Breckenridge, the annualMusic Festival is in full swing, with everything from Beethoven to Alt-Country, while in Vail you’ll find the International Dance Festival, featuring both Shrek: The Musical, and Mexico’s Compañía Nacional de Danza.
Take me to the Rockies

Costa Rica

August is technically the rainy season on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, but in Guanacaste that really only means rain in the late afternoon. Rainy afternoons also means the rainforest landscape is alive with vibrant greens, making wildlife spotting trips all the more magical – you can expect to see howler monkeys, parrots, iguanas and more on your daily travels here. Hit the surf at Playa Negra, or get your adrenaline pumping with a zip line tourthrough the forest canopy. The otherworldly surroundings of the Arenal volcano will delight budding naturalists while the nearby Tabacon Hot Springs will be equally welcomed by parents hoping for a few hours of peace and quiet.
Take me to Costa Rica

Koh Samui

While Phuket and the west side of Thailand experiences unsettled weather and stormy seas in August, the east side tends towards warm and sunny with the occasional shower. With its beautiful beachfront villas and first-rate spas, not to mention buzzing beach clubs and Michelin-starred cuisine, Koh Samui has a lot to offer the luxury traveler. And let’s not forget the truly breathtaking beaches, where traditional fishing boats rock in the breeze, inviting you into the turquoise waters.