Travel is heating up in August
From Scotland to Memphis to the Catskills, pack your bags for a midsummer getaway
The summer season is reaching its halfway point. For many families, August is their last chance to get away before the school year begins. It already has been a hot summer in many parts of the world, especially Europe, but there are plenty of beach and mountain towns that can provide a respite.
Many cities across the USA are celebrating with festivals and fairs. Europe, meanwhile, is becoming more reasonable to fly to because competition from low-cost carriers such as Norwegian Air and WOW Air are driving down fares.
Here are a few destinations that are good deals for fun and value:
Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland’s capital city is one giant party in August. The Edinburgh International Festival runs from Aug. 3 to Aug. 27 this year.
The first festival was held in 1947 to mark the end of World War II. It has since grown into several festivals celebrating different genres: music, dance, theater and literature This year, 2,750 artists from 31 nations are expected to perform. The city expects visitors from more than 80 nations.
This year’s festival begins with The Standard Life Aberdeen Opening Event: Five Telegrams, a free, outdoor performance celebrating Scotland’s Year of Young People.
It ends with the Virgin Money Fireworks
Concert with 400,000 fireworks bursting in the sky over Edinburgh Castle choreographed to live music from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
Stockholm
One of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities is now one of the most inexpensive to fly to. According to fare comparison site Hopper.com, airfares to Stockholm are down 44 percent to an average of $834 round-trip.
The capital of Sweden is made up of 14 islands patched together by bridges, ferries and a metro. The old town, Gamla Stan, has cathedrals, a palace and charming cobblestone streets. The city has dozens of museums, including the ABBA Museum located on the royal island. The nightlife is booming, and many of its DJs have gone on to international fame, such as the late Avicii.
Stockholm’s food scene has evolved, moving beyond Nordic cooking. People who live in Stockholm enjoy high air quality and exposure to nature. It’s no wonder it often makes lists of best cities to live in the world.
Los Angeles
California may be suffering from a multitude of wildfires, but Los Angeles has been spared. Its beaches are open, its downtown is booming, and its restaurant scene is thriving. It’s also one of TravelZoo’s top budget-friendly destinations. The travel planning site says it’s more affordable than cities such as San Francisco and New York because of the influx of hotel rooms and low-cost carriers traveling there.
You can stay at the beach in Santa Monica. But a few nights by an equally beautiful beach in Marina del Rey costs a fraction of the price. If you’re looking for trendy, stay in West Hollywood. Of if you want a more laid-back vibe, opt for up-and-coming Downtown L.A.
The city is also playing host to various arts exhibits. The Standard Downtown Los Angeles will have Sparrow Mart on exhibit through the month. British artist Lucy Sparrow has created a replica of a supermarket using 31,000 items made from felt.
Through Aug. 25, Beyond the Streets will be on display. It is an exhibition of graffiti, street art and other modern art. It encompasses more than 40,000 square feet of industrial indoor and outdoor space of about 100 artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy.
Memphis, Tennessee
This southern city is known for its barbecue and blues. It is also the home of one of the most famous mansions in the country – Graceland, where Elvis Presley lived.
Starting Aug. 9, Graceland will play host to the Elvis Week Festival. For 10 days, celebrities such as Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie Presley will do their part to help fans celebrate the icon.
Top places to visit include famous Beale Street for its music and Sun Studio, where legends such as Johnny Cash and B.B. King recorded. A visit to the National Civil Rights Museum is a must.
South Haven, Michigan
South Haven, a quaint town on the shore of Lake Michigan, is a popular destination for its National Blueberry Festival, which takes place Aug. 9 to Aug. 12. It includes live music, a blueberry pie-eating contest, a parade, a 5K run, golf tournament and fireworks.
Beyond the National Blueberry Festival, South Haven has a beach with soft tan sand and clean Lake Michigan water. Visitors can rent stand-up paddle boards, boats and kayaks.
Catskills, New York
The Catskills are seeing a revival, with a number of resorts and other lodgings opening or being renovated.
Terra Glamping: Hutton Brickyards recently opened in Kingston, a town among the Catskills. Located on the Hudson River, 25 safari-style tents are nestled among 76 acres of riverfront property and can accommodate 250 guests. Among the amenities guests can enjoy are a tent social lounge with books, board games, cards and hammocks; an al fresco lounge; a nightly campfire with a gourmet s’mores bar; communal grills; and complimentary bicycles and yoga equipment.
Meanwhile, Resorts World Catskills has completed the first phase of its $1.2 billion campus. The 18-story commercial casino resort has gaming, swimming pools, a pool bar and restaurants, including Cellaio, an Italian Steakhouse by celebrity chef Scott Conant.
California may be suffering from a multitude of wildfires, but Los Angeles has been spared.