August marks the peak of summer vacation season – a time when the days are long, energy is high and the world invites you to explore – while September sees the vacation crowds lessen. August and September are the perfect months to embrace the end of summer’s vibrant spirit and discover some of the planet’s most captivating destinations.
Whether you’re after rich cultural experiences, thrilling adventures, secluded island escapes, breathtaking natural landscapes, or luxurious beachfront retreats, these top 11 picks offer something unforgettable for every traveller. From the historic canals of Venice to the wild plains of East Africa, and the sun-soaked beaches of the Caribbean to Iceland’s volcanic wonders, here are the best places to travel in August and September for culture, adventure and tropical bliss.
FOR CULTURAL IMMERSION
1 Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy. Photo by Emma Harrisova
Rome is having a moment! With a new Pope at the helm and the Jubilee celebrations in full swing, the Eternal City is experiencing a divine transformation. In preparation for this historic occasion, the city has seen significant infrastructure upgrades, enhanced public spaces and the meticulous restoration of some of its most treasured landmarks.
Among the highlights is the first restoration in more than 250 years of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Baldacchino – the grand, intricately crafted bronze canopy that majestically crowns the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica. This masterpiece not only symbolizes the artistic genius of the Baroque era but also serves as a spiritual centrepiece for pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
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Where to Stay: At Hotel L’Orologio Roma, time is always on your side. Owned by the Wtb Hotels Collection, this stylish 43-room boutique hotel in Sant’Eustachio celebrates the art of watchmaking with sophisticated décor inspired by iconic timepieces – from elevator gears lighting up like watch mechanisms to rooms named after legendary watch models like the rare Patek Philippe 2499 Perpetual. Just steps from landmarks like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, the hotel pairs meticulous design and exceptional service – staff even escort guests to nearby ATMs – with personalized tours for runners, history buffs, fashion lovers and foodies. Don’t miss a sunset cocktail on the rooftop Santa Cocktail Club Roma, where panoramic views of Rome’s skyline make time seem to stand still. —Ruth J. Katz
2 Ios, Greece
Greece. Photo by Laura Adai
Ios offers a more intimate and authentic Greek island experience, renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and quintessential Cycladic architecture. Unlike the bustling, more tourist-heavy islands nearby, Ios retains a laid-back charm characterized by whitewashed houses, winding narrow alleys and breathtaking sunset views over the Aegean Sea.
Visitors can delve into history by exploring ancient ruins such as the tomb of Homer, hike scenic trails that showcase the island’s natural beauty, or simply unwind on secluded sandy beaches like Mylopotas and Manganari. By day, the island invites peaceful relaxation and adventure, while at night, the main town comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene that artfully blends traditional tavernas serving fresh local cuisine with lively modern bars and beachfront clubs.
Where to Stay: Ios Palace Hotel & Spa commands a stunning hillside position overlooking the crystalline waters of Mylopotas Beach, one of Ios’s most iconic stretches of sand. This elegantly reimagined retreat blends the timeless charm of Cycladic whitewashed architecture with the comforts of modern luxury, offering guests a serene yet stylish sanctuary. The hotel’s standout features include three panoramic infinity pools, each offering uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea, ideal for sun-drenched lounging or sunset cocktails. At the heart of its wellness offerings is a full-service spa, where guests can unwind with personalized treatments, hydrotherapy and a tranquil hammam experience.
Culinary highlights await at the renowned Tomatini BBQ Restaurant, a local favourite known for its elevated take on traditional island fare. Here, fresh-caught seafood, locally sourced meats and seasonal produce are transformed into vibrant Mediterranean dishes, all served in an open-air setting that captures the island’s laid-back yet refined spirit. —Liz Fleming
3 Berlin, Germany
Brandenburg Gate. Photo by Nic Berlin
Torn down in 1989 after dividing East and West Berlin for 28 years, the Berlin Wall now symbolizes resilience, creativity and unity. Explore Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous Cold War crossing, and visit the Brandenburg Gate, an 18th-century neoclassical landmark emblematic of German history and reunification. The nearby Holocaust Memorial offers a solemn, contemplative space to remember the victims of one of history’s darkest periods.
Berlin’s cultural wealth is staggering, with more than 150 museums ranging from ancient art on UNESCO-listed Museum Island to contemporary street art along the East Side Gallery – the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall covered in murals and graffiti. Gendarmenmarkt, one of the city’s most beautiful squares, features twin baroque churches and an elegant concert hall. By night, Berlin pulses with energy, its techno scene world-renowned. Clubs like Berghain and Tresor offer some of the best underground music experiences globally.
