Germany – A Sweet Paradise

Munich, Germany

The entrance to one of several Christmas Markets — Photo by George Nell

Traveling to Munich in the last month of the year will offer a magical winter fairytale experience filled with world-renowned Christmas markets, historic Bavarian traditions, and a cozy atmosphere. The city transforms with festive lights and bustling venues and activities such as parades, beer halls, ice skating, and take a winter stroll through the English Garden.

Cairo, Egypt

This city in Egypt will greet visitors with a blend of sunny weather and vibrant festivities. It lights up for the holidays, with restaurants and shops in Zamalek or downtown. In addition, this is when the Cairo International Film Festival takes place. Places to swing by include the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Great Pyramids of Giza, where camel rides are available!

Turks and Caicos

If you are looking for perfect weather with temperatures in the low 80s, the islands of Turks and Caicos is the ideal escape for winter. In December, New Years Eve is celebrated with fireworks over Grace Bay and bonfire parties at several resorts. After Christmas is Maskanoo as well, a large, annual street festival featuring bands, parades, and local food.

Finland

The country of Finland transforms into a snowy wonderland, with key highlights of heading to Rovaniemi for the Santa Claus Village and searching for the Northern Lights. Since December has shorter days and longer nights, there are more hours of darkness to spot the glowing skies. This experience can be elevated by sleeping in a glass igloo. Plus, reindeer sled rides, snowmobiling, ice bars, warming up in the sauna, or, contrarily, dipping into the freezing lake will make for a unique trip.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The first view of the arch of Cabo San Lucas — Photo by Andres Alvarado

Like the Caribbean, Cabo provides warm temperatures at this time of year with the lowest chance of rain. The holiday season brings the Cabo Christmas Boat Parade, featuring decorated yachts at the marina. Other forms of entertainment could be whale-watching, riding camels along the beach, snorkeling, sunset sailing, resort buffets for Christmas, or beach parties at Mango Deck.

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-xo, Nicole (:

Niagara Falls, Canada

Having visited Niagara Falls, Canada in August, I can say it is a nice time to visit. Though it was somewhat crowded, the weather was great. There is a gift shop, restaurants with views of the falls while you dine, and boat rides available to get an up-close experience. The Niagara SkyWheel and Skylon Tower offer pretty overlooks as well. Besides just that, this city offers a Butterfly Conservatory, Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, Niagara Wine Trail, Clinton Hill, hot air balloon rides, ziplining, shopping, and so much more!

Croatia

Waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes — Photo by Naval S

With how beautiful Croatia is, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one spot! On the top of my bucket list there is Plitvice Lakes, consisting of 16 lakes that are connected by waterfalls and streams. Dubrovnik is a city on the sea that is plentiful in the culture, history, and shopping. Golden Horn Beach, Krka National Park, Velebit Mountains, and Cres Island are all lovely at this time of year as well.

Stockholm, Sweden

The weather in Stockholm, Sweden is pleasant in August, with lower chances of rainfall. Taking a ferry ride of the archipelago to Fjäderholmarna will present you with cute cafes and shops. If you ride to Grinda, you can play volleyball, on the clear-water beach, kayak, or take a hike. Cycling around Stockholm is an ideal way to explore the city waterfront and historical landmarks. The Stockholm Culture Festival takes place in August too, with music and craft workshops.

Banff National Park, Canada

Besides some crowds, August is the best month of the year to visit Banff, Canada due to the weather. It is absolutely gorgeous, including Cascade Gardens, Glacier Fed Lake, Cascade Mountains, Peyto Lake, and Lake Louise Summer Gondola to easily access these majestic mountains. Biking, canoeing, rock climbing, and white water rafting are amongst some other activities that visitors enjoy.

Berlin, Germany

August 12th-13th, 2024 is the proclaimed the Night of Shooting Stars, where up to 100 shooting stars are visible in the sky between 2am-4am. August 26th to 27th is when Long Night at the Museums take place, with 75 museums around the city staying open until 2am, with only one ticket and shuttles for transport. The city has theatrical performances, sporting events, food tours, street art, and observation decks. And you can’t forget to see the Berlin Wall Memorial!

Tag: Germany

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