August is a great time to travel. It’s still nice and warm in most places, because fall hasn’t really hit full force yet, but the summer crowds of tourists have started to thin out by the eighth month as people go home to prepare to back to work or school. You get all the benefits of summer travel with fewer of the negatives. You can even find some great deals on travel expenses in August as businesses try to draw in last-minute customers before the end of the season. And depending on where you’re planning on going, you may even be able to watch or take part in some awesome celebrations that occur in August. If you’re planning on traveling in August but aren’t sure of where to go, maybe one of these special events will inspire you.
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Iceland: The People’s Feast. Iceland’s constitution was ratified in August of 1874, and The People’s Feast is the Icelandic celebration of that historic event. While celebrations can be found anywhere you happen to go on the first weekend of August in Iceland, the real place to be is the Island of Heimaey. Here you’ll be treated to an outstanding music festival held beneath a massive volcano. At night time, travel halfway up the volcano to join in the bonfire. And of course, the vodka flows freely throughout the weekend. Iceland is a fascinating country at any time, and being there for The People’s Feast is just icing on the cake.
- Ireland’s Puck Fair: From August 10th thru 12th, you can join the fun in Killorglin Ireland where a goat is crowned “king” of Killorglin and every pub offer live music and drinks specials.
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Memphis, Tennessee, USA: Elvis Week. For fans of The King, there is no more important festival during the year. The one week festival takes place around the 16th of August, the anniversary of Elvis’s death. Watch Elvis impersonators perform, take in a screening of Viva Las Vegas, and participate in a candlelight vigil at Graceland Mansion. If you’re looking for Elvis memorabilia, there’s no better time or place to stock up.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina: Festival de Tango. If you’re a lover of dance, then the Tango Festival in Buenos Aires is the right place for you. This festival takes place during the second half of August. If you’ve ever wanted to learn to tango, this is probably the ideal place to do it. Tango is everywhere and it’s a simple thing to take part in the free classes offered throughout the area. If you’re more of a spectator, that’s fine too. Prepare to be dazzled by some of the best tango dancers anywhere.
- Helsinki Festival, Finland: Fun for the whole family August 16th through September 1st much like our state fairs here in the U.S. minus the livestock, you will find music, circus acts, dance and live theatre, as well lots of children activities and food.
If none of those festivals in August interest you, consider visiting Hong Kong in time for the Seven Sisters Festival or Edinburgh, Scotland for the Edinburgh International Festival. Wherever you chose to go, enjoy your travels in the lovely month of August.