Where to Stay: sly Berlin, Germany, Awarded a 2025 German Design Award for Excellence in Interior Architecture, sly Berlin blends industrial heritage with modern elegance across its 150 rooms. Housed in four former furniture factory buildings, the hotel features oak floors, crisp white linens and oversized black-framed windows, accented by a vibrant yellow chair. Architectural nods to the past – like round arches – complement thoughtfully curated design icons, including Fritz Hansen chairs and Verner Panton’s 1971 Panthella table lamp for Louis Poulsen. —Waheeda Harris
Bonus: Canadians can now fly to Berlin with ease, thanks to Transat’s convenient seasonal service running until late October 2025. With two round trips per week on Thursdays and Sundays, it’s ideal for planning a long weekend escape to Germany’s vibrant capital. Plus, thanks to a codeshare with Porter Airlines, travellers from cities like Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Halifax can easily connect through Toronto to catch these nonstop flights.
FOR ADVENTURE
4 Grenada
Known as the Spice Isle, Grenada charms travellers with its fragrant nutmeg and clove plantations, lush rainforests and stunning beaches like Grand Anse. The island’s vibrant cultural heritage shines through colourful markets, festivals and historic towns. Explore cascading waterfalls, snorkel in coral reefs, or savour the local chocolate during the annual Grenada Chocolate Festival. St. George’s, the lively capital, mixes colonial architecture with bustling markets and harbourside dining.
Visiting Grenada just got even easier this summer, thanks to Air Canada’s expanded service. In addition to its existing route, Air Canada now offers a second weekly nonstop flight from Toronto, with departures on Sundays and Mondays through August 31. Whether you’re craving white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, or vibrant island culture, this added convenience makes planning a Caribbean escape to the Spice Isle simpler than ever.
Where to Stay: Six Senses La Sagesse is a luxury wellness resort set on a 38-acre nature reserve, offering 56 pool suites and 15 villas crafted from sustainable materials. With private terraces and plunge pools, the resort focuses on eco-conscious living, complemented by the innovative Earth Lab, which educates guests on sustainable travel. Silversands Grenada offers sleek, modern beachfront luxury on Grand Anse Beach, featuring an Instagram-famous infinity pool and elegant suites with Caribbean Sea views. Its spa, beach club and refined dining make it a hotspot for design-savvy travellers. Mount Cinnamon Beach & Wellness Resort is a boutique hideaway tucked into lush hillside gardens above Grand Anse Beach. Known for its colourful villas, warm hospitality and wellness-forward approach, this eco-friendly resort blends barefoot luxury with Caribbean charm – perfect for travellers seeking relaxation and local flavour. —Vivian Vassos
5 Kenya & Tanzania
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Photo by Harshil Gudka
Home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife and landscapes, East Africa offers unparalleled safari adventures. Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve is a sanctuary for rare species like the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. The Serengeti ecosystem, spanning the Maasai Mara and Serengeti National Parks, hosts the awe-inspiring annual wildebeest migration, where millions traverse vast plains amid predators. Visit Ngorongoro Crater for an exceptional safari experience in a collapsed volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife.
Where to Stay: Angama Mara in Kenya perches dramatically above the Maasai Mara, offering elegant tented suites with sweeping views, private guides and exclusive safari experiences. In Tanzania, Singita Sabora Tented Camp provides intimate luxury in the heart of the Serengeti, combining comfort with immersive wildlife encounters. —Liz Fleming
6 Iceland
Blue Lagoon, Iceland. Photo by Jeff Sheldon
Iceland’s August brings long daylight hours, making it the perfect time to explore the island’s otherworldly landscapes. Travel the iconic Ring Road to witness steaming geysers, thunderous waterfalls, black sand beaches and serene glacial lagoons. While the famous Blue Lagoon offers rejuvenating geothermal waters, quieter hot springs like Reykjavík’s Laugardalur Park pool provide a more authentic local experience. For the adventurous, glacier hikes, volcanic cave explorations and soaking in natural hot tubs surrounded by stark, raw beauty await at every turn.
