The Cheapest Places to Visit in August

The Dolomites are a limestone mountain range in northeastern Italy. Travelers come here for world class hiking trails and dramatic mountain passes. August weather is perfect for walking because the snow has fully melted from the high paths. However, this is the most expensive month of the year to visit. Italians take their summer holidays in August, which means hotels charge maximum rates. You must book months in advance to find any budget options. If you want to save money, stay in smaller villages outside the main tourist valleys. Use the local public buses instead of renting a car.

Lake Louise is a glacial lake in Banff National Park, Alberta. It is famous for its bright turquoise water and mountain backdrop. August offers warm weather and fully open trails, making it the most popular time to visit. This popularity comes with a massive price tag. Hotels near the lake are incredibly expensive in August. Parking is difficult and requires booking a shuttle in advance. To save money, stay in the town of Banff or nearby Canmore. Avoid the expensive lakeside dining and pack your own lunch.

Zanzibar is a semi autonomous region of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. It is known for its spice plantations and the historic Stone Town. August is the dry season, offering cool breezes and low humidity. This is one of the cheapest beach destinations you can find in August. Food and local guesthouses are highly affordable. You can eat fresh seafood at local markets for very little money. The main drawback is the cost of flights to East Africa. Once you arrive, your daily expenses will be very low.

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Alberta. It features massive glaciers, lakes, and wild animals. August weather is warm and dry, which is ideal for camping and hiking. Like nearby Banff, Jasper is not cheap in August. Hotel rooms are scarce and expensive. Camping is the only way to keep costs low, but campsites sell out months beforehand. If you cannot book a campsite, look for budget hostels in the park. Food prices in the town of Jasper are also high.

The Faroe Islands are a Danish territory in the North Atlantic. They feature steep cliffs, fjords, and very few trees. August is one of the few months with mild weather and green landscapes. This destination is never cheap. Food must be imported, which makes restaurant meals very expensive. Car rentals are also limited and cost a premium in summer. You can save money by camping and cooking your own meals. Public buses are cheap but do not run frequently to remote trailheads.

Whitehaven Beach is a seven kilometer stretch of silica sand in Queensland, Australia. August is winter in Australia, which means comfortable temperatures and low rainfall. It is also outside the stinger season, so swimming is safer. There are no hotels on the beach itself. You must pay for a boat, seaplane, or helicopter from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island. These day trips can be expensive. To save money, book a large ferry transport instead of a private sailing tour. Pack your own water and snacks because there are no shops on the island.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth. August is the dry season in Queensland, offering excellent underwater visibility. The weather is warm but not humid. While not a budget trip, August is a great time to visit because you avoid the summer monsoon wet season. Boat tours run daily from Cairns and Port Douglas. Competition keeps tour prices relatively stable. To save money, stay in Cairns instead of the pricier resort islands. Look for hostel packages that bundle accommodation with reef trips.

Niagara Falls consists of three massive waterfalls on the border of Canada and the United States. August is hot and sunny, which makes the mist from the falls feel refreshing. All attractions and boat tours are fully open. Because it is a major tourist city, there is a wide range of accommodation. You can find cheap motels and chain hotels just a short drive from the falls. Food can be expensive near the water, so walk a few blocks inland to find cheaper diners. The main downside is the massive crowds. You will wait in long lines for every major attraction.

The Matterhorn is a famous pyramid shaped mountain on the border of Switzerland and Italy. August is the peak season for hiking and climbing. The trails are clear of snow and the mountain railways are fully operational. Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Zermatt, the town at the base of the mountain, has incredibly high prices for lodging and dining. Even a simple lunch can cost a fortune. To save money, stay on the Italian side in Breuil Cervinia. The views are still excellent, but hotels and food are much cheaper than in Switzerland.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, located in Tanzania. August is one of the best months to climb because it is dry and clear. The weather on the lower slopes is comfortable. Climbing Kilimanjaro is never cheap. You are required by law to hire a licensed guide and porters. Park fees alone cost hundreds of dollars. You can save money by booking with a local Tanzanian operator instead of a Western travel agency. Be prepared for basic camping and physically demanding days.