10 Best countries to visit in August

For Indian travellers, August is that sweet spot between monsoon blues and the itch for adventure. With schools on break and nicer weather in other places, it’s the perfect time to trade umbrellas for sunscreen or snow boots. But where should you wander this August? You can go to festivals that spark joy deep in your bones and vistas so stunning that they leave you speechless. We’ve curated a list of August’s standout spots; each paired with savvy tips to keep your journey seamless and carefree.

1. Switzerland: Where fairy tales come alive

Imagine valleys full of wildflowers that shine brighter than rainbows. Picture lakes reflecting skies so bright they’d envy any artist. In villages, even the goats greet you with a smile. August turns Switzerland into a hiker’s paradise. Imagine Bernese Oberland trails winding through beautiful meadows. Picture lazy picnics by Lucerne’s calm waters. Need a rush? Dive into paragliding over Interlaken’s valleys or take the Glacier Express, where each twist shows stunning cliffs and peaks that will leave you breathless. Watch out, those mountain paths can be really slippery. Make sure your travel insurance covers you if your hiking boots lead you off course.

2. Bali’s hidden magic

August unveils Bali’s quieter allure. Mornings bloom on Seminyak's warm sands. Afternoons call for surfing in Ubud's waves. Evenings flow through Tirta Empul's ancient temples, where mossy stones tell stories of the past. Fewer crowds make villas with private pools easier to book. Spa rituals melt away stress like morning mist. A smart travel tip is to get insurance for scooter falls or snorkeling gear issues. Bali's charm lies in being spontaneous.

3. Japan: Summer’s dazzling rhythm

August in Japan pulses with tradition and modernity colliding. Lanterns light up like fireflies on rivers during Obon, a tribute to ancestors. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s skies burst with fireworks that look like battles in the stars. Humidity can make curls act up, but it also leads to enjoying frosty ramen and matcha-filled shaved ice, eaten with great enthusiasm.

Take a break from the hustle at Okinawa’s sandy beaches or Kyoto’s temples. Here, time moves slowly, like a cat stretching in the sun. Typhoons might disrupt your plans, so choose insurance that handles changes with ease, just like a zen master.

4. Canada: Wild hearts and open skies

Close your eyes. Feel the paddle dip into Banff’s turquoise lake, so clear you’ll spot fish darting below. Smell the pine-kissed air on Jasper’s trails, where every bend might reveal a deer or a bear cub photobombing your selfie. August is pure wilderness poetry. You can kayak under endless skies, hike past roaring waterfalls, and stargaze so intensely that you’ll feel the Milky Way is within reach. Just a friendly nudge: Canada’s beauty is free, but their ER isn’t. Lock in insurance that treats broken bones or surprise fevers like a minor plot twist, not a nightmare.

August in Canada is pure outdoor magic. Cities like Vancouver and Toronto add urban flair with open-air concerts and food truck festivals. A heads-up: healthcare here can cost a fortune for visitors, so insurance with robust medical coverage is non-negotiable.

5. South Africa: Safari sunsets and whale songs

August is safari gold in South Africa. The dry winter brings animals to waterholes in Kruger National Park. This gives us a great view of lion prides and elephant herds. Down south, Hermanus hosts the Whale Festival as southern right whales breach near the shore. If you're going to malaria-prone areas or planning exciting game drives, check that your insurance covers them.

6. New Zealand: Winter wonderland down under

Swap monsoon rains for powdery slopes in Queenstown or Wanaka, where August serves up prime skiing and snowboarding. The North Island balances the chill with Rotorua’s geothermal spas and Hobbiton’s whimsy. Travel insurance here should cover frosty fun—think ski gear damage or a twisted ankle on the slopes.

7. Greece: Sun-kissed islands and mythical vibes

Santorini’s whitewashed villages and Mykonos’ lively beaches are bliss in August, minus the July crowds. Explore the Acropolis at sunrise, then unwind with a seaside feast of grilled octopus and ouzo. For island-hoppers, insurance that handles delayed ferries or lost luggage is a godsend.

8. Malaysia: Rainforests, Skyscrapers, and Street Food

Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers glitter by day, while Penang’s street art and laksa stalls charm by night. August skirts the monsoon on the west coast, making it ideal for exploring Langkawi’s jungles or Borneo’s orangutan sanctuaries. Just verify your insurance covers the odd tropical downpour disrupting plans.

9. UK: Summer Festivals and Timeless Charm

Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival makes the city a stage for comedy and theatre. Meanwhile, London’s parks fill with picnickers and open-air cinemas. History buffs can lose themselves in Stonehenge’s mystery or Bath’s Roman spas. Given the UK’s fickle weather, insurance that accommodates rained-out plans is a wise move.

10 Thailand: Rainy Days, Cozy Nights

August’s showers give Thailand a misty charm. Bangkok’s malls and temples buzz indoors, while Chiang Mai’s night markets dish out khao soi and mango sticky rice. In Phuket, rain showers are brief, leaving sun-drenched beaches for most of the day. Opt for insurance that lets you reschedule flights or tours if storms roll in.

Travel Smart, Wander Fearlessly

August offers a global mix of places for every traveller. You can chase winter sports, dive into culture, or relax by the beach. But here’s the golden rule: pair your plans with a safety net. Zurich Kotak General Insurance’s travel policies cover missed flights and medical emergencies. This lets you enjoy spontaneity without stress. Before you jet off, skim their plans to find one that fits your itinerary like a glove.

So pack your bags, grab that insurance policy, and dive into August’s adventures. After all, the best stories start with a "What if?" not a "What if something goes wrong?"