Emma Sparks

There isn’t really a bad time of year to go on holiday, but if, like the majority of us, you plan on packing a bag and heading off on a jaunt in August, we’re here to help. Why? Well, go-to summer destinations can mean copping a sunbed feels more like a military drill, and flights and accommodation teeter at the more expensive end of the scale – hardly relaxing, is it? Fear not, weary traveller. There are in fact plenty of spots across the planet which show their quieter side in August, making it the best time of year to go and appreciate them, from the plains of East Africa to the streets of South America. So, without further ado, these are the best places in the world to travel in August.  RECOMMENDED:✈️The best places to travel in September🗺️Full guide to the best places to travel🛍️The world’s coolest neighbourhoods🎭The best cities for culture right now At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Crying out for that taste of summer freedom, heat on your face and more festivals than you can shake a stick out? You’ve got to book a holiday in July. And it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to burn up either: we’ve included destinations on our list that are great for ‘coolcations’, sunbathing and more.  Our list of the best places to visit in July touches every corner of the globe (the globe doesn’t have corners, for the record), from Montreal and Madagascar to the Netherlands and New Zealand. So bring out your swimsuits or shorts and get ready for the summer of a lifetime. Just make sure to book ahead: it goes without saying that July is a very, very busy month indeed. Happy travels! RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best cities in the world for 2025🏘️ The world’s coolest neighbourhoods📸 The world’s best cities for culture  At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

 The perfect month for a holiday? Potentially. Balmy weather, less crowds, and not-yet-insane prices like you’ll get later on. We’ve compiled a collection of the best places to travel in June, although there is no such thing as a bad choice. How do the islands of Portugal, the seascape of Seattle and the beaches of Fiji sound? (You don’t need to answer that).  What is the cheapest city to visit in June? June is pretty much an ideal time for any kind of holiday, before peak summer holiday season but after the sea has warmed up a bit. Our number one cheapest holiday destination is, for the second year running, Tirana in Albania, where an Airbnb will cost you around £40 a night and you can get a pint for less than £3. You’ll find Albania and a whole lot more brilliant places to visit in our list below.  RECOMMENDED:🏖️ The best places to travel in July🌞 The best places to travel in August 🌍 The best things to do in the world🌆 The best cities in the world Ella Doyle is Time Out’s travel guides editor. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Looking to book an off-season holiday in 2025? You can’t really beat May. By this time, the weather is steadily improving, but the crowds still haven’t quite cottoned on, meaning travellers get to enjoy the fruits of the world without having to share them with every other living, breathing being. So where are the best places to travel in May? Everywhere on the planet, to be blunt. But some are particularly special in the spring weather – and we’ve put together a selection of the best of the best for your perusal. For sightseeing, nature and a whole lot more, here’s exactly where to book a holiday in May this year.  RECOMMENDED:🧳 Full guide to the best places to travel🏘️ The world's coolest neighbourhoods📸 The best cities for culture right now