August destination - not too hot!

[Parapapampam]

We are a very pale family who do not cope well with heat or blazing sun.

Every time we book a summer holiday to somewhere warm, even south of France, Spain etc. we regret it as we spend the whole time hiding under umbrellas or in air conditioned buildings.

The last few years we have done our holiday to such places at Easter, and done a UK holiday in the summer, but this year would like to travel abroad.

Where would you recommend that is likely to be around 20-25 degrees in August (aware this is unpredictable!)? We are open to most types of holiday, city, beach, countryside.

Do you think Berlin could be a good choice?

Thanks!

How about Canada? I've not been but there were some beautiful places on the last season of Race access the world.

Have always wanted to visit Vancouver, have only been to Toronto and Ottawa, but we did Japan last year, which although absolutely amazing, was exhausting, so looking for somewhere with a bit closer to home this time. Vancouver may be on the list for next year instead!

The Fjords look beautiful, but have always been put off as I saw them as somewhere better done by boat, and I get very sick on boats! Would you say they can be just as easily enjoyed by car?

Can I ask who you flew with?

I think it was Whizz air. It was in 2018 so flights have probably changed. We booked a hire car and stayed in three places in the South West of Iceland. Stykkisholmur, somewhere near Geysir and Reykjavik. Booked the accommodation on booking.com. It was amazing. The scenery is really different. The geysirs are fantastic, the rift valley and waterfall are beautiful as was the peninsula and we went up to a glacier and down into a lava tube cave. Reykjavik itself was ok but I preferred the other places.

Scandinavia definitely. Or stay at home and have main holiday Christmas or Easter.

Absolutely. In fact I would have felt too restricted being tied to a cruise etc and its not our thing. We hired a car from Ålesund (much cheaper than from Bergen), and stayed a couple of different places mainly exploring Sognesfjord, visited Jostedalsbreen National Park (Glacier), drove over Trollstigen (spectacular!), Flåm railway, kayaking, hiking, various museums and attractions, etc then a night in Bergen before flying home. And a couple of short boats trips as well and ferry hops to get places - in the fjords the water is flat as a carpet so it should be fine if you fancy that.

If the kids like swimming there are lots of warm pools in Iceland - some look like a normal swimming pool, there is at least one with great slides (in Reykjavik) and then there is the blue lagoon near the airport (didn’t do that one) and the secret lagoon in the golden circle (less busy and less blue but still has a natural feel to it). Strict rules about communal showering before you get in though 😬.

@Parapapampam Yes, you can see a lot more of Norway by car! There are some magnificent drives which the boats don’t do!

Plus if you like the idea of Canada, look at Eastern Canada. You don’t need to rush about. Savour what you see! We did a week in the Grsat Bear Rainforest in Western Canada. Might be above your budget but it’s amazing. Not exhausting. We were on a small boat and it’s pretty easy sailing. Also look at Vancouver island and leave the Rockies for another holiday.

Vancouver is amazing - went a long time ago now, but much of it is as if the Alps decided to surround fjord and sea - absolutely unforgettable - and I didn't even get to Tofino or further into BC. Could have stayed months.

Denmark consists of many islands .
Maybe island hopping ?

@lolarun how hot is Berlin usually in August? I didn't think too hot - but am I wrong?

We once went on an Eastern Europe cruise in August - Nordic countries and Estonia etc. Never saw a day of sun..,

Can we have some more intel on northern Spain in August pls? I'm leaning here. I need warmth but not dire heat.

Can you expand on this pls? Sounds interesting.

Re the beach in the Netherlands:
Beach of Scheveningen

Various forest experiences, with parks similar to Centre Parcs but some of them being Dutch chains instead: The Very Best Log Cabins in Netherlands | Plum Guide

We went to Berlin in August. Don't do it! It's hot and everything is spread out, no sea. We melted.

Try Belgium, Northern France, Edinburgh, Netherlands, or find another time to travel. Anywhere with shade like a forest would be nice.

Bilbao and San Sebastian were a lovely temperature in August.
Berlin is one of the hottest places I've ever been. Continental climate.
Iceland is amazing
Also parts of vancouver and I don't remember it getting hot hot. Spent two summers there. Very rainy winters best avoided

Why not enjoy a uk summer and go to these destinations earlier or later? It would be a little cheaper too.

I'd head to the Dutch coast too or Iceland for an adventure. The Dutch centreparcs and Kandal sites are good value towards the end of August. Or South Africa if budget allows, it'll be their early spring and no jet lag. Loads to do there.

Landal

Northern European coast. Anywhere from Brittany in the west all the way up to the Nordics will be far more bearable/cooler. Tons of options! German north coast i’ve heard is fabulous; old school seaside resorts although the sea will probably be chilly!