blog.navut.com http://blog.navut.com/august-a-good-time-to-go-on-vacation/

Is August a Good Time to Go on Vacation?

A sunset on a Vancouver beach

By now, many Canadians are wondering where the summer went. As short and sweet as our warm season is, the oldexpression “time flies when you’re having fun” is never truer than in late July, as the realization collectively hits that schooland cooler weather loom just a short month away. But poor August is much more than a mere buffer month betweensummer fun and autumn woes. For enlightened vacationers, the question “Is August a good time to go on vacation?” iseasily answered: it’s the ONLY time to go on vacation! Here are a few reasons why.

It’s less popular

This is a good thing. Like the proverbial last kid picked in gym class, August usually falls behind June and July insofar asholiday bookings. Perhaps this is due to the collective association of August to the end of summer. Perhaps in terms ofvacations, most folks can’t wait after a long year at work… or maybe it’s all due to family vacation scheduling, as June andJuly coincide with most schools letting out. Whatever the reason, it seems August is the last pick, but this is a distinctadvantage for those willing to wait a bit. After all, the less jam-packed your chosen venue is, the more pleasant it is toexplore. Unless you’re a die-hard fan of crowds, traffic and constant distraction, taking the family on an August vacation is

a far more peaceful option, and your wallet will thank you. This brings us to the next point illustrating why August is a goodtime to go on vacation:

It’s cheaper

Most booking companies know that June and July are peak seasons for North American destinations and they willcharge you accordingly. However, if you’re able to wait until the end of August, you may encounter the fabled “summer enddeals” on many travel destinations, not to mention that tourist seasons might be winding down, resulting in less hiked-upprices on everything from restaurants to accommodations. The last week of August is particularly great in terms of savingmoney, and the weather will still be just as lovely.

A family ventures out on a canoe trip during their summer vacation.

It’s beautiful

While it’s associated with the dreaded return of annoying back-to-school commercials, August is still summer, folks. It’sanother great month to take advantage of beautiful weather, the great outdoors and summer sunsets. As an added bonusto those who enjoy camping or stargazing, August is when the annual Perseid meteor showers take place! Furthermore,much of the summer’s peak hustle and bustle in the form of events, festivals and tourists ends in July. As such, you cantake advantage of your own city with your time off, or take a more relaxed vacation away while the weather is still good.August usually also has less of the intense heat its cousin July does, and as it comes to a close, you get all the sunshineof summer without the clammy, pea-soup humidity to deal with. What’s not to love?

The beautiful white-sand beaches at Sandbanks in Ontario

There’s still tons to do

While we’ve agreed so far that August is a more relaxed version of summer, it’s definitely not boring. While June and Julyusually get the brunt of summer festivals, Canadian favorites like Osheaga in Montreal (August 1-2-3), Toronto‘s famedTaste of the Danforth (August 8th-10th), Winnipeg‘s Downtown Concert Series (all through August), or Vancouver‘s PrideFestival (August 3rd) are all August events not to be missed, and that was just the tip of the iceberg! The same is truethroughout Canada and the U.S. (should you choose to travel there), and with a little research, you’ll be having one of thebest vacations yet.

Crowds at the annual Osheaga Festival in Montreal

We admit that yes, summer is almost over… but on the glass-half-full side of things, you still have one glorious month toenjoy the sunshine, music, barbecues, t-shirts and swimming! August is a real gem in the summer months and we’d loveto hear how you plan on enjoying it in the comments below.

Want more suggestions?

Check out how to make the best of summer!

Check out where to travel in August !

Furthermore, if you’re looking for great neighborhoods you could spend your futureAugusts in, take a look at Navut’s Neighborhood Finder!

(Photos: TraveltalesofLife,OutintheCounty, Wikimedia)