Where to stay: Located within the dramatic terrain near Þingvallavatn Lake, ION Adventure Hotel stands as a striking example of contemporary Icelandic design perfectly integrated with nature. Its bold, minimalist architecture – featuring cantilevered structures, expansive picture windows and sustainable materials – creates a captivating contrast against the rugged lava fields and steaming geothermal vents. Inside, sleek interiors merge with organic textures, showcasing locally crafted furnishings, warm wood accents and a muted color palette that reflects the natural environment. Guests can unwind in the tranquil Lava Spa, savour modern Nordic cuisine, or embark on glacier treks and aurora-chasing adventures just steps from the hotel. —Liz Fleming
7 Choquequirao, Peru
Choquequirao, Peru. Photo by @despertarviajando
Remote and less trodden than Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is a sprawling Inca site nestled deep in the Apurimac Valley. Access requires a challenging four-day trek through pristine cloud forests and terraced landscapes, rewarding visitors with breathtaking ruins and sweeping mountain vistas. Archaeologists continue to uncover its secrets, revealing a city thought to be three times larger than Machu Picchu.
Where to Stay: Mountain Lodges of Peru supports trekkers with eco-friendly lodges offering comfort and local cuisine along the route, enabling a blend of rugged adventure and restful respite. For travellers embarking on the challenging trek to Choquequirao, Mountain Lodges of Peru has a unique blend of comfort, sustainability and authentic local experience. This well-established operator provides a network of eco-friendly lodges strategically placed along the trekking route, ensuring that adventurers can enjoy restful nights without compromising on comfort or environmental responsibility. Each lodge is designed to harmonize with the surrounding Andean landscape, featuring locally sourced materials, rustic yet cozy interiors and amenities that cater to weary hikers, such as warm showers, comfortable beds and hearty, nutritious meals prepared from fresh regional ingredients.
Beyond just accommodation, Mountain Lodges of Peru emphasizes cultural immersion and sustainability. Their lodges often incorporate traditional Quechua hospitality, allowing guests to engage with local communities and learn about indigenous customs and cuisine. The company is also deeply committed to minimizing ecological impact, supporting conservation efforts and promoting responsible tourism practices in this pristine part of Peru. —Liz Fleming
8 Costa Rica
Costa Rica. Photo by Giulia Squillace
A perennial favourite for nature lovers and adventure seekers, Costa Rica continues to set the gold standard for sustainable travel. August falls during the lush green season, a time when rainforest adventures and tranquil, uncrowded beaches await. Whether you’re surfing the waves off the Nicoya Peninsula, hiking through Monteverde’s misty cloud forests, or spotting wildlife in the remote jungles of Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica offers an invigorating blend of relaxation and thrill.
On the Pacific coast, the Guanacaste region is emerging as a premier destination for upscale escapes, thanks to a wave of stunning new resorts that seamlessly merge natural beauty with modern indulgence.
Spanning more than 5,900 square miles and more than 400 miles of coastline, Guanacaste is one of Costa Rica’s most ecologically and culturally rich regions. Its varied terrain ranges from tropical dry forests and volcanic highlands to serene beaches and marine sanctuaries. Visitors can explore renowned national parks like Rincón de la Vieja and Santa Rosa, lounge on the white sands of Playa Conchal and Playa Flamingo, or surf the waves in Tamarindo. Historic towns such as Nicoya and Liberia add cultural depth, offering immersive experiences that celebrate the region’s heritage.
And now, getting there is easier than ever for Canadians. Beginning December 4, 2025, Porter Airlines will launch direct service from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), with three weekly flights. Starting December 17, 2025, a second route from Ottawa International Airport (YOW) will offer two nonstop flights per week. These new connections represent a significant step in strengthening tourism ties between Canada and Costa Rica – while giving Canadian travelers seamless access to Guanacaste’s spectacular coast and inland wonders.
Where to Stay: Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Located on the exclusive Peninsula Papagayo, Nekajui features 107 ocean-facing rooms and suites, including treetop tents and expansive villas that immerse guests in Costa Rica’s vibrant biodiversity. Highlights include terraced pools, a cliffside hot tub and the indulgent Nimbu Spa, home to Latin America’s largest hydrotherapy pool. The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique opened April 2025. This elegant retreat offers 188 luxurious rooms, six distinctive dining venues, a multi-level infinity pool and thoughtfully curated experiences for guests of all ages – including kids’ and teens’ clubs. The resort also features a 17,000-square-foot spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and 10,000 square feet of meeting space, striking the perfect balance between wellness, leisure and business travel. —Marlon Moreno
FOR TROPICAL BLISS
9 Turks & Caicos Islands
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Photo by Amanyara Resort
Home to more than 100 limestone islands, Turks & Caicos offers flawless beaches, vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, as well as ocean experiences such as whale watching and snorkelling. Grace Bay’s five kilometres of soft white sand and calm turquoise waters make it ideal for families and water lovers. Eco-tourism flourishes here with mangrove kayak tours, conservation collaborations and protected marine parks. Canadians have long been fans, and our intrepid nature will take us beyond the beach of this British Overseas Territory – although we won’t say no to that either! On these islands, luxury accommodations and top-notch cuisine meet eco-tourism and outdoor adventures, taking travellers further than the traditional sun-and-sand vacation. With all that it has to offer, Turks & Caicos is much more than a winter getaway. In the summer, the beaches are less crowded, but the islands’ spirit of hospitality still moves with its welcoming rhythm.
Where to Stay: Amanyara: A secluded luxury resort blending minimalist design with natural beauty, known for its expansive beachfront and excellent wellness facilities. Wymara Resort and Villas: Chic, modern accommodations located on Grace Bay with stunning ocean views and personalized service. Como Parrot Cay: An exclusive private island resort offering intimate villas, holistic wellness programs and fine dining. Seven Stars Resort and Spa: A beachfront resort on Grace Bay praised for spacious suites, elegant décor, and exceptional hospitality. Salterra Resort & Spa (South Caicos): Located on a quieter island accessible by a short flight from Provo, this eco-conscious resort supports local conservation efforts at Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Parks, where guests can spot bright pink flamingos in their natural habitat. —Vivian Vassos
10 Seychelles
Cheval Blanc Seychelles. Photo: Cheval Blanc Seychelles/@oliverflyphotography
A jewel of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 breathtaking islands known for powdery white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and signature granite boulders that frame postcard-perfect shorelines. A haven for nature lovers, the islands are home to some of the world’s most precious coral reefs and marine ecosystems, making them ideal for snorkelling, diving and sailing. Inland, lush tropical forests shelter rare wildlife such as giant Aldabra tortoises and endemic bird species like the Seychelles black parrot. Whether you’re hiking through the misty trails of Morne Seychellois National Park, island-hopping between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, or simply relaxing in a luxurious eco-resort, Seychelles offers an unparalleled blend of adventure, biodiversity and barefoot luxury in a secluded paradises.
Where to Stay: Opened in December 2024, Cheval Blanc Seychelles marks LVMH’s debut in Africa, set along the breathtaking Anse Intendance beach on Mahé. Designed by acclaimed architect Jean-Michel Gathy – known for Cheval Blanc Randheli, the resort blends Creole architectural influences with bold modernity, creating expansive, light-filled spaces that mirror the rhythms and beauty of the tropics. Inside, contemporary art merges with nature’s raw elegance. At the heart of the Maison is “Un souffle du temps sur la mélodie de nos songes,” a site-specific installation by Joël Andrianomearisoa. His poetic textile works – 52 in total, one for each villa – along with striking canvases created in Le White restaurant’s studio, echo the wildness of the surrounding landscape and reflect his Malagasy artistic roots. The result is a refined, immersive experience where design, nature and culture converge. —Marlon Moreno
11 Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
With its crystal turquoise lagoon, coral reefs teeming with marine life and the dramatic silhouette of Mount Otemanu towering over the island, Bora Bora epitomizes tropical paradise. Visitors can immerse themselves in experiences such as snorkelling alongside graceful manta rays, paddleboarding across serene, glass-like waters, or simply unwinding in iconic overwater bungalows that offer direct access to the ocean and stunning panoramic views. Beyond the water, lush tropical gardens and white-sand beaches invite relaxation and exploration.
Where to Stay: Opened in September 2024, The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa sits at the base of Mount Otemanu and features 128 overwater bungalows – many with private plunge pools and glass floors – along with spacious beach bungalows, six dining venues and the largest infinity pool on the island. The resort stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability, highlighted by an Eco Center dedicated to marine conservation and a turtle sanctuary. Nearby, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts on Motu Tevairoa offers an authentic Polynesian experience just a 10-minute boat ride from the airport. With 108 villas and bungalows – some overwater with direct lagoon access and traditional thatched roofs – three distinctive restaurants and the TĀVAI Spa using local ingredients like monoi oil, the resort blends traditional architecture with modern amenities. Guests can partake in activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, tennis and cultural demonstrations, and satiate their appetites with private beach dining and breakfast delivered by canoe. —Liz Fleming
