For many families, August is the most important travel time of the year. School vacations in numerous European countries, company closures, and consistent summer weather create particularly high demand. Accordingly, flight and hotel prices often rise to peak levels. Those who can't travel earlier and plan their summer vacation late must therefore look more carefully. However, even for late starters, there are ways to make the vacation affordable and relaxed. The key factors are proper travel planning and some flexibility.
Toward the end of the month, it often gets cheaper
Those who are flexible with timing should try to schedule their vacation in the second half of August or even at the end of the month. By then, summer vacations in many European countries have already ended, which reduces demand. In many German states as well, students are slowly returning to the grind or are already back in the classroom. Tour operators often reduce their prices for remaining spots, and flights also sometimes become cheaper again.
Perfect conditions for beach vacations
Those who travel in August benefit from a decisive advantage: In many places, the sea has reached its highest water temperatures. Whether the Mediterranean, Atlantic, or Baltic Sea, the water is often significantly warmer than it was in June. At the same time, stable summer weather is more likely in many regions than in early summer. Those who still need clothing, sandals, or suitcases before the trip may also be able to snag bargains at end-of-summer sales, which begin in many stores as early as August.
The best destinations for August
Especially during peak season, nearby destinations can be a clever alternative. Shorter travel times mean less stress and lower transportation costs. Tips include, for example, the Polish Baltic coast or Bohemian Switzerland in the Czech Republic. But Germany also offers attractive destinations such as the Slate Mountains in Thuringia, Saxon Switzerland, or the Lusatian Lake District. Many regions combine nature, active vacations, and comparatively moderate prices.
Even in Southern Europe, summer vacation doesn't necessarily have to be expensive and crowded. Regions in Bulgaria have been among Europe's most affordable beach destinations for years. Increasingly popular is also the Albanian Riviera with its beaches on the Ionian Sea. Those who prefer hiking to lying on the beach will also find numerous national parks and mountain regions in the Balkans, which are generally significantly cheaper than comparable vacation destinations in the Alps.
Search for experiences instead of countries
One option may be to plan the vacation not based on a specific country, but rather on the desired activity. This applies to any season. In August, weather conditions in many parts of Europe are ideal for outdoor adventures. Those who want to hike often find affordable offers in Eastern Europe. For a beach vacation, the Balkans offer an affordable alternative to Greece or Italy.
"Those who show flexibility and orient their destination more toward planned activities rather than having one very specific destination in mind can save a lot of money", explained Prof. Dr. Anne Köchling from the German Institute for Tourism Research to ZDF last year.
Another advantage for late starters: After returning home, you're usually not greeted by the intense summer heat anymore. Instead, the transition to more pleasant late summer days has already begun in many places. Starting the new school year or returning to work routine is often easier than after a vacation in the middle of summer.